Planning stage

When I first started at Lake School I taught my only Bosnian student, a woman in her 50s from Sarajevo.  She was an amazing woman.  She had a big influence on me and I remember her telling me how great Sarajevo is and how much i would love it!  She also gave me an emotional account of what it was like to live under a siege for nearly 4 years. I can't remember her name now and we didn't stay in touch but I promised her I would visit her beautiful city of Sarajevo and finally my promise is coming true.

Where I plan to go...

Land in Dubrovnik, if it's really as beautiful as this it might be hard to leave.

Bus to Mostar in Bosnia.  This rebuilt bridge is a gem which I must see.

On to Sarajevo. Unfortunately Google images and Sarajevo don't seem to get on well and this is the only decent picture I can find.

Finally, if I have time I will travel up through Northern Bosnia and into Vinkovci ,Slavonia in Eastern Croatia to visit a teacher/student I became friends with called Rejhana.

Sorry Rejhana but Google Images UK  and your town really don't see eye to eye either. I can't find anything to post apart from burnt out cars and men drinking spirits.  Looks interesting, I still want to visit you! 

 I'm excited about my trip.  I have been reading bits of my guide books this evening...GOOD GOD this area really does seem to be like the Jerusalem of Europe. I just know I am going to an amazing part of the world. A real historical and cultural melting pot...with seafood, beautiful walled cities and the amazing Adriatic Sea to boot.
As normal I have no plans apart from 3 nights booked in a private home in Dubrovnik.  I liked the sound of the place and the position was good so I took the risk and booked on line.  It all seems above board because we are already in email contact about  directions for the airport taxi.
One of my teachers from a course about 4 or 5 years ago (i think) has been in contact on Facebook and it would be great to head out to the Eastern part of  Croatia too to visit her. I don't know if I'll be able to but if I do I will probably get cultural overload.  Travelling from the Italian influenced end of Croatia through the Croat, Muslim/Bosniak influenced parts of Bosnia maybe up through the Serb controlled part of Bosnia and then into the Hungarian, Serbian and German influenced part of Slavonia, Croatia!
I have a thought that I might be overdoing it and part of me thinks I might just relax on an Island in the Adriatic for a long time and read books.  But HEY NO..adventure awaits!

Some extra added-on info:

My Bosnian student from 11 years ago gave me a map when she left.  (Yes, the strangest and most unique present I have ever been given.) It's a scary and very powerful image. I was hypnotised by it and couldn't believe it was for real.  I have just found a copy online.