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Jake_The_Explorer

@jake_the_explorer

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Anarchist. Musician. Urban Explorer. Floral Artist. Coffee Roaster. Photographer.

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We spent the last days of our trip in Mostar. Such a beautiful place!

The Stari Most bridge was originally built in 1566. During the war in 1993, it was tragically destroyed. But the bridge was meticulously rebuilt, using original Ottoman methods and materials, and reopened in 2004.

Famously divers jump from the bridge into the Neretva River, collecting cash from tourists to perform the daring act—a unique form of street entertainment for sure. The water was crystal clear and warm(ish). Warmer than the Great Lakes anyway.

We spent the evenings riverside, watching the sky darken and the color of Stari Most change with it.

We had an incredible view of the Crooked Bridge, Kriva Ćuprija, in Mostar. Another 16th-century Ottoman landmark, built as the architectural prototype for Stari Most.

We took a day trip to Kravica Waterfalls, where our close friends got engaged—giving us something to celebrate that night!

We walked cobblestone streets, finely polished by heavy foot traffic.

We caught more iconic Psuedo-Moorish architecture, walking by Hotel Neretva.

Hotel Neretva was among many prominent buildings destroyed throughout the city during the 1990s war. It remained vacant and in ruins for decades before restoration started in 2018 and continues today.

Gimnazija Mostar Scondary School is a Moorish Revival building—also severely damaged during the war. It underwent restoration from 2004 to 2009.

We frequented historic mosques throughout the city, as their fountains continued to gift us with cool water on hot August days.

Like Sarajevo, burials and memorial sites are integrated into the urban fabric of Mostar.

While there are very old graves, many more are young—from the 90s, severing as lasting testaments to the war.

We walked to Sniper Tower, a blown out high-rise in Mostar, that today serves as a hub for graffiti and street art.

It was an unexpected pleasure to watch one of the artists working on a new mural at the foot of Sniper Tower.

Shells of buildings are found throughout Mostar.

Like sky-high ghosts, these buildings are reminders of the violence and tragedy that plagued Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995.

Such reminders are found in many by @jake_the_explorer

Sharing more moments from our trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina this past August.
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We spent an afternoon in Kazandžiluk, Coppersmith's Alley, where craftsmen have worked since the 16th century. This is the storefront of master coppersmith @manufaktura.sarajevo

We enjoyed tea and conversation in the surroundings of @manufaktura.sarajevo's beautiful shop. I am in awe of his talent and the incredible traditional džezve he creates.

We caught more unbelievable views from Trebević.

And spent an evening amongst the apartments of Ciglane.

People watching in Ciglane

We made our way back to Old Town and walked by the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

And the Baščaršija Mosque.

We stopped in to our new favorite vintage watch shop to say "until next time!"

And we shared coffee with a friend before saying farewell to Sarajevo.

And we said goodbye to our favorite city before heading to Livno and Mostar. 👋 Until next time, Sarajevo!

Along our drive to Livno we stopped by Rama Lake for views of the most crystal blue waters.

We embraced the slower pace of Livno and enjoyed walking the Duman Bridge and along the river.

We visited the 500 year old mosque, Džamija hadži Ahmeta Dukatara, and clock tower in Livno.

Džamija hadži Ahmeta Dukatara

And cooled off with water from the fountain at Džamija hadži Ahmeta Dukatara.

We ventured out on safari to see the wild horses around Livno.

There are 1,200 wild horses living in the area.

The wild horses of Livno were surprisingly friendly and certainly beautiful.

We capped off our time in Livno with an incredible visit to Franjevački muzej i galerija Gorica, the Franciscan Museum and Gallery Gorica, where my artwork is part of the 4th International Triennial of Graphic Arts. Their collection is incredible and we learned so much about the history of the area.

I'm immensely grateful that we were able to make the journey to Livno and that I have my art practice to thank for such opportunities. by @jake_the_explorer

Sarajevo captured our hearts—I can hardly wait for our next visit. These are photos from just the first three days of our trip, more to come.
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Sebilj fountain in the center of Baščaršija Square.

Our first Bosnian coffee (of many).

Vijećnica, Sarajevo’s historic city hall.

Sarajevo's Stari Grad is lined with coffee houses. At its heart is Baščaršija, a 15th-century Ottoman bazaar.

We spent many mornings rising with the sun to capture the city before the hustle and bustle. Fortunately for us, the people take their time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll find graves throughout the city, some dating back to the 1600s, but many from 1990 wartime.

You'll also find water fountains around every corner.

We passed by the market many times on our walks between Old Town and the residential areas.

Pijaca Markale was stunning with so may fruits in season.

Gradska tržnica Markale had the most incredible dried meats and cheeses. Kaymak from the source was unbelievable.

Baklava Dućan in Baščaršija crafts traditional Baklava recipes passed down through generations. Uniquely, Sarajevan baklava is made with walnuts. I dream about it daily.

We learned that Ćejf is essential to the Bosnian way of life. It is the art of lingering in leisurely pleasure—having coffee, rolling cigarettes, kneading filo dough, with mindfulness, are examples of ćejf. We learned to make it essential to our way of life as well.

At night the city lights up and Stari Grad stays active well into the late hours. The dessert and coffee shops stay open, so we enjoyed treats before bed on more than one occasion.

The mosques offered quiet refuge day and night.

Each mosque offers a fountain to wash and drink from. These fountains kept us going in the August heat. And I miss the sounds of call to prayer breaking up my day.

The Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Sarajevo would be one of the most beautiful places to study.

Sarajevo is truly where East meets West. The city's architecture alone reflects this—it splits at a distinct point where Ottoman shops dominate the street to your left and Austro-Hungarian buildings tower to your right.

Built in 1894, Sarajevo's City Hall is a masterpiece of ps by @jake_the_explorer

One perfect year married to this hottie ❤️‍🔥 Bosnia looks good on you, babe 🇧🇦 @jake_the_explorer
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#weddinganniversary by @jake_the_explorer

13 photos in celebration of the 30th birthday of my lovely wife. I love spending my days with this lady, and I am so lucky to do so. Happy birthday @emily_legleitner by @jake_the_explorer

Always exciting to see your work on a wall. Some great work at this show! by @jake_the_explorer

I've got a piece in this years #TeresaLousiasExhibition at the @padzieskiartgallery in the Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Opening is tomorrow (January 15th) at 6pm, and the show goes until February 14th. Come check out the very talented photography on display! @jake_woods_photography by @jake_the_explorer

November cat pics and hung a mirror by @jake_the_explorer

Two weeks ago I married my best friend. We celebrated with friends and family, surrounded by love, in the city that we met. I'm grateful to all who wished us a happy life together. ❤️ True to who Jacob and I are, the party was DIY and only possible thanks to our incredible community. I am especially thankful for our wedding party.
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📷: The beautiful day was captured perfectly by @ramyphotography! 🍷: And we were thrilled to be hosted by @thehighdivehamtramck, the best bar in Hamtramck! by @jake_the_explorer

Married this girl the other day by @jake_the_explorer

First roll on the new to me rollei 35te by @jake_the_explorer

Gotta love those portra tones by @jake_the_explorer