Tomi's Stamping Ground

What a emotional roller coaster we have had over the last 12 or so days .

We left Germany after visiting Munich overnight and it was not a great feeling to be in a city after the relaxing time we had in Bavaria and Frankfurt. We left Munich for Sarajevo with a little nervousness. I am sure they were feeling the same.

This was the view from their balcony just outside our bedroom window.

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Tomi's mother made these traditional biscuits for us at home then also took them with her to share with all the family...she says the sugary topped ones made in little flan dishes are his favourite

 

 

Tomi's mother and father did not speak English and we spoke even less Bosnian. From the moment we arrived at their home we had nothing to worry about they live in the suburb /village Ilijas. They were so welcoming and had a family friend Anna who is an interpreter spend the afternoon into the evening helping us to chat, tell jokes and let them know all the news from Tomi's new family. Google translate helped with the rest of the time and a mutual love of their son Tomi , Rachel and their grandson young Marko.

The event that started the First World War . We stood on that very spot.

 

We had a lot of laughs and sometimes we just shrugged our shoulders when we didn't understand. We were fed so much food ..all traditional and all so tasty. I love how they live..minimalistic . We saw where Tomi was born, where he went to school and where he played sport.

We shopped locally and put ourselves in Tomi's shoes many times about past events that have affected their lives and their family.

Borek ... Many different ways . Tomi loves to make this in Australia. Now we know why. It is pastry filled with cheese or spinach and cheese or meat ..anything you want. The pastry is like a filo pastry, hand made and rolled.

It is eaten traditionally along with a glass of yogurt milk.a

So nice

 

The symbolism . The European governments did not step in to stop the Serbian war or to stop the ethnic cleansing. They sent cans of this food to feed the soldiers and citizens. Almir said it tasted so bad even the dogs wouldn't eat it. After the war this sculpture was presented to the people

Almir, Tomi's best friend from school came to pick us from the village where they live and drove us into Sarajevo . It was an amazing day. We learnt so much about Tomi and their life during the war and what they all had to do to survive. It has made them the people they are. We now understand a lot about our new son in law and how his mind works...some of it is inherited and some is what was forced on him and the Yugoslavian people. Almir painted a vivid picture of the day the war started and changed their lives from being peaceful to something else. It was a very emotional day but inspirational as well. To see the huge and the small cemeteries and buildings shot to pieces is very confronting as they were when we watched the war scenes on our televisions 20 years ago. Bosnia is rebuilding..slower than a lot would like but it certainly puts into perspective when people complain about our services and facilities and or government in our country.

We walked all day with Almir . Ate and drank.

 

We listened, talked, asked many questions and finished the day in his families favorite place

Poignant reminders everywhere in Bosnia of the price they paid for the war.

We thought we were going on a hike in the mountains the next day so dressed accordingly. Marko drove us to the mountain region of Vares ,we pulled into a cafe and there were many of Tomi's family. Aunt's and uncles and cousin Lara who was our interpreter for the day. Even Tomi's uncle Mariana from Brisbane was there. He was Tomi's sponsor to come to Australia after the war. It was a lot of fun.

Fresh trout ..copious amounts of salad. Simple and delicious.

The road went through a natural cave. It was the coldest I have felt. The cold air as you neared the entrance was amazing. It was a warm day but was still too cold to stay in there too long.

 

Tomi's grandparents are buried here..what a view. Marko said that is where he is ending up too. Very happy about that I think.

Yum cherry brandy at Tomi's aunt and uncles home. Lovely respite from the heat.

 

It was such a wonderful day. We kept pinching ourselves. Lara was incredible and patient, answering our questions about their life and again we learnt so much. Tomi has his new family now and still it must be so hard to leave for him. Xxx

Nick and I really appreciate the help from Almir, Lara and Anna and of course Google translate assistance as well to overcome our language difficulties. ..and appreciate meeting Tomi's family who are now our extended family.

I hope to meet up with them again and look forward to seeing many on FB / Skype . Feeling very sad now thinking about leaving each of his family and especially his parents Marko and Dragica xxx Bye Ilijas , Sarajevo and Germany xxx Dovidenja ( see you later).

 

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