Nothing is more intriguing than seeing someone do what they love and love what they do. I was lucky to spend a few days on the cobblestone streets of Mostar. Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina ended up being a detour from my Rick Steves’ trip where vacation is all day fun and drinks. This is probably a spot that I wouldn’t have braved going on my own. Many of the buildings and broken down streets still suffer the tragedy of the 1990’s. Bullet holes, old warehouses and abandoned buildings still serve as a reminder of heartbreak, destruction and loss during the Bosnian genocide.

One of the most memorable moments was hearing firsthand how the war affected survivors today. Oftentimes, you hear stories of Red Cross saving lives and sending parachutes of food down to people from some of the poorest countries, yet rarely do you hear from those on the receiving end of those parachutes. Well today I got to meet someone on the receiving end and learn about war, destruction and near-death experiences from a lady who survived the 1990s in Bosnia Herzegovina. It was an eye-opening experience and a much-needed detour from the ‘good life’ to help me understand history, reconciliation of cultural identities and modern day Muslims.

Even with the pain and hardship, people are able to find peace in doing what they love.