Tim Clancy – The symbols of Sarajevo are the kindness, hospitality and warmth of its people!

He heard about Sarajevo for the first time at the age of 14 with the XIV Winter Olympic Games, which were held in BiH’s capital, and he first came here through the Tunnel of Hope in April 1994.

While there are many reasons for why he has stayed in Sarajevo, he says that the pace and quality of life were paramount.

He feels that Sarajevo is rather difficult to grasp and adds that most people who do come feel that the city attracts them – they can feel its magic, but can’t figure out where it comes from. Even he doesn’t understand it, but he gladly surrenders himself.

He describes the mentality of Sarajevans as full of contrasts, for while they’re warm and open toward everyone at first, if you plan on staying in Sarajevo, you’ll have to earn people’s acceptance. And if they accept you in Sarajevo, they’ll accept you anywhere else in the world, he maintains.

The hardest thing for Tim was getting used to the slower pace of life and the attitude of “what can be done today, leave for tomorrow”. He was surprised by Sarajevans’ hospitality and still admires the generosity of people who, regardless of how much they have themselves, are ready to share whatever they have with a stranger. He is fascinated by the fact that such a small town can have such a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Tim reveals his own little Sarajevo ritual: he likes to drink his morning coffee at Delikatesna Radnja and in the afternoon he has some herb brandy or a glass of wine. He also likes to drink Turkish tea at Male Daire and, as an avid nature lover, he often takes walks around Sarajevo.

Tim says that those who come to Sarajevo for the first time should try to fit in with the rhythm of the city and, since Sarajevo is teeming with “living museums”, like the artisans' workshops in Baščaršija, he believes that every tourist should find time to visit them. Other must-see places include Café Tito, as well as Cinemas Club, with its live music. Aside from specialties like burek and ćevapi, Tim would also recommend čimbur at the restaurant, Pod Lipom.

When asked what serves as his symbol of Sarajevo, he shared the following:

- The symbols of Sarajevo are the kindness, hospitality and warmth of its people who do what they can to make everyone feel welcome, safe and comfortable here.