Sarajevo is an amazing city! It was such a unexpected surprise to witness so much life in a place ripped apart by war, destruction and tragedy less than 15 short years ago. Our small hotel, tucked directly behind a mosque, furnished us with a room that had an "eagles eye view" of a very significant area. By peering out our bedroom window we looked upon the very hillside that housed the tanks that constantly delivered bombs, shells and terror onto the very city we were enjoying so much.
Our local guide informed us that 300 grenades were detonated on the "average" day. She was only 6 years old at the start of the war and spent days on end without even seeing sunlight. It was visibly obvious that the mental wounds of war had not yet disappeared when she fought back tears when asked how she had moved forward after the disaster.
Her strength was present in her silence...
The current population in the city is over 70% Muslim and the Mosques are in such sheer abundance it seems as if they were literally sprinkled throughout the city like pixie dust when looking at the skyline. We were lucky enough to have one less than 100 feet outside our hotel. One of the fondest memories was listening to the song of evening prayer by countless other Mosques echo throughout the city. It was enough to give anyone goose bumps.
No matter what, or who, you believe in...there is a certain privilege when you are allowed to experience another form worship that is completely foreign from your own. It can prove to be a very raw and humbling moment. It was one I will personally never forget...
Sarajevo, much like our guide, has been scarred by unimaginable events that will never be forgotten. The overwhelming life found in both the people and the city reminded us that even in heartbreak and hostility, love and growth will be found. Time will help it surface...
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