The day ended with a visit to the Triniti dei Monti Chapel which houses the original Mater Admirabilis painting held in every Sacred Heart school. There is also a lovely statue of our foundress, Madeleine Sophie Barat, which was very special for the girls to see. There was time for a prayer and reflection.
The Popes” Fortress
The Pantheon
Hadrian’s Temple
Mr McFadyen throws two coins (one coin to find love, two coins to get married within the next year).
The Spanish Steps
An early start had us in Rome by 10.30. We proceeded on a walking tour around the incredible structure, built in 80AD. The crowds were noticeably larger than in Poland! We walked down the Triumphal Way into the Roman Forum.
After dinner at a pizza restaurant there was the opportunity to sample Roman gelato.
We caught a short ferry to the small Adriatic island of Lokrum for a restful day.
A few pictures from the girls, none of teachers in their togs for some reason…
We finally arrived in the ancient walled town of Dubrovnik and it has exceeded all expectations in terms of sheer beauty. We woke to a lovely day and caught the bus to meet our guide for a morning walking the old walls and visiting a few museums. 
Religious relics of saints in the treasury of the cathedral were amazing.
The girls then had free time to enjoy the town. Swimming in the Adriatic Sea was a popular option.
This was the place where apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary have taken place since 1981. It is a site of thousands of Catholic pilgrims journey to every year.
We gathered to say a Hail Mary in front of the statue before visiting the Apparition Church. Climbing the hill to the site itself wasn’t possible in our timeframe. Many pilgrims choose to climb the hill on their knees as a sign of devotion.
We boarded our coach early for a long travel day taking in Mostar and Medjugorje on our way to Dubrovnik.
Mostar is a stunning town with a very famous bridge crossing the river. This town had been the site of intense fighting during the conflict in 1993 with evidence still very visible. It was a fascinating visit with stunning scenery. Some of us managed to climb a minaret from one of the many beautiful mosques which was a unique experience. Jumping from the bridge is a tradition for locals who earn money from the by-standers.
Another amazing historic house.
Ashlin, Hannah and Tyla at the top of the minaret of the Karadjoz-Bey Mosque, Bukit in 1557.
Bridge jumpers.
A combination of wifi issues and travelling has delayed our posts.
Our day trip to Srebrenica was another sobering reminder of tragic conflict. We caught a coach to Potocari, the position of the UN ‘Dutchbat’ base. This is where civilians fled to and were promised safety. Men and boys were separated around this area with most being executed over the next few days. Others attempted to flee overland to Free Territory with many being captured and killed.
The museum is housed inside the base and provided a chilling scene.
Over the road is the cemetery containing 8,273 bodies of those discovered so far. Due to the removal and reburial of mass grave sites in an effort to conceal them, bodies have been dispersed over a wide area and are still being discovered. Every year on the anniversary remains are interred. There were 33 fresh grave sites from the anniversary two days prior. We gathered to say a prayer for the victims of Srebrenica.
Today was a busy day visiting a variety of museums and sites around the city interspersed with a spot of shopping. We caught the tram into the city with our local guide, Marijan.
Our first visit was at a stunning 15th century mosque, Gazi Hustrv-beg Mosque. After donning appropriate clothing and scarves, we received a fascinating talk on the structure of Muslim prayer. This was followed by a display of the washing rituals performed in the courtyard outside. It was truly fascinating and a great experience for all of us.
We then walked a few short blocks to the Franz Ferdinand Museum. This commemorates the site of the assassination of the Duke, an event that triggered WW1.
A long lunch break enabled the girls to have a wander round the old market area. Many souvenirs were purchased! Marijan introduced us to traditional Bosnian coffee and sweets. Traditional bathrooms prove somewhat more of a challenge…
Our next stop was a traditional home dating back to the 15th century. A beautiful, cool interior courtyard was surrounded by ornate living areas with bedrooms and further spaces upstairs. Wonderful views over Sarajevo could be seen from the upper decks.
The 11/07/95 Gallery was a moving exhibition depicting the atrocities of the genocide of over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys. The photos and film clips linked to the learning the students have had in the past 2 years and provide a good reminder before we head to the Srebrenica site tomorrow.
The Historical Museum of Bosnia-Herzegovina was our last group stop for the day. This had been badly damaged during the siege and gave us an insight into daily life and dangers for civilians during this time. Free time was had, enabling a bit more shopping before walking back to the Hotel Grand for a well-deserved rest before dinner.
2019 Baradene History Tour 