We have an extra early start this morning as we hop on a bus and make our way to Mostar, Bosnia. We’re trying to beat the crowds as this is the most popular place in the country. I was up even earlier as I wanted to check out the colourful murals throughout the town of Opuzen where we’d moored for the night.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Mostar, other than that bridge I’d seen in every photo. But like a lot of places that end up sticking with you, it turns out to be more than just a pretty landmark.
The Stari Most (Old Bridge) is the centrepiece. Elegant, arched, and full of history. It was destroyed during the war in the ‘90s and rebuilt stone by stone. Now it’s the spot where local divers line up to hurl themselves into the freezing Neretva River – no thanks! The streets are lined with cobblestones and souvenir stands, but also with layers of culture—Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Balkan. You can still see bullet holes in some of the buildings.
We’re back at The Aurora after a busy morning and cruise to a beautiful little town, Trpanj. We have our fill of wine at Matusko Winery before heading back to the boat for a four course Captain’s dinner that Chef Ivan has prepared. Oh my Lord, so much food! No slimming down on this trip! It’s the 25 year anniversary of two couples on board so Ziggy and I collaborate on a gift for each of them. I snap some photos of them and he gets them printed and put in a frame to present at the dinner. They’re surprised and thrilled with the gift.
During dinner we’re treated to a stunning sunset. The sun is a giant glowing ball of fire as it sinks below the horizon, lighting up the sky with a deep orange. Speaking to a local, she tells me that the sunset is unique right now for some reason and in all her years she’s never seen it like this.
