Traveling the Balkans: A Remarkable Story of Faith and Connection
Table of Contents
- Traveling the Balkans : Itinerary
- Border Crossings and Key Experiences
- Traveling the Balkans: Conclusion
This blog post on traveling the Balkans was a trip focused on humanitarian efforts for Zuzanna and me, as we journeyed through each country to build meaningful connections. We traveled to several countries, connecting with key Christian leaders who are deeply impacting their communities—connections made possible by Zuzanna’s influence.
One of the most memorable experiences was meeting members of the Roma (Gypsy) people group. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, they live a nomadic lifestyle and are spread across the world, especially in the Balkan countries like Bulgaria and Romania.
It was truly eye-opening to learn about their culture and experiences.
Traveling the Balkans : Itinerary
- Day 1: Atlanta to Zagreb (via Paris) – Flight
- Day 2: Zagreb to Budapest (3h 45m) – Budapest sightseeing, lunch/dinner – Boscolo Autograph Hotel
- Days 3-4: Budapest to Tarnaveni (6.5h) – Buckner Romania Ministry, Roma village visit – Castel Haller Hotel
- Day 5: Tarnaveni to Leskovac (11h Drive) – Travel – ABC Hotel
- Day 6: Leskovac to Sarajevo (7h Drive via Bulgaria) – Meet with Roma church pastor – Residence Inn Sarajevo
- Day 7: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (4h Drive via Montenegro) – Meet with pastors, Dubrovnik sightseeing, dinner
- Day 8: Dubrovnik to Zagreb (6h Drive) – Dubrovnik sightseeing
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others
Mahatma Gandhi
Border Crossings and Key Experiences
Crossing the Border from Croatia to Budapest, Hungary
Building on my experiences from my first trip to Croatia (one of many quick trips to Europe I’ve taken), the short drive from Zagreb to Budapest felt like a natural continuation of our Balkan adventure.
Whether you’re following a structured Balkans trip itinerary or opting for a more flexible approach, the transition from Croatia to Hungary offers a change in scenery and culture.
We treated ourselves to a stay at the Boscolo Autograph Hotel, which was a real highlight. Exploring Budapest by bike was a fantastic way to experience the city; we especially enjoyed cycling around Fisherman’s Wharf and simply wandering through the streets.
Tarnaveni,Romania
The journey from Budapest, Hungary, to Tarnaveni, Romania, took us more than six hours. Upon arrival, we checked into the Castel Haller, a dreamy castle hotel. This unique accommodation provided a welcome contrast to our travels, with spacious rooms and a tranquil atmosphere due to the limited number of other guests.
Nevertheless, our visit to a nearby Roma village had a far greater impact. We saw firsthand the poverty they faced, yet we also witnessed the children’s resilient joy.
This life-altering experience ignited a deep concern within us for their well-being, especially during the cold winter. Therefore, we sought ways to ensure their care and support.
Leskovac, Serbia
We traveled from Leskovac, Serbia, to Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina (via Bulgaria). This 7-hour drive included a crucial meeting with a pastor from one of Europe’s largest Roma churches in Leskovac, which lasted until 1 pm.
Crossing borders through countries is always quite an experience & I try to capture them as much as I can.
These initial meetings are invaluable before committing to humanitarian projects, providing firsthand insight into the tireless work of those directly serving the needy.
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Our journey took us from Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, to Dubrovnik, Croatia, a 4-hour drive through Montenegro. I remember the previous day’s 7-hour drive from Serbia to Bosnia—a winding road with stunning scenery, but the constant turns made me quite dizzy (thankfully Zuzanna was driving!).
Sarajevo is historically significant as the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, the event that triggered World War I. Bosnia, a diverse nation bordering Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia, represents a point of intersection between Western and Eastern Europe.
A visual reminder of this division is captured in the picture above, reflecting a distinction that persists even today in how many travelers perceive Europe.
Bosnia & Herzegovina is a beautiful country that unfortunately endured significant conflict due to its strategic location.
Evidence of this past, such as bullet holes in buildings, is still visible. Despite this history, the people have learned to coexist peacefully, and the cultural and culinary diversity is remarkable. The Bosnian people are resilient and have faced many hardships.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, a renowned destination in Dalmatia, Croatia, was historically known as Illyria and is believed to be a place where the Apostle Paul and Timothy preached.
This walled city, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” boasts picturesque cafes, restaurants, and shops that seem straight out of a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the city and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Traveling the Balkans: Conclusion
Traveling the Balkans was not just an adventure; it was a journey of connection and purpose. Connecting purpose with our travel is a beautiful experience & it lights up hope within our hearts.
When hope fuels our lives, we live our day-to-day more vibrantly, reminding ourselves why we do the things we do. When I am on the road, amidst the noise & rhythm of the countries, I try to listen to my heart. What is it telling me? What am I looking at? Sometimes it comes to me immediately, but most of the time it comes right after my trip.
A theme will resonate within my mind, like this year, I need to focus more on eating healthier or this year I need to be more intentional. So when you travel, I encourage you to listen. Listen to what life is telling you at the moment.
