"See the world through Ana's eyes" "Sigam-me os bons!" (COLORADO, Chapolim)

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

Ladies and gentlemen, dobrodosli (welcome) to Bosnia, one of my favorite places on Earth. When I had the opportunity, as a international lawyer working in criminal and humanitarian law, to live and work in this heart-shaped land for six months, I jumped at the chance to fulfill a dream and contribute to making the world at least a little different.
Many asked me "why Bosnia?" - it seems, after all, such an Alice's-rabbit-I'm-late-I'm-so-late country, especially if compared to its neighbors, currently knocking at the EU front door. Perhaps, I would say, but Bosnia has character, Bosnia is a survivor, Bosnia is such a mix of cultures, of peoples, of religions. It's almost a mini-Balkans inside the Balkans.
Never, not even in my dreams, did I know how true these words were. I fell in love. Hard. Fast. Head over heels. And forever.
And yes, Bosnia might be a little late, a little confused and confusing but it does history, beauty, reconstruction and heart like no other place.
It's generous and gives a little bit of its magic to each and every person that stops by. It gave me back my enthusiasm for photography. Whether it was the amazing sunsets over the Sarajevo hills, the white of the tombstones in Srebrenica memorial or the most photogenic bridge I've ever laid eyes on, in Mostar, Bosnia gave me back my "eye", my happiness to wonder around at all hours observing and shooting pictures, allowing me to witness stories and history.
I hope you will enjoy these and see past the bullet holes, the national disagreements and all the cliches that surround this incredible land, which I still call home.
As for me, the reason I want to win this scholarship is to have a similar experience, to learn and improve my technique and to receive honest and raw feedback on my pieces.
Zivjeli!