Sretan Bozic.

A most joyous season to you whether or not you celebrate the tradition of Christmas, Ramedan, Hannekah or other spiritual traditions. It is a time of year when many of us are celebrating something - for me it is honoring the winter solstice. Today the tilt of the earths axis away from the sun reaches its furthest point. But in the short, cold windy days ahead, the earth continues in its swing around the sun and the days get longer.

Whatever your tradition is - or isnt - enjoy this season. It brings us an opportunity to reflect, regroup and rebuild while waiting for the warmth of spring.

TRAIN TO SARAJEVO ...

The train trip to Sarajevo is a quietly beautiful one.The train is utilitarian but the views captivate the imagination, and the dark, grey scenes with mist settling around the valleys and lakes offer mystery and richness to inspire the most reluctant writer.














between long dark tunnels,the scenes change from grey misty vistas to high risky plateaus in mountain tops...









...but very quickly the scenery and weather changes as we leave herceogovina, eventually emerging into lush pastoral hills ... land that seems ageless with people doing what they have done for centuries here; and the sun reflecting off the wet grasslands and fence posts through the mist adds the eloquent mystery that shrouds the Balkans...




Old graveyard markers reflect the sun ....







New graveyard markers do the same... these are all dated 92 and 93.









Approaching the centar of Sarajevo...and the remarkable hills that surround it.









cheerfully snuggling houses everywhere...









and its almost time to disembark into the crowded streets.