Bosnia in my book

Hi friends,

In my book The Leap, I wanted to showcase how different parts of the world are affected by man-made disasters. War was one of them, and one of the countries that came to my mind was Bosnia. But Bosnia is so much more than just its history of conflict—it is also a land rich in culture, traditions, and stories.

So, in the tenth chapter of my book, I want to share a few excerpts from The Leap that highlight some interesting foods and landmarks of Bosnia.

"Oh, don’t you worry. I’m strong enough to handle all this. I’m not afraid of anything," he boasted, nibbling his favorite Krofne, a type of filled doughnut that Natalia had brought for him.

So, what is this Krofne he’s nibbling on? These are traditional Serbian doughnuts, often prepared as a New Year delicacy. There’s a charming belief behind them: as the yeast feeds on the sugar and the dough rises, so will your good fortune! Always round in shape, with no hole in the middle, a krofna symbolizes life coming full circle—ready to start anew.

Let’s move on to the next excerpt…

Her troubled face and tone made Stefan realize the blunder he had made. He knew she was soft and full of compassion. He shouldn’t have talked about war with her. He had to do something fast to save their special day.

"Oh, yes, you’re right. Wars are no good. Let’s not talk about them," he said, walking toward the Arslanagica Bridge.

Now, let me tell you a bit about this bridge where Stefan was heading with Natalia.

During the Ottoman rule in Bosnia, many cities saw the rise of magnificent architecture inspired by their traditional style. The Arslanagica Bridge, built in 1574 by Mehmed-Paša Sokolović of the Arslanagić family, is one of the most beautiful Ottoman bridges in the country. It is defined by its two large and two small semicircular arches. In my book, it’s one of Stefan’s favorite hangouts. Many times, he had been there with his father, fishing along its arches. The bridge has open sides and a raised platform where one can sit and admire the surroundings.

Let me share the next moment…

Stefan climbed up the bricks and then pulled her up gently. He sat with his legs dangling, while Natalia folded her legs and leaned against the side wall. The translucent Trebišnjica flowed silently below, reflecting the square houses and tall trees along the opposite bank. Stefan imagined the day when they would grow up, finish their studies, and return here. He would kneel down on one knee, propose to her, and slip a ring on her finger.

How romantic is that?

By the way, the Trebišnjica River is one of the longest sinking rivers in Europe. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving and fishing, and it is home to rare species like the gaovica (a ray-finned fish) and the famous olm, an aquatic salamander that thrives in underground river streams. Along its banks, you’ll also find lovely picnic spots such as Studenac and Lastva.

So, that was a quick journey through Bosnia for today. Until next time, take care—and happy reading!