Univerzitet "Džemal Bijedić" MostarMar 19, 2010
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Rock monument on the other side of the bridge, Mostar
University Librarian in the main office
Inge, student intern and translator in front of the card catalog
| The bus trip through Bosnia was eye-opening -- we were clearly in a different economic environment - as well as physical environment. Our time spent crossing the bridge to Mostar's Old Town and shopping and drinking their Turkish-style coffee (no such thing as white coffee here!) was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours and gave us insight into the bridge and the crossing - mostly symbolic at this stage, but the divide would become more apparent from our hosts at the University and in the Monastery. My overriding impression from the University was the positiveness and pride of all who addressed us, from the major administrators (through an interpreter)to the head librarian (who also used an interpreter) to the student intern/interpreter for the librarian (Inge who spoke impeccable English). The chief administrator made two comments that could be on "Travel Mostar" ads - paraphrased: "Spring is the season of figs, pomegranates and grapes." and "Mostar is the second most sunny and warm city is all of Europe." All spoke of the complete destruction of the library during the war (destruction of the University was memorialized by photos in the hallway), the humbleness of its current housing and the terrific organization the librarians have brought to their growing collection. The librarians not only expressed great appreciation for our visit and our interest but were very curious about our circumstances and situations. I came away with an impression of people who have experienced things I hope I never see and who are rising above it all and doing everything in their power to move forward. In fact, Inge stated that she personally did not feel the divide in the city that all older speakers talked of as a given in the past, now and always. Inge's fresh attitude gives a hopeful slant to the culture. As Robert said at the University of Zadar, a generation or two to synthesize? And bring fresh attitudes? |
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