Day 172: Fantastic Bus Trip

Weather Update: Sunny. High 25c

Elevation: 20 Netres

Sarajevo's Embrace to Split's Azure Coast: A Journey Through My Eyes

Hello, fellow travellers and dreamers! Andrew here, inviting you again to join me on my grand adventure across the globe. As you know, I'm exploring the world, one step, one bus ride, one experience at a time, not just for the sheer joy of discovery, but also to share the incredible beauty that exists out there and to raise awareness for Arthritis New Zealand. My journey is about showing that age is truly just a number when it comes to fulfilling your wanderlust, and that the world is still a place of wonder, even for those of us navigating it with a few more years and perhaps a few more creaks in the joints.

Today, I want to take you with me on a particularly memorable leg of my travels: the bus journey from the historic heart of Sarajevo to the stunning coastal city of Split. This trip offered a tapestry of landscapes, a glimpse into the rhythm of life in the Balkans, and a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself is the most captivating part of the destination. Settle in, imagine yourself in the seat beside me, and let's hit the road.

The Departure: Leaving Sarajevo Behind

Day 172 of my journey dawned bright and sunny, a perfect day for travel, with the weather update promising a high of 25°C. Leaving Sarajevo felt a little bittersweet; it's a city with a deep, complex history that leaves a lasting impression. But the road beckoned, and my bus was ready to roll. We even left a few minutes early – a rare treat in travel, suggesting everyone was eager to get going!

Stepping onto the bus, I was pleasantly surprised. This wasn't just any bus; it was one of the nicer ones I've encountered on my travels so far. There was ample legroom, a crucial comfort for anyone, but especially appreciated when you're spending eight hours seated. The seats were plush and comfortable, and the large panoramic windows were an immediate invitation to the world outside. For all travellers, especially seniors, comfort during transit is paramount, and this bus certainly delivered on that front. Knowing you have a comfortable seat and space to stretch a little makes a significant difference to the overall enjoyment of a longer journey.

A Kaleidoscope of Green: Bosnia's Breathtaking Countryside

As we pulled away from the city, the landscape transformed almost instantly. The countryside unfolded before us in a riot of green. Lush trees covered rolling hills and mountains, creating a vibrant, verdant panorama that was truly spectacular. I couldn't get over how intensely green everything was! It felt like driving through a living, breathing emerald carpet. The roads were surprisingly good initially – smooth, newly built highways that made for effortless cruising. We glided along, passing through long tunnels carved into the mountainside. It was a stark contrast to some of the roads I'd encountered previously and a welcome relief for a comfortable ride. For those of us who appreciate a smooth journey, especially if dealing with any mobility issues or discomfort from bumps, these stretches of highway were a dream.

However, as is often the case with travel, the smooth sailing didn't last forever. We eventually left the pristine highways and transitioned onto more 'normal,' shall we say, bumpier roads. This is just part of the adventure, of course, but it's something to be mindful of – the ride can change, so be prepared for varying road conditions.

Through the Heart of the Country: Rivers, Towns, and Traffic Jams

About an hour into our journey, winding through valleys and mountains, we hit a snag – a traffic jam. We were crawling along, inching towards the town of Konjic. It seems that, like many places, the roads converge as you approach a town centre, causing bottlenecks. It took a while to navigate through Konjic, but once we were past the centre, the traffic freed up, and we were moving freely again.

The road trip continued to be incredibly scenic. For a long time, we followed the course of the Neretva River. The water sparkled in the sunlight, winding its way through the green landscape. Initially, I was on the perfect side of the bus to admire these views, but as the journey progressed, the best river vistas shifted to the other side. A little tip for future travellers on this route: try to figure out which side will offer the best views for the longest!

We encountered another traffic slowdown as we approached Jablanica, another town where roads seem to converge. It took us about 30 minutes to get through this one. While traffic jams can be frustrating, they also offer an unexpected opportunity to slow down and observe the local life happening around you, even if just from the bus window.

A Stop That Stirred the Senses: Zdrava Voda Restaurant Stop

After navigating the traffic in Jablanica, we stopped for a 15-minute break high up in the mountains. The views from the top were fantastic, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding landscape. My mouth immediately started watering as I saw what was on offer – not just one, but ten roast spits, laden with various meats, slowly turning over hot coals. The aroma was incredible! One of the meats was so tenderly cooked it was practically falling off the bone, barely hanging on to the bone, ready to be devoured. Oh, how I wanted to lean over and just take a strip of that meat! I would have paid just for that simple, primal pleasure.

This stop, known as Zdrava Voda 1.5 km from Jablanica heading towards Split, and it looks like an absolute must-visit if you have the chance to travel this route independently. While our short break only allowed for drinks and a toilet stop, seeing those spits got me thinking. This journey, while perfectly doable by bus, also offers wonderful opportunities to break it up. Imagine hiring a car or taking a series of shorter bus rides, stopping overnight in quaint towns along the river, sampling the local life, and yes, perhaps indulging in some of that delicious spit-roasted meat! This is truly travelling through the heart of a country and immersing yourself in the local scene. For senior travellers who prefer a slower pace or want to spend more time exploring specific areas, breaking up the journey is a fantastic option.

Echoes of History Along the Way

As we continued our journey, we passed through Mostar. My first impression from the bus was that it seemed like a sprawling city, perhaps not as immediately appealing from the outskirts as its famous bridge suggests. We also passed a building that stood as a stark, abandoned reminder of the Bosnian War, riddled with bullet holes, and even today, people still live there, call it home. It was a poignant sight, a visible scar on the landscape, and in my contemplation of it, I forgot to take a photograph. While my blog focuses on the beauty and inspiration of travel, it's important to acknowledge the history of the places we visit. These reminders, though sombre, are part of the story of the region.

Crossing the Border: A Smooth Transition

One of the practicalities of travelling between countries is the border crossing. We arrived at the border at 2:23 PM and were cleared by 2:42 PM – a remarkably quick and straightforward transition, the quickest I'd experienced on my trip to date! There were no issues, just a smooth process of leaving Bosnia and entering Croatia. For all travellers, it's always a sense of relief to get your passport stamped, knowing that border crossings can be relatively hassle-free is reassuring.

Leaving Bosnia behind, I reflected on its lovely scenery, noting that the landscape seemed to become less attractive the closer we got to the border. However, one thing that stood out in Bosnia was the lack of trash dumped on the sides of the roads, in lay-bys, or open fields. A big shout-out to Bosnia for that – it was the first country on my trip where I noticed such cleanliness along the roadsides, apart from those memorable girls on the toboggan run in Sarajevo!

Entering Croatia: Olive Groves and Coastal Views

Upon entering Croatia, the scenery changed once again. On either side of the road, we were greeted by olive trees, fruit orchards, and some vineyards. There's a natural watercourse from the river that feeds large tracts of land through small canals running through the orchards – a testament to the agricultural richness of the region.

We gradually dropped out of the mountains down to sea level, and the landscape in Croatia became quite rocky, reminiscent of Greece, Israel, or many Mediterranean islands. It has a rugged, beautiful quality all its own.

Practicalities on the Road: Food and Currency

During the bus journey, we had two breaks. The first was 15 minutes long, and while drinks were available, there was no food to purchase directly. You could order from the restaurant, but there was no guarantee it would be ready in time for you to eat it before the bus departed. The second stop was even shorter, only 10 minutes, basically just a toilet stop. Again, food was available to order from a menu, but the wait time made it impractical. To add to the challenge, this stop only accepted cash.

This highlights a crucial tip for anyone taking a similar bus journey: bring your food and drinks! Don't rely on the stops for a meal, especially on a tighter schedule. Also, be mindful of currency. I had used up all my Bosnian currency in Sarajevo and wasn't sure what currency Croatia used (it's the Euro now, but at the time of my journey, I wasn't certain if they still used their currency like many Balkan states). It meant I couldn't buy anything at that second stop. Always check the currency of your destination country and have some small notes on hand for stops along the way.

Despite these minor inconveniences regarding food and cash, the journey itself was a "razzle dazzle ride" for about 70% of the trip – a must for all travellers who appreciate stunning scenery from the comfort of their seat.

Arrival in Split: The Azure Coast Beckons

We arrived in Split 25 minutes ahead of schedule, even with the traffic hold-ups along the way. This was a testament to the efficiency of the bus service. The arrival in Split was very nice, with the bus station conveniently located right at the ferry terminal. This is excellent for onward travel, whether you're heading to one of the beautiful Croatian islands or continuing your journey elsewhere.

I had a short walk of about 1.3 kilometres to my hostel, and the weather was still lovely and warm at 6:30 PM. The prospect of some sun and exploring Split the next day was exciting.

Why This Journey is Perfect for Senior Travellers

Based on my experience, the bus journey from Sarajevo to Split offers a fantastic travel option for all adventurers.

Potential for a Slower Pace: While I did the journey in one go by bus, the possibility of breaking it up and stopping in charming towns like Konjic or Jablanica (and visiting Zdrava Voda properly!) makes it adaptable for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. This allows for deeper immersion in the local culture and a chance to rest and recharge along the way.

Join Me on the Journey!

My journey from Sarajevo to Split was a wonderful experience, filled with stunning scenery, interesting observations, and a few practical lessons learned. It reinforced my belief that travel is accessible and incredibly rewarding, no matter your age.

I aim to share these experiences with you, transporting you from your living room to the incredible places I visit. I want you to see what I see, imagine yourself walking these streets, and perhaps feel inspired to embark on your adventures, whether they are across the world or closer to home.

My journey is also about raising awareness for Arthritis, a condition that affects so many, including myself. By following along, you're not just exploring the world with me; you're also helping to shine a light on this important cause.

Ready to Explore?

I hope this glimpse into my journey from Sarajevo to Split has been both inspiring and informative. The world is full of incredible places waiting to be discovered, and with a little planning and an open heart, they are accessible to us all.

Want to see more of my adventures and travel the world through my eyes? Follow my journey on the world map on inspireseniorstravel.com website! You can also subscribe to my blog to stay up-to-date with my latest destinations and reflections.

Let's continue this incredible journey together, one step, one story, one inspiring destination at a time.