Bam Bam Arrives

My first grandson arrived at 1:00 am on 10 December 2009. He weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces. He measured 20 inches. Marla and Micah both appeared to be in good condition after Bam Bam's arrival. His Brit Milah is scheduled for Thursday, 17 December 2009. My Little Muffin appears ambivalent about her new baby brother.

Mostar, Bosnia – 16 November 2009

We headed north before heading inland to Bosnia- Herzagovinia. Our first stop was at Pocitelj which is partially destroyed, because people just moved away. There is a Mosque and Haman in the small city.

We drove next to the river Neretva, which was aqua in color. The principal industry in Mostar is an aluminum factory. The war destroyed most of the economy of the city, but things are probably picking up a little. Shortly after we got off the bus, we passed the site where a Synagogue is supposed to be built. I really loved the old city. The streets were like cobble stones and not exactly easy to walk. Apparently Mostar was involved in two wars. The first one started in 1991 and was based upon Serbians wanted to form a “greater” Serbia. The second one started in 1993 and was between the Croats and the Moslems, which made little to no sense since there has been significant intermarriage between the groups. Lunch was very good and too much. I did a little shopping in Mostar. I need to pack my suitcase because it has to be out at 3:45 am.

View from my new room in hotel
On the road to Mostar
Pocitelj (C=CH and J=Y)
Pocitelj (Name of Village)
Note Mosque in Background
Haman (Bath house)
Haman
People just abandoned village and buildings fell into disrepair
Kitten wanted to make friends
Back on the road to Mostar
Modern Mostar
Old Bridge as we drove into city
Old Bridge and old city of Mostar
Street was the dividing line with the Croats on one side and Moslems on the other side
Potential Site of Synagogue
Gate around lot
Map of old city
Entrance Gate
Stream running through the middle of Old Mostar
River
Crooked Bridge
"Crooked" Bridge
"Crooked" Bridge - close up picture
Mosque
Tower for call to prayer
Mosque in Mostar
Haman in Mostar
Street Scene
Street Scene in Mostar
View from Old Bridge

View from Old Bridge
View from Old Bridge
In 16th Century Mosque Area
On Old Bridge
Buildings still in need of repair
Old Bridge
Me with Old Bridge in Background
Street Scene
Old Bridge

Cemetery in Mosque Area
Mosque Area
Tower where Muslim call to prayer is issued
Me with old bridge in background
Street Scene
Note Steps on Bridge. Horses needed them to avoid sliding
Steps on Bridge
War Damage