Leaving Mostar around 9am, the journey was around 140kms and took about three hours. Many of the roads were in poor condition, so I just took it slow and steady. About 40km before Sarajevo there is a new Toll motorway but I hung a right and followed the old Sarajevo road – which was empty most of the way.
Entering Sarajevo from the west near the airport, I spent a few Kms in heavy traffic jams. It was about 12 so whether everyone was going home for siesta or whether Sarajevo is a busy old place I don’t know. It was also hot sitting in the traffic, and because the roads are narrow, filtering is difficult. When I got to the north of the city I started climbing the hills, and soon the traffic disappeared. My campsite is only a few Kms to the north east of Sarajevo but it’s quite high in the hills so thankfully a little cooler. There are four campsites in Sarajevo, two near the airport, and two to the north. It’s also much hotter on the flatlands near the airport, so being in the hills I am thankful of the light breeze.
The campsite, Camp Olywood, is very basic, with space for four campervans and two tents. The owner is a nice guy, though a little crazy. With two fingers on one hand and three on the other, he wanted to give me a cold beer when I arrived. I said thanks but no thanks, as I just wanted to get the tent up and have a brew. Since then he’s been sat on the porch drinking beer after beer and playing 70’s and 80’s music, which I don’t mind. I’ve heard everything from Barry White to Blondie, Talking Heads to Tina Turner and Chicago to Coldplay. Alas, no Chas and Dave…
Sarajevo is very touristy now, and very busy. In the old part of the city you really can’t move for large tour-groups, all being led like sheep to the next pasture. To be honest, after the horrors of the past, its good that they’re busy and making money. It really is. After a bimble around the centre I rode up to the top of the big mountain where the bob-slay took place for the winter Olympics, just before the civil war happened. It was worth making the effort because there is a stunning view over the city spread-out below.
