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Published: August 7th 2010
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hannah, natalie and I Took the 8am train ride up to Sarajevo. Only cost 5 euro, so cheap for a train. The scenery was amazing, reminded me of Switzerland. Except it was almost like I was in the past century. Saw tons of little cottages up in the hill, barns with thatched roofs and people herding sheep. Had a great time sticking my head out the window of the stuffy train letting the rain cool me off. The three hours flew by and soon I was checking into my hostel/guest house. Great little place run by a few locals who go out of their way to help you enjoy your time in Sarajevo. Feels more like staying in someones house than a hostel. Soon after getting organized I was out the door with a few British girls to check out the old Turkish quarter of Sarajevo.
Sarajevo is really like its own little world, especially in the old quarter which is like a mini-Istanbul as far as I can tell. The city is much more Muslim than the rest of Bosnia (80% as compared to 50% in the rest of BiH). It's evidenced quite well by the plethora of minarets that peak above the
train
on the train ride up, beautiful countryside rows of houses and shops. Hoping to pop into one tomorrow to observe a prayer service. Continued my streak of great meals by having some durek. My pastry had minced meat with spices covered in a creamy garlicky sauce. Followed that up at another cafe with this baked apple stuffed with minced walnuts and cinnamon. So amazing. I love the food here but have no idea how everyone is so thin. The girls have determined you need to eat large portions of Bosnian food here to stay thin so that's our excuse to finish everything.
Edit: I forgot to mention our completely tasteless actions toady. We went to the spot where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1918 (kicked off WWI). Decided it would be a good idea to be a reenactment with Hannah playing the assassin, Natalie playing Franz Ferdinand and Chloe being the pregnant wife Sofia hah. They acted it out as poorly as possible I would say with me filming it ha. Must have looked pretty weird. No one was proud.
Came back to the hostel briefly before heading back out for coffee with a small group. Usually not up for coffee but wanted to experience
the laid back cafe culture they have here plus I want to spend as much time in the city here as I can. One of the guys we went with is a Canadian living here for a month with his wife as they made it their base for traveling. He knew a bunch of cool spots and some of the local history which was nice. It seems like people do little besides sit around all day bantering and drinking coffee in cafes. Watched this group of 30 or so old Bosnian men playing chess on a giant board in a park earlier. Only two of them were playing of course but everyone else was shouting out moves. Was so hectic haha. Hit up a spice shop after for some chocolate covered almonds sprinkled with cinnamon. Cannot stop eating here.
Spent the evening out with the British girls again at a cool little cafe on this side street with lanterns above providing the only light. Enjoyed some chocolate sheesha (sp?) and just relaxed on a perfect evening. Got pretty hungry after sitting out for a while and went and splurged on a 6 euro meal ha. Had the Bosnian Pot,
turk
old Turkish quarter this big stew of meat and vegetables served in this ceramic pot. I don't even need to say it but of course it was fantastic. Definitely going to miss the cheap, quality food here once I leave. Great day in Sarajevo and I am looking forward to another one tomorrow.
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