The Road Much Travelled... 2004-2007

The pictures on this post are a fusion of my love of the people in a very complex and beautiful BiH and a few of my adventures over four years of my stay in south eastern europe. Each year brought new faces, new experiences and new themes to the work and to the living of life in another culture.




It is a big deal - a road MUCH travelled - I have every right to feel very blessed.


















I learned much about many things - especially myself in a land where both light and dark exist side by side.








This amazing and resilient culture was a constant enigma - but the images of joy were always connected in some way to the making of music.


















Music and love of the Balkans. The most natural resource in the world is something to be shared. Nigel Osborne knows that more than anyone - bringing special needs children to a summer camp August 2005








Never did I imagine I would participate in such amazing projects or meet so many remarkable public figures like Nigel, Tina Lee Golden and the Opera Circus singers from London, Prince Charles or Venessa Redgrave and her sister Lynn.














Opera Circus - (UK) August 2005... no, I am not one of the amazing singers - who are here helping out with the children's music camp near Pula, Croatia.





I met and fell in love with the people, the complex blend of cultures, history and mysteries of the Balkans. Alma and Ermin - newly established tourist operators for Bosnia and Herzegovina (08) - more importantly, loyal, generous and steadfast friends throughout my stay and beyond.











Love the spontaneity of spirit - any chance to smile is taken...as these 3 pictures are a witness. Local staff, Mahira always ready to find a reason to laugh in the midst of stress and hardship of work.














Some go over the top a bit...














Parties with Balkaners always involve music! (but not usually with me making the music!)














Veronica i Ivo sa tetka Darija - an eye specialist in Mostar - near their summer home in Zoastrog. 2004







The rebuilding and opening of the famous Mostar Bridge in 2004 is an unforgettable event - connecting east to west was a spectacular backdrop for other amazing connections and people I will never forget!












Just love this image - sharing at the end of a day long hike near Mostar. March 2007.










Wow I am in Budapest!! .... June 2005.












Later in the summer, Leilani and Phil visit from Vancouver - here I am being a guide at Tekija near Blagaj in July 2005. I'm beginning to blend in...




















I loved the quick trips home to see friends with whom I can count more blessings. January 2005.












I loved this journey. Catch you in my next blog. ... Won't you come along? xo Alpha :-)