Wednesday 6 May 2009

Bosnian escapades without the kids

It feels odd to be writing a blog about being Brits in Bosnia when I am tucked up against the wind and the rain by the beach hut in the not-quite-so-sunny Isle of Wight. Bosnia seems like a long long way away.

Dave on the other hand is still there and has been making the most of the childfree time to do all the things that we find difficult to do with the boys in tow. Mainly he has been discovering the mountains near Zlaca, about 40 minutes from Tuzla on the way to Sarajevo. Dusting off the old hiking boots he went on a day long trek through the trees and up the mountains. There he found mountain huts where trekkers can stay and some of the most spectacular scenery he has ever seen, and he is a fairly well travelled boy. On our last phone call he said that as he got to the top and found himself looking down through the valley, it took his breath away. Or, as he lives in the smog of Tuzla, it filled his lungs with fresh mountain air which made him feel a bit heady.

Bosnia is an unbelievably beautiful country. And for those with the taste for it some mountainous adventures, be it on foot, by bike or through rafting some spectacular rivers Bosnia remains one of the last great undiscovered areas of Europe. The best known company for this type of holiday in Bosnia is probably Green Visions and a look through their brochure gives an idea of the beauty of this country. Sadly for us, we really need the boys to be a few years older to be contemplating one of their trips but we have one in mind for the future. Just hope they like the outdoor life...

7 comments:

ck said...

I'm sure they'll love it. I'm not an out-doorsy person myself, but just reading this post made me wonder what I'm missing out on.

Maternal Tales said...

I have an award for you over at mine x

Kat said...

It sounds like a lovely place. I used to hike all the time with my parents as a kid, very fond memories.

Mutter said...

Get the boys started as soon as possible and hiking becomes second nature. We used to take ours in a rucksack and a Jogger and they walked a bit and rode a bit but then hills turn into a challenge, then become fun and before you know it they're faster than you!

"Moaning Mum" said...

my husband would LOVE you...he is SO into hiking (sadly, i wish i could be but given the choice i'd rather curl up with a book and some quiet on my own)...!

Dorset Dispatches said...

ck - I do hope so. They are in for a miserable couple of years if they don't.

MT - thank you very much!

Kat - it is lovely. Well worth a visit if you ever get the chance. Only slight issue is the landmines, so you do need to have a guide if you plan to hike.

HK wife - thanks for the tips. They go on dog walks most days so are used to walking but we haven't broached anything bigger than that. The time is coming I feel...

MM - I do love the hiking. But I do love a bit of quiet time on my own with a decent book too. Oh to have the time to do both!

Amel said...

Em

Don't frighten people with stories about land mines. You know that we would never let you go anywhere a bit risky ;)