Sarajevo – I have lots of feelings about this place. Even before I arrived. I had thoughts and ideas about the city. Now, normally I am not one to saddle a place with expectations, but in the case of Sarajevo, it was hard not to.  I remember the Olympics and the reports of the siege. I remember being more aware of it than other conflicts and battles…and honestly, I’m not sure why.

I see the city as a woman who has been though the proverbial ringer and though the initial trauma is years in the past she is still trying to find her footing. She was at one time absolutely stunning, a real beauty. In fact she was beautiful both inside and out. But a car accident or some other external circumstance took her looks, her confidence and focus. Well at least from a certain perspective.

I was so excited to meet her. I had some preparation so I had at least a vague idea of what to expect…

Upon arrival a curious thing happened…she stood me up…well sort of. Not once. Not twice. But three times…

First, it seemed, she sent her passive/aggressive twin sister to try to annoy me into leaving her alone. Then it was the irate older brother trying to provoke me. Finally it was the overprotective best friend making a final attempt to either run me off or verify my intentions.

I guess I passed the test because after all those initial hoops were cleared, she showed up.  And from there it was magic. Utter magic. At once shy, charming, quirky, sharp, snarky, warm, entertaining and absolutely beautiful.

I saw the places her children used to play, her favorite restaurants, I met her friends and even a few of her detractors. I saw her triumphs and even her scars.

Sarajevo is one of those places you really have to see and experience to believe.

Tomorrow I will post some of her places.

**I know this is a bit dramatic and perhaps a bit of a stretch but I don’t know how to explain it otherwise.