Cold Wanderings and Warm Encounters: My Journey in Mostar

I stayed at a hostel in Mostar, which was decent overall. It offered a complimentary breakfast, which, while repetitive, wasn't bad. The breakfast consisted of 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of tomatoes, 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of cucumber, and a cup of coffee. The hostel was run by a resilient Bosnian woman, an elderly survivor of the war who had raised her children and now managed this hostel in her home.

During my visit in cold January, the heating only worked in the dormitory. The dining area and the bathroom remained chilly. Now, let's talk about the kitchen. Well, there's not much to say because it was located outside, and due to the cold weather, there was no running water. Despite its modernity, the kitchen was inaccessible during the winter months.

Despite these quirks, the old lady who ran the hostel was pleasant, and considering it was the most affordable option in Mostar at the time, I couldn't complain. I spent most of my time exploring the town anyway.

Mostar had always been a place I wanted to visit. My stepfather had often spoken about the old bridge, the stunning architecture, and the senselessness of war destroying such beauty. Finally, in January 2020, I fulfilled that wish and set foot in Mostar.

Every day, despite the cold, I wandered the town and absorbed its beauty and history. I could feel the echoes of the past, imagining people from centuries ago walking these ancient streets, their donkeys laden with goods for the market or other towns.

The scars of the war were evident throughout the town, with ruined buildings and walls pockmarked by bullets. Remnants of the original bridge destroyed in 1993, massive stones, served as silent witnesses to the tragic events that unfolded here.

Despite this history, the people of Mostar were incredibly welcoming. I met fellow travelers and engaged with friendly locals. Mostar left a lasting impression, and I knew I would return, despite the reminders of the war and the unexploded mines scattered about - a reminder to always stick to the roads.

There were two daily train journeys from Mostar to Sarajevo. I opted for the evening train on my trip, missing out on the picturesque landscapes, shrouded in darkness. The train passes through stunning mountains, a sight I would eagerly witness next time by taking the early morning train.

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