Banja Luka is not perfect, nowhere is in my experience. However in general terms the streets are much safer than for example than where I used to live in the UK, the vast majority of people are also far more polite and well mannered and here my neighbours actually talk to me on a daily basis and we all watch out for each other. Banja Luka has its fair share of economic problems and low wages but I sincerely hope that the day is not far away when a generation of people will come to the fore who are prepared to fully engage with the outside world and stimulate opportunities for the local population.
Recent events such as the ‘Demofest’ are fantastic adverts for Banja Luka and I know for sure, having spoken to members of British bands who played the ‘Fest’ that they will be speaking very positively about their experiences here. To those morons who were critical of the ‘Fest’ because bands from Croatia were voted first and second place by the panel of judges I can say only this: Get a life. These were young people who came here in peace to play their music and have a good time, the ‘Fest” was about music and music alone and certainly to me and many of my local friends any participating bands origins were totally irrelevant.

The legacy of the civil wars in former Yugoslavia will last many years and will probably be impossible to permanently eradicate, however that should not be allowed to obstruct the road to future peace and prosperity. To those who have mocked my sentiments in the past I say only this: What kind of society would you like your grandchildren to live in? I know what sort I wish for mine. I wish only good for Banja Luka and its citizenry, its a great place!!!

Please compare this to Sarajevo. There 10,000 people were killed in a 4-year by indiscriminate firing and shelling siege by Serb forces from the hills surrounding the city. Despite that the (Serbian) Orthodox cathedral (built 1868) still stands intact as does the Catholic cathedral (1889) and the synagogue (1902). Mathew (and all) I invite you to visit Sarajevo to see for yourselves.

Banja Luka is the political capital set up by those politicians who sought to live apart. Sarajevo is the capital of those who attempted to live together. I hope that the wonderful country of Bosnia and Hercegovina will unite around those who, after all the division and killing, have the strength and vision to bring all people together as respected citizens who may be different and move the country forward.

I just want to say a big thank you for posting this beautiful story which is a real picture of Banjaluka.
I’m from Banjaluka but now live in the UK and this is the first time that I see something true and nice written about my home town/country. I’m also very surprised by how many important details you have noticed regarding the life stile in Bosnia… Hope you’ll soon go back to Bosnia and have an even better time!

Regards,
Danijel

Sorry for delay in response.
The point I was making is that the war has indirectly affected BL, which you agree with. It is true that many ruined buildings in BL are not as direct result of war damage but more to economic problems left in the wake of the war. There are villages just outside BL which are ruined, and the mine fields I mentioned are NOT in BL itself. Sorry for my over enthusiastic comments, but the aid organisation I work with takes tons of aid to BL which is distributed in and around BL (and RS) to many vulnerable groups,disabled,orphanages,schools,various NGO projects etc and is hugely appreciated. So of course we work in the poorest areas with the most disadvantaged people.
I notice that BL seems to have no homeless people or beggars which really puts the UK and other wealthy countries to shame! We could learn much about looking after our own from Bosnia’s example.
The postcards and popular pictures of BL show a beautiful and vibrant city which is recovering well, but I wanted to make the point that Bosnia in general is still experiencing need.
Banja Luka always gives us a warm welcome and the hospitality of people there is second to none. Even late at night I feel safe walking in BL, again it puts the UK to shame! Next time I visit I hope to see more of the new BL and experience more of its beauty.
My best wishes to you and to all in Banja Luka.

I agree that many who have lived here don’t live now. But still, Banjaluka is one of rare which can be proud that there were almost none war crimes as in other parts of B&H.

I just come back from one trip. I spent three days in Mostar, in Herzegovina. Huh that is city which is changed completely and there is many blood in the ground. So…Banja Luka can be proud:). It’s good to be born here, have a youth and still live here

Best,
Ljube