I have recently returned from a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina which, of course, included a visit to Mostar. It is hard to shake from one's mind the images of the original Stari Most falling and a certain scepticism about how good the restored version would look - essential as it was, for many reasons, to replace it. But the restoration of the bridge and surrounding area is very impressive; it looks a little new but a few years of weathering should see to that. Those who crossed the original are pleased to learn its principal attribute is intact: it is very slippery when wet!

Mostar is easy to reach on coach tours from the Croatian resorts and visitors are obviously returning in some mnumbers. However, it is also a good centre and visits to some of the unsung sights of the area - Kravica Waterfalls, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Radimlja necropolis - are easy with a car. The country's spectacular scenery can be readily appreciated by driving up the Neretva Valley to Sarajevo, now a well-restored, fascinating, vibrant and friendly city. Don't just visit Mostar - there's a beautiful country out there waiting to be discovered!