Early morning walk in Mostar.Watched the city wake up and people bustle off to work. Just like any place. After walking across the famous bridge, we had a cappucino in a sidewalk cafe. A dog had barked at us as we sat down. There were a lot of stray dogs around town. He seemed scared and nervous, wouldn't quiet down. A woman walking by went over to the opposite side of the little stone "shelf" he was sitting on, and just started talked soothingly to him. He quieted and after a while, went over and curled up behind her. A safe place maybe. I held up my camera and said "OK?" and she gave me her permission to take her picture. A very sweet memory.

After leaving Mostar, we visited a very small town called Stolac. A place you would probably never stop in on your own, and certainlly most tours don't. There were huge limestone gravestones from ancient people, loving cared for. (The grass is mowed by sheep!) Our local guide there works with an NGO to try and teach children that the prejudices the Bosnian government is encouraging should not stand. Currently, the schools have 2 shifts, one for Serbian Orthodox and one for Muslims. They have separate entrances and never mingle. Well, when you grow up never knowing anyone personally from the "other" group, it is easier to foster prejudice and fear. He has some amazing programs to try and alter that. Very moving and troubling. Still lots of damage from the war here. The physical damage is the most easily fixed.

We stopped at a Serbian Orthodox monastery way out in the rural area of Bosnia. A young man guideed us through speaking excellent English and showed us the icons and other parts of the church. When someone asked him where he was from - he said SEATTLE!! What?! He graduated from Shorecrest high school! He is a guest of the monastery for a year, planning to go to seminary. Small world!

On the way to Dubrovnik, Marijan urged us to use the restrooms before boarding the bus. He said there would be no stopping along the road to elieve oneself (as we had to do once before) because the area was still mined!



Dubrovnik was also bombed during the war. It was especially disturbing because it escaped damOge during World War II. Many historic buildings had stood here for centuries. The major difference is, Dubrovnik worked hard to restore what was lost. The Old Town retained its sense of history, even if some of it is newer construction.

 Montage of memories:
Dinner of grilled shrimp - might be the best I've ever had.
Baklava - OMG
Walking the stone wall around the entire old town of Dubrovnik.
Prediction of pouring rain all day turning to sunny and breezy.

Tonight is our farewell dinner for the tour. It doesn't seem possible! We had a really great group and everyone got along well.