By Scott Shephard
This is not a remarkable photo. Do a Google search and you will find many more that are better. I did want you to see this bridge, though, since I have referred to it in other posts. To me, the most remarkable thing about this bridge is that it stood for centuries and both literally and symbolically bridged the cultural differences that existed in Mostar.
Then, in 1993, it became an intentional victim of the bitter war that affected so much of this region. The bridge was rebuilt with the aide of the international community but there are signs everywhere that say "Don't forget '93," which was the year the bridge was destroyed.
One Muslim man I encountered the day I took this photo told me that "don't forget" is not a call for revenge. Instead it is a reminder that we should never forget the damage that intolerance and hatred can inflict on people.
I couldn't help photographing the Asian tourists being photographed in front of a painting on a giant egg in front of a famous landmark in Zagreb, Croatia. (Confused?)
Deb and I were enjoying our last evening strolling the back streets of the small port village of Vrboska, Croatia, when this man spotted us. He spoke very little English but tried to talk to us anyway. At one point, he signed for us to come inside his shop, the floor of which was covered in piles of fishing nets. He said, "I am professional" and sat down and began to show us how he fixed nets. His pride and his desire to demonstrate his skill were clearly apparent.
I thought I'd balance my rather somber cemetery photo from yesterday with something a little less heavy. So how about a butterfly perched on some lavender?
This cemetery is in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina. After visiting the famous Stari Most, which was destroyed in late 1993 during the war in Yugoslavia, Deb and I wandered off the beaten path. We ended up in a cemetery. This one is the final resting place of young men who died in the Yugoslavian war in the 1990s.
Driving south from Zagreb, you start to see the impact of the 1991 war over what used to be known as Yugoslavia. Near Slunj, Croatia, we encountered this place, which was a collection of weapons, generally of Soviet make, that were used and/or captured during this war. Nearby was a memorial for the local people who had died in the war.
Our flight landed on time in Zagreb yesterday afternoon and after picking up our rental car and checking in to our hotel, Deb and I headed to a . . . . cemetery?