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Mostar: Divided City

During the Bosnian War 1992 – 1995, the historic city of Mostar found itself at the center of fights, first between Bosnianak-Croation and Serbian troops and later between Muslims and Catholics. During the conflict, large parts of the city were destroyed, and many civilians lost their lives. The destroyed bridge of Mostar especially became a well-known symbol of the dispute. It was built by the Ottomans and stood here for hundreds of years, connecting the Muslim and Christian parts of the city before being blown to pieces for unknown reasons. The Mostar bridge was rebuilt a couple of years ago, but many remnants of the war remain in the city, making it an eerie but exciting place to visit. The wounds are healing slowly, but still, Mostar is a visible example of what can happen when once peaceful neighbors suddenly turn against each other for religious or ethnic reasons. Up until today, the city remains divided.

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The Adria

In 2018, I was fortunate enough to travel to the Adriatic Sea (shortened: Adria) several times, both privately and professionally. A large part of the eastern coast of the sea belongs to the State of Croatia. A country that used to be an insider tip for travelers for many years. Today, millions of people from around the world visit Croatia. Many of them go to Dubrovnik, famous for being the real-life version of Kings Landing. But still, there are many hidden beaches and islands in Croatia where you can find time for yourself. Get sure to stay until the break of dawn so you can see the sun descending into the Adriatic Sea.

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The Sniper Tower

The Sniper Tower is an abandoned high-rise building in the war-torn city of Mostar in Bosnia-Hercegovina. The eerie site is officially closed down but is still used as a graffiti art space. During the Bosnian war from 1992 to 1995, it was used by Croatian snipers to target the nearby square, also hitting and killing many civilians. Today, there is peace, luckily, but Mostar is still divided between Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks, the sniper tower marking the border of the two parts of the city and standing as a visible reminder and as a warning.

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Discovering Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the largest and most important town of the Alsace region in France, situated at the river Rhein close to Germany. Historically, the region as the town itself was contested between these two major European powers, and both cultures are visible in the urban landscape up until today. Large parts of the old town consist of bourgeois houses with timber framing, which is also characteristic of the neighbouring Schwarzwald region in Germany (pictures 1, 5, 7). On the other hand, other parts of the town, like the Gothic churches and neoclassic museums (photos 3, 4), recall similar buildings in Paris. Strasbourg is a lovely town and indeed an exciting melange of European cultures.

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Urban Discoveries: BrewDog Tallinn

In “Urban Discoveries,” we seek exciting and well-designed places to eat and drink. Usually in or around Vienna, but this time around, we checked out a new place for craft beer in Tallinn, Estonia.

BrewDog, of course, is not new but an already-established brand from Scotland. They are a craft brew company but also license pubs. Estonia is unique to the family. The first BrewDog was opened just a couple of months ago in the fresh Rotermanni Kvartal (Rotermann District), right around the corner from the magnificent old town of Tallinn.

It is a welcoming place with lots of choices for beer lovers. There are some staples, but much of the menu is changing constantly, so to offer new brands for trial. The prices are modest, if so, not as cheap as you would expect from a former Soviet country. Estonia is becoming increasingly part of the West (or North). The barkeepers are always up for a chat and are very friendly. They will gladly explain to you the nuances and differences of the assortment. Don’t be shy!

You’ll find more info about the place right here. They also have a well-done Instagram account.

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