Lana Bastašić: In the Hilly Wonderland that is the Balkans
A road trip story only makes sense when the travelers, at least mistakenly, have a goal and believe that arriving at their destination will solve all problems and end all the hassles of the trip. There is no such goal in Bosnia; all roads are seemingly equally bumpy and pointless, leading you around in circles even when you seem to be making progress. Driving through Bosnia is different: “a twisted cosmic worm that does not lead to an external and real destination but to the gloomy, barely traversed depths of your own being.” These are Lana Bastašić’s words, whose latest novel is called „Uhvati zeca.“
Individuals Can Change Things for the Better
Banja Luka’s Humana Srpska Foundation was established with the aim of helping the injured and sick people. This Foundation provides assistance regardless of religious and ethnic background.
Banja Luka Speaks Out: Let Us Breathe with Clear Lungs
Tobacco came to Europe in the 16th century. In the beginning, only members of the upper class, predominantly men, had access to it. Nowadays, however, it is available across the globe and is easily accessible to anyone and everyone.
An Uphill Battle for Equality: Banja Luka’s LGBTQ Community
As in many other cities, in Banja Luka members of the LGBTQ community encounters many challenges because its members are perceived as 'different.' The community struggles to secure basic rights and members often find themselves at odds with their family and friends because of their sexual orientation.
Protecting “The Beauty on the Vrbas River”
Although it is known as “The Green City”, Banja Luka shows that human negligence is overriding the willingness and efforts of the citizens and institutions in charge of maintaining the city. In certain places, one can see examples that are contradictory to the city’s other nickname “The Beauty on the Vrbas River”.
Great Sorrow Seeks Great Souls
After her benevolence during the post-war period, people did not brand her a hero, but instead a person ostracized by her community. The best possible option for her was to return to Jajce, because, aside from helping Bajro, there was no place for her in Banja Luka anymore. But her return to Jajce was not salvation, only consolation.