Crossing Borders: A Day of Discovery from Dubrovnik to Hercegovina
In search of new horizons, I embarked on a day tour from Dubrovnik to explore the hidden gems of Hercegovina. Join me as I reflect on the beauty of Kravice Waterfalls, the charm of Mostar, and the history of Pocitelj.
A Journey Beyond Borders
The morning air was still cool when I boarded the bus in Dubrovnik, a city that had begun to feel like a second skin. The early hour was softened by the promise of a day filled with discovery, and our guide, Bo, whose voice carried the warmth of familiarity, set the tone for the journey ahead. As we left the city behind, the landscape unfolded like a forgotten poem, each line a testament to the beauty of the region.
Our first destination was the Kravice Waterfalls, a place often whispered about in the corridors of travel lore. The falls, a cascade of liquid silver, were a sight to behold. I found myself wishing for more time to linger, to let the cool waters wash over the remnants of past burdens. The brief swim was a baptism of sorts, a cleansing that left me yearning for more. Yet, the journey called, and we moved on, leaving behind the echoes of water and laughter.
The Heart of Mostar
Crossing into Bosnia, the landscape shifted subtly, a reminder of the invisible lines that define our world. Mostar awaited, its old town a tapestry of history and culture. The cobblestone streets, lined with market stalls, were alive with the hum of life. The Old Bridge, an architectural marvel, stood as a silent witness to the passage of time.
In the heat of the day, the river offered solace, a cool embrace that was impossible to resist. Bo’s recommendation led us to a restaurant where the air was cool and the welcome warmer still. The wedding feast, a culinary journey through Bosniac flavors, was a revelation. Each dish was a story, a connection to a culture that felt both foreign and familiar. The hours slipped by, a gentle reminder of the impermanence of moments.
Reflections in Pocitelj
As we made our way back, the medieval town of Pocitelj rose from the landscape, a sentinel overlooking the valley. The climb to the tower was a pilgrimage of sorts, each step a reflection on the journey thus far. From the top, the view was a tapestry of earth and sky, a reminder of the vastness of the world and the smallness of our place within it.
The day had been long, yet it was the kind of day that lingered in the soul, a collection of moments that would be revisited in quiet contemplation. As the bus carried us back to Dubrovnik, I felt a sense of gratitude for the journey, for the places seen and the stories shared. It was a day that had been well worth the early start, a day that had added another layer to the tapestry of my travels.