Bosnia and Herzegovina: the ultimate crash course in Balkan history

View this email in your browser Hello! Today's newsletter takes us from the exotic to the familiar and back again.  Istanbul is famed in literature and film as the gateway to the east, but it's also a vibrant, modern city with a very hip scene.  Further to the north, Finland leads the way in granting everyone access to the country's natural wonders. Asian culture features strongly today as well.  For starters, Kyoto has recently banned taking pictures of geishas, while we also focus on places to experience Jewish culture if you can't make it to Israel this year. Finally, Delta is also restoring major films to their original form. But first... CULTURE A trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina is the ultimate crash course in Balkan history Much of what the average American knows about Bosnia and Herzegovina comes from history books, not travel blogs. Its capital, Sarajevo, has been immortalized as the city in which World War I began. Textbooks trace centuries of East-West trade through Ottoman Bosnia and chronicle the country's century under Austro-Hungarian rule. Modern editions cover the Bosnian War, considered by many to be the worst European atrocity since World War II. As history lessons go, however, no amount of thumbing through books can compete with watching Bosnian life unfold below craggy mountain peaks. Of all its Balkan neighbors, which have historically been united under different empires and governments, Bosnia provides visitors one of the most open, honest, at times challenging, and rewarding glimpses into what life is, and was, like in the Western Balkans. DISCOVER BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA LATEST ARTICLES NEWS Kyoto bans taking photos of geishas RELIGION 5 underrated places to experience Jewish culture outside Israel NEWS There's a new way to ensure your clothing and travel gear is sustainable SPORTS Finland's 'Everyman's Rights' offer the most open access to nature on Earth NEWS Delta restores same-sex love scenes in 'Booksmart' and 'Rocketman' CULTURE How to explore Istanbul's hippest, most creative neighborhoods MATADOR CITY GUIDE TRIP PLANNING The Ultimate Guide to Philadelphia If you've only seen Philadelphia through social media, you might think the city is nothing but rowdy fans and demonic mascot memes. But beyond that eccentric reputation, you'll find a city full of young people, artists, and immigrants, with dozens of different neighborhoods that all share a passion for their city. As the first city in the United States to be recognized as a World Heritage City, it's the perfect destination for history buffs or anyone who enjoys a leisurely stroll along cobblestone streets. Art is everywhere in Philadelphia, with murals and sculptures on almost every street corner, and there's plenty of parks and rivers for nature lovers. There's always something to do at night, whether it's an outdoor dance party, punk rock drag show, or library-themed lounge. Whether you want to shop at the quirky and hip South Street, go to the biggest Fourth of July party in the country, or visit a museum with a skull collection, you'll find it in Philly. EXPLORE PHILADELPHIA ADVENTURE Operation Skate Tijuana When GRLSWIRL, a female skate community, brings 100 skateboards to migrant refugee children in Tijuana, the harsh reality pauses for a little while and kids get to be kids again. WATCH THE FILM FOLLOW US AND FIND YOUR NEXT #TRAVELSTOKE Copyright © 2019 Matador Network, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Matador Network PO Box 7775 #40021 San Francisco, CA 94120 Add us to your address book Need to change something? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from our newsletter. We'll be here when you need us!