If you are staying in Sarajevo for a few days before and after the YF, here are some hotel and taxi service providers!

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. Bosnia covers the north and centre of the country with its name probably derived from 'bosana', an old Indo-European word meaning water, which Bosnia has no shortage of.

The southern region of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan (Duke Stjepan),was later named Herzegovina after the region was conquered by the invading Ottomans. Perhaps what is most important for the visitor to know today, though, is that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a stunningly beautiful country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. And as the old cliche goes 'people make the place' – and BiH prides itself on its hospitality and treating our guests as if they were family members. And family we take to heart.

Climate

Due to its unique geographic positioning, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ideal for multi-season visits. Our climate suites every type of tourist, from sun seekers on the Adriatic Coast to white powder skiers.We've got the best of both worlds.

The Mediterranean and Alpine influences meet and create a mosaic of climate types within a relatively small area. The south enjoys warm, sunny and dry weather, with very mild winters. In the more continental areas the weather is similar to that of central Europe – hot summers, cool springs and autumns, and cold winters with considerable snowfall. The Mediterranean and continental climates meet in the middle, creating one of the most diverse Eco-systems in Europe. The mountains create a climate of their own. The Alpine climate rules the mountain terrains of the high Dinarics above 1700 meters. The winters there are extremely cold, with temperatures well below zero for more than six months of the year.

Language

There are three 'official' languages spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. The differences between the languages are similar to those between American and British English. The pre-war language of the former Yugoslavia was Serbo-Croat. This term is virtually extinct now. Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is a Slavic language. Many words are similar in Czech or Slovakian, even Polish and Ukrainian. It is in the same family as Russian but is distinctly different. In the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina many signs will be in Cyrillic, including road signs which may make it difficult to know exactly where you are. In the Federation only the Latin alphabet is used.

In the cities it is very common to find English-speaking people. The heavy presence of the international community has almost made it a second language here. Most young people will have at least some knowledge of English almost anywhere you go. Because of the large refugee and immigrant population that lived in Germany during the war there are many German speakers as well. In the rural areas it will be hard to find English-speaking adults, but don’t be surprised to find children able to ‘small chat’ with you in English.

Eating & Drinking

From whatever angle you look at it: the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina take eating and drinking very seriously. Traditional foods are very hearty and mainly meat based. The meat is extremely well prepared and often organic. In the urban centers one can find a wide range of great quality restaurants serving mainly Italian, Mediterranean, Viennese and traditional cuisine.

Almost every town has one of more public fountains – often to be found in front of the mosque – and the water is invariably excellent. There are roadside fountains as well, built long ago for travelers, and most mountain walks will pass by small springs and streams of sparkling fresh water. In short, you have no worries when drinking the water in Bosnia from the tap or elsewhere. It is probably higher quality water than you have at home!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we drink coffee. It is the backbone of social life. Nowadays, coffee is widely available and affordable. The traditional coffee is 'bosanska kafa'. It is similar to what the rest of the world calls Turkish coffee, and it is served with oddly-shaped sugar cubes and 'rahatlokum' (Turkish delight). By now, espresso and white coffee are available everywhere in towns and cities. In town, an espresso will cost you 1 KM. The other coffees are more expensive. In villages, you may well get your Bosanska kafa for 0.5 KM. There is a tea drinking tradition as well. You’ll enjoy your tea most if you drink what the locals drink. Don't ask for black tea with milk. People here don't drink it, don't know about it and don't serve it well. Try the herbal teas instead. There are a great many types and they generally have a very nice fragrance. They are often organic and come straight from the forest.

Local as well as international beer is available. The wine-making tradition of Herzegovina dates back to Roman times, and in terms of price and quality the savory reds and dry whites of Herzegovina easily deserve a share in the world wine market. Made from plums, pears, apples or grapes, the local spirits are amazing, but also strong, very strong, with alcohol levels commonly exceeding 40 percent. So if you dare to try lets say Sljivovica (plum) or kruska (pear) which can be found in Bosnia or Loza, made of grapes and the specialty of Herzegovina and Dalmatia; be extra careful with the dosage!

Just a hint on prices

The prices of soft drinks and coffee in restaurants and bars vary
from 2 to 4 BAM (1-2 EUR).
The sandwiches also vary from 2 to 4 BAM (1-2 EUR).
A decent meal for two can be purchased at a restaurant for 15 BAM (7.5 EUR).
Aspirin and headache pills can be bought for less than 2 BAM (EUR).
Cigarettes cost between 1.5 and 4 BAM (1.25 – 2 EUR).
All taxis charge no more than 1 BAM (0.5 EUR) per km.
National food per person 10 BAM ( 5 EUR)
Cake 2 BAM (1 EUR)

source: http://www.bhtourism.ba/eng/theheartshapedland.wbsp