She is quick to admit that, as a Sarajevan, she can’t be objective and believes that Sarajevo is equally fascinating for those who live here and for those who are simply passing through.
Her favorite time for walking in Sarajevo is late on Sunday mornings. At that time, she says, the city is still in a slumber and there aren’t many people out on the streets; it’s a chance to notice some interesting details on the facades, hear some sounds that aren’t muffled by the usual noise and take in the rich aromas and flavors of the city.
Samra feels that Sarajevo is at its loveliest after it has been washed by a spring shower and that it’s melancholic and relaxing during warm autumn evenings.
She likes to drink her daily coffee at Torte i to in BBI Center because of its comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, as can be found elsewhere in big cities. When good food is in question, she chooses a salad and pasta at Tavolla and delicious Mediterranean dishes at Trattoria Uno, a small restaurant with just six tables where one feels as though they’ve come to visit family. And instead of going for ćevapi, she prefers Inat Kuća for some traditional Bosnian specialties.
As for where to spend an evening, the National Theater is her pick because, in her opinion, there is always something there that can uplift you. She enjoys seeing a good performance and thinks that the BiH scene has some excellent actors.
She finds Svrzo’s House the most beautiful building in Sarajevo, and inside she can feel the peace and protection offered by its walls and garden.
Gazi Husrev Bey’s Bath is especially inspiring and even though it’s modern, she thinks that it has a wonderful glimmer of the past which gives it a special spiritual dimension.
As for one-day tours of Sarajevo, Samra recommends a walk from the Medžidija Barracks (Ministry of Defense), past the Emperor’s Mosque to Baščaršija and Kazandžiluk, where you can rest in Sakib Baščaušević’s coppersmith shop and watch one of the last great masters of this trade at work.
After seeing some of Sarajevo’s sights, she recommends an evening at Kod Kibeta, with the sounds of ezans and a view of the city lights.
In closing, we asked Samra to describe Sarajevo in one sentence, and she had this to say:
- Sarajevo is a city where the past is the future.
