Sunday, May 22, 2011

A language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see

We met some of the kindest people in Bosnia.  Like the women who played charades with us for over five minutes in Srebrenica so we could figure out the best way to reach the memorial, and then offered us candy once we finally understood. Or the man we shared a train car with on our way to Mostar, who not only lifted and lowered our suitcases off the overhead rack, but carried them across the platform, down the stairs, and set them down for us just outside the station.
Inside the Muslibegovic House

The kindness continued as we reached our hotel in Mostar, an Ottoman house that has been in the family for generations, untouched by the war.  The Muslibegovic House is now a national monument and museum along with being a hotel.  We felt we were transported back in time the moment we entered the courtyard.  Before we had a chance to catch our breath, the owners whisked us into the dining area since it was mid-morning and we hadn't eaten anything substantial yet.  They filled us with breads, fruits, yoghurts, meats and homemade cookies. The following morning, due to our early departure, they specially prepared and provided us bagged breakfast for the road.

Then there was the time we visited one of the mosques in Mostar where the ticket holder allowed us both to enter for less than the price of one ticket and as an added bonus, let us climb the minaret for free.

Suffice it to say, their kindness went above and beyond the call of duty.  And we couldn't get enough.

1 comment:

Jeannine said...

Let's go back! Like, now! Screw your job and the bar exam! :)