3… 2… 1… Happy New Year! Our thoughts have become one simple happy wish and a firm hug that said it all. Passing into a new year happened in a circle of great people that gathered under the banner of TA Balkanika lead by Biljana and Renato who took us to a place Laktaši near Banja Luka. The place is known for the thermal water springs and there are 6 hotels with spa in town, which is remarkable for a town of 3.500 people.
Upon our arrival in Bosnia we went to see the 19 km distant Banja Luka, where we captured the winter charm of the largest Serbian city in Bosnia (second largest city in the country). With 250.000 people it's the political, administrative, financial, university and cultural centre of Republika Srbska. Banja Luka is a city of sports, youth, beautiful women and also known for the chevapchichi and Nektar beer. With a local guide we came to the fortress Kastel – the remains of it. It's the oldest building of the city and a stage for festivals, concerts (national, pop, rock, classic) theatre and literary evenings. The reconstruction begun in 2009.
After walking around the city we stopped at the while sarcophagus, said to be Safikada's grave. A legend says that a girl named Safikada was in love with a handsome Austro-Hungarian officer who was on duty in the fortress. When she found out he was sent to the front line far away, she woven to be his only. Sone after the news arrived of his untimely death and she put on a wedding dress and stood in front of the cannon that was to go off each noon. Before her death she yelled – I'm his! The girl became a legend of love without end and her grave became a cult symbol of youth promising love everlasting by lighting candles beside her sarcophagus.
We also passed the famous Ferhadija mosque, built in 1579 under the reign of Ferhad Pasha Sokolović. This noble family left a strong mark on the Ottoman Empire and the mosque was damaged during the recent civil war, but you can't see an signs of damage any more.
Before we reached the very heart of Banja Luka we took a peak at the so called Zimzograd that springs to life in December. It's the part full of stands, where you can get all sorts of culinary goodness, warm clothing, toys and unique trinkets.
As I was in Banja Luka for the first time, it felt funny to hear that they have a "Gosposka ulica (High society street), which reminded me of Maribor in Slovenia, where I studied and also had such a street. The one in Banja Luka was shorter, but with shops to the left and right. I was more interested at what's at the end of the street and the curiosity payed off. There was a church of Christ the saviour built between 1925 and 1929 under the supervision of Belgrade architect Dušan Živanović. Around it is the Banski dvor (a sort of regional government palace), the presidential palace and the national theatre. We visited the city in the evening and it really showed the charms of nightlife, so I was thrilled by it.
On the last day of 2015 we took the Banja Luka transversal – a 17km long circle along the Vrbas River. The tallest peak with its 497m is Trešnjik, a place mostly visited in the warm summer months when young and old gather for picnics and sports. On top of Banj hill is a marvellous monument to the fallen fighters of the Second World War, who fought for liberation of the city. The monument is on the lookout point and can be seen from far away. From here we went on to the valley of the Vrbas River and pass two canyons to the mountain cabin Šibova, which also boasts a really great view of the city. It was here that our wondering stopped and we quickly jumped into the pool, before we jumped into 2016.
New year's eve, with other guests all 36 of us became one dancing mass enjoying the night until the very morning. Laughter, best wishes on the dance floor, hugs and even Alfi's New Year Eve's Kiss (translator's remark: a song by Slovenian cult singer Alfi Nipič entitled Silvestrski poljub – New Year Eve's Kiss), all the thoughts and impressions… it was unforgettable, wonderful, the getaway you need so many times.
And as we couldn't help ourselves, after a few hours' sleep we headed off into the mountains. Our guide, Renato, was experienced enough to select the shortest route so after a longer ride in the interesting landscape we came to the beginning of the waling path to the mountain Manjača – Greek Head. The top with a cross at the 999m was fascinating and didn't tire us. So we went on to Krupa along Vrbas with the natural stone bridge that we walked up to. The natural site reminded me of two elephants holding their trunks together. They say elephants bring good luck, so for me – no matter what anybody says – those were elephants.
We had to depart and on January second 2016 we headed for Slovenia, but before that we stopped to a quick visit of the Banja Lika market and a quick day-time walk. It really was worth it, the city was really tranquil and quiet. After a few hours in the bus we dropped off a part of our team and headed towards Maribor.
It's not hard to conclude – just a simple wish to everybody. The moments around midnight run by so fast, too fast to tell everybody what you'd like to tell them. So let me give this holiday greeting: Everybody has wishes and wants them to come true. Each year gives and takes from us. With every change we become different, better. Memories remain. Be proud of who you are, be happy, be marry and optimistic, be healthy, explore and go with the flow of life. Be nice and honest. Love and be loved and don't forget to love yourself! This is all I wish you this year… and see you!
