Europe Grand Tour: Velika Kladusa, Bosnia

"Short but sweet" is the best way to describe our eighteen-hour visit to Bosnia. The now three member fellowship arrived in Bosnia at 5:30 Saturday evening. A delicious dinner prepared by Tetka Jasminka (Rudi and Budo's mom) awaited us- we were quite famished after all our adventuring. After sitting and conversing with our Majka Dzemila and various other family members, Amra and I visited Lucka (the village where Dad's parents lived) and Todorov (Mom's family's home) accompanied by Tetka Senada, Tetka Emina, and Rudi. Upon returning to Tetka Jasminka's house the younger generation went into town for some refreshments- we had four years of catching up to do.

The following morning we had breakfast with Tetka Jasminka and Majka Dzemila. The two of them are quite funny and endearing. After a short farewell visit to Tetka Betina's, we embarked to the airport in Zagreb, Croatia with our cousins Rudi and Mumo. There we were greeted by a dear family friend Davor. Although we did not have much time to converse, Amra and I were immensely glad to see him. We boarded our plane to Paris sad our trip was over but happy to have experienced it.

So ended our grand tour of Europe. We took with us many fond memories and experiences. The wonderful albeit brief visit to Bosnia was the perfect end to our travels.

Tetka Jasminka's Dog, Rea, Awaited Us On the Driveway

On Our Way to Visit Our Grandparents' Graves

Majka Fatima's House

Tetka Senada

The Garden

The Entrance to the House

The Living Room-We Have Many Fond Memories Here

 Todorov

Majka Dzemila's House

Dajo Osman's New House

An Old Apple Tree

One of the Many Splendid Views from Todorov

A "Few" Members of the Family

The Younger Generation Having Drinks and Catching Up

Our Friend Azra Abdic and Our Cousin Neira

Breakfast with Tetka Jasminka and Majka Dzemila

Tetka Betina and Tetka Senada (Dad's Sisters)

Sandi

Us with Sandi-He's a Smart Kid

Stricek Davor

Europe Grand Tour: Venice, Italy

Thursday, the fellowship embarked on yet another adventure. We bade farewell to our family in Switzerland (never easy to do) and began our trek to the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. We drove through the breathtaking Gotthard Pass, a beautiful mountainous path that leads from the German-speaking part of Switzerland to the Italian-speaking region along the route to Milan. The scenery was worth the extra driving time, and we made a few stops along the way to enjoy it.

After a long drive, the fellowship arrived at the lodging, Jolly Camping. We stayed in cabin-like accommodation in a city outside of Venice. That night, we made our first trip into the city. Venice's many canals, small, winding streets, and famous masks generate a magical atmosphere. Naviagting the city is rather challenging, but Rudi, a human compass, made a great leader.

We had the whole of Friday to get lost in Venice's many charms. We began by the Great Canal and then ventured to the Piazza San Marco, Venice's main public square that features the beautiful St. Mark's Basilica, musicians playing for various cafés, and hundreds upon hundreds of pigeons (we even witnessed a wedding party there). The sea is not far from the square, so we walked along the shore and took in many of Venice's colorful sights. Somewhere within Venice's tight city center, we had lunch, where Azra tried risotto with squid and squid ink.

How better to end a faboulous day in Venice than with a gondola ride?  It was meant to be a gift and surprise for Rudi and Oici, but they insisted that we all join in. Venice at dusk is the best time for a gondola ride. Our gondolier was a funny guy who pointed out many of Venice's important sites. The evening was magical.

All good things must come to an end, and so it was for our fellowship. After two weeks travelling together, it was time to say goodbye. Saturday morning, Budo headed back to Switzerland, and in the afternoon we bade farwell to Oici at the Venice airport. Azra, Rudi, and I then left for our homeland and final destination, Bosnia, We had an amazing adventure and I am so happy to have been able to spend time with our cool and amazing cousins :).