BiH 2014: Stari Most - The beautiful bridge that returned from the rubble

It was the symbol of friendship and acceptance whose destruction in the early nineties cane to represent the tearing apart of tolerance in the Balkans. In more recent times its reconstruction, reuniting the people of Mostar, has provided hope for a brighter future.

Standing some twenty two metres above the river, Mostar Bridge or Stari Most has to be one of the most beautiful sights I have ever experienced. The symmetry of the stone arch demonstrates the power and achievement of its original Ottoman designers, whilst the simple half circle between water and sky draws the gaze and camera lens. Every so often a diver struts along the parapet, collecting contributions before leaping into the river below, whilst a man and dog play fetch in the fast moving current, seemingly oblivious to the travellers massing at every vantage point around.

Words and voices, even photographs struggle to do Stari Most justice, but here are my initial thoughts on one of my favourite travel experiences ever, recorded on a stone platform at the water's edge.

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