Posted
on March 1, 2014
In
the early 1990s, one nation “died” while six nations were born.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the nations that broke away from
Yugoslavia (which then ceased to exist), declaring its independence
on this date in 1992.
It
wasn't a very nice breakup, to say the least. War broke out between
various ethnic groups, and by the time a peace agreement was finally
reached in late 1995, thousands of people had died and millions had
been displaced. The Bosnian War was the most devastating war in
Europe since World War II.
The
capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina is Sarajevo, famous for hosting
the 1984 Winter Olympics and then, less than a decade later,
undergoing the longest siege in the history of modern warfare during
the Bosnian War!
I
was surprised to learn that, even though this horrific war was pretty
recent, Sarajevo is listed as one of the top 50 cities in the world
and one of the top 10 cities in Europe to visit. (Remember, Europe
has cities like Paris, London, Prague, and Rome!) And
Bosnia-Herzegovina itself has the third highest tourism growth rates
in the world! The people of this nation tend to be highly educated,
literate, and long-lived. It's a pretty spectacular comeback!
Every
time I read about Bosnia-Herzegovina or Sarajevo, I keep seeing
mentions of the diversity of cultures, religions, and peoples. Of
course, that diversity probably caused the war, but in times of peace,
that diversity attracts interest and tourists. People go to see the
architecture, listen to the music, taste the cuisine, and participate
in the festivals.
 |
| Umm...yeah! That's pretty beautiful! |
The
country is also known for its natural beauty. It has one of just two
primeval forests in Europe (“primeval” means untouched by humans
or resembling ages of the far past), the deepest canyon in Europe,
and so much wildlife, so many waterfalls and rivers and lakes, and
undiscovered regions in the Alps, Bosnia-Herzegovina finds its way
onto lists for adventurers, bicyclists, hikers, and whitewater
rafters.
 |
| Really, really beautiful! |
According
to Bosnia Travels, one of the unique museums tourists can visit in Sarajevo is the
Tunnel of Hope. This tunnel was built under the airport runway—and
through it the people of Sarajevo received food and other supplies
and medicine during the Bosnian War.
Also
on this date:
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ahead:
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