I saw a post from Adventurous Kate’s 22 Photos from 22 Days in the Balkans and I thought why not do my own version of 17 Photos from 17 Days in the Balkans. I arrived home just 3 days ago from the ultimate trip of the year before I succumb to my Saturday classes yet again. I am still having travelling blues as I crave for food past midnight. The trip was awesome as it had taken me through charming cities with depressing history, ghost towns where cemeteries outnumbered the populations and many paradises. I have never been to Europe’s popular icons, but what I saw in the Balkans put a lasting effect on me.
17 Photos from 17 Days in the Balkans
As it would take weeks or maybe years for me to put in writing the 17 days I was away, allow me to present a short pictorial anecdote from 17 days in the Balkans.
Day 1 : Istanbul, Turkey
The day we arrived in Istanbul for a transit to Sarajevo, we filled the gap by visiting oncology ward at Okmeydani Hospital, Istanbul to meet kids suffering from cancer in support of a campaign by #travellingberuang. In the picture is Shehnaz of Kaska, Syria. She is only 1 year and 7 months old and she is suffering from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. With a smile on her face, she does not understand about the pain and all. I pray for her strength and for the pain to ease. For this, I thank Dr Asharaf aka Jon Snow for showing us around.
Day 2 : Srebrenica, Republic of Sprska, Bosnia
We went to the site of Europe’s worst massacre since the Third Reich. In July 1995, more than 8,000 Muslims Bosniaks in and around the Srebrenica town during the Bosnian war. The drive past the quiet town was eerie; it was as if driving into a zombie town.
Day 3 : Bjelašnica Mountain, Bosnia
We were lucky that we had enough people to do this trekking tour to Bjelašnica Mountain. It was worth EURO60 as we were spoiled with stunning views all day long. As there is still mine risk at Bjelašnica, it is advisable to engage a local guide.
Day 4 : Sarajevo, Bosnia
It was on our last day in Sarajevo that we were able to get up close and personal with its charming old town in the heart of Sarajevo. We did a bit of exploration through buildings riddled by bullets and artillery shelling. Visited the Tunnel of Life and enjoyed a sunset panorama at Yellow Fortress.
Day 5 : Lake Plitvice, Croatia
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shall I say more?
Day 6 : Lake Plitvice, Croatia
The most sought after picture of Plitvicka Jezera. Even the rain could not hinder our little exploration as we walked the longest Route available at the National Park.
Day 7 & 8 : Jajce, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
We found solace in a small wall town of Jajce. We went to see the medieval watermills at River Pliva, 5km from Jajce.
Splashed with refreshing sprinkles of water from the 22m fall on our second day in Jajce. There were cascades of water in the town itself.
Day 9 : Mostar, Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar was very crowded during the summer. The second most popular town after Sarajevo. We did Herzegovina tour where we covered Pocitelj, Blagaj.
Day 10 : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is very beautiful. Come on, it’s the Pearl of the Adriatic. We survived the expensive wall city. We didn’t cover the wall city on our first day but we did enjoy the view from Mount Srd. And yes, we took the cable car.
Day 11 : Still in Dubrovnik, Croatia
I hiked the wall city twice that day. I hardly felt my legs at the end of the day. We also went to see some of the sites from Game of Thrones scenes.
Day 12 : Montenegro (Just a transit)
Day 13 : Peja, Kosovo
Day 14 : Peja, Kosovo
Day 15 : Pristina, Kosovo
Day 16 : Pristina, Kosovo
Day 17 : Istanbul, Turkey
This is just a glimpse based on 17 photos from 17 days in the Balkans. You will hear more of my stories in a matter of weeks.