Last Day!

It's our last day and the packing has begun!

We spent the day doing col stuff - we started by going to the sarajevo War Tunnel Museum out near the Butmir Base and airport.  It was a solemn and awe-inspiring, not to mention humbling experience.  The Tunnel Museum is exactly what it says - a museum to show the remains of the tunnel that was built by the citizens of Sarajevo.  This tunnel was 1.6 meters high, 1 meter wide, and 800 meters long.  It was THE only "safe" route in and out of Sarajevo for almost 4 years!  Any food, weapons, various supplies, medical supplies, etc -  came into the city through that tunnel.  That was it!  An oil pipeline (maybe 6 inches in diameter) was added later.  There were also 2 small tracks to be able to push a small  'rail car' - if you can call it that to push the supplies, in addition to the backs of the people traveling through each day.  If you're interested in reading more here is an article:  http://www.bosnia.org.uk/bosrep/juloct96/adriatic.cfm

And the most humbling part is that all this was going on just 15 years ago!!!!!  These people were regular "civilized" people - people like us -  who were completely, essentially, held captive and terrorized for 4 years!!  And it was all happening while I/we was/were working, living our lives, I mean 15 years ago!!  Anyway, it's been very moving and thought-provoking for me and Arthur,  too.

On the lighter topic, had a wonderful  Bosnian lunch then headed to a BEAUTIFUL park called Vrelo Bosna (it means The Springs of the River Bosna).  It is the site of the source for the river Bosna.  It is full of small crystal clear ponds with running stream.  Up the sides of the ponds and streams is beautful green moss, as the water temp. ranges from 26*C to 58*C - very warm compared to outside temp.  In between all the streams and ponds were beautiful paths and bridges.  The other family that accompanied us brought a cool old wooden sled, so the kids had a blast pulling each other around and getting the parents to pull them!  the place was truly breath-taking!  And I can't begin to imagine the summer time!!

Then one last trip to Old Town to pick up final souvenirs, etc. Arthur had a leather maker make him a custom brief case that turned out beautiful!!   Metal working is another craft with some amazing artists, so we stopped at the most respected one's shop (Jen and Heath had the skinny on the best rug maker, best leather worker, and the best metal shop).  It was so interesting and his works are amazing!

We leave tomorrow at 3:00, arrive London at 4:30 - then we'll "hit the town" for some sort of fun, then we fly out of London Monday morning at 11:40 and will be home in Orlando by 4:30, if all goes as planned.  

Obviously, leaving Heath, my sister and Freddy weighs heavy on my heart.  We've had such a nice visit!  But hopefully, they'll be home - as in the USA - by this summer.  

 Additionally, leaving Sarajevo feels a little sad, too.  This place has really gotten into my heart.  I know most of you wondered why in the world we would visit a "war torn" country where who knows what could happen, but honestly, in hindsight, I wouldn't have wanted to go any place else. the only possible regret is that we didn't come in the summer - Jen says it is so green  and perfect temps in summer - winters, esp. where there is snow can look dreary sometimes.  But, Ott and I have learned sooo much, and the girls, wow, what an experience!  It has just been so much more than I expected.  And the recent history of the country and the city and the people really has made an impact on me - the empathy for other humans it evokes, at least for me, and I hope, the girls, is indescribable. 

See you all soon!

Love to you all

& Peace on Earth!!

M