Trebinje: The Gem of Herzegovina

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želio bih vidjeti meni
  [Moh-leem vahs, zheh-lee-oh bee veed-yeh-tee meh-nee]
• I don't eat meatJa ne jedem meso
  [Yah neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Otiđi!
  [Oht-ee-jdee!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1jedan
  [yeh-dahn]
• 2dva
  [dvah]
• 3tri
  [tree]
• 4četiri
  [cheh-tee-ree]
• 5pet
  [peht]
• 6šest
  [shehst]
• 7sedam
  [seh-dahm]
• 8osam
  [oh-sahm]
• 9devet
  [deh-veht]
• 10deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh...?]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh ...)]

Trebinje's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of Illyrian tribes inhabiting the region. The area was later influenced by the Greeks and Romans, who left their mark through various archaeological remains, including roads and fortifications.

During the medieval period, Trebinje was part of the Serbian Kingdom. The city witnessed the construction of significant structures, such as the Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery, which stands as a testament to the period's architectural and cultural development.

In the 15th century, Trebinje fell under Ottoman rule. This era profoundly influenced the city's architecture and culture, introducing elements like the Osman-Pasha Mosque and the Trebisnjica River Arslanagic Bridge. These structures highlight the blend of Islamic and local styles.

The late 19th century brought Trebinje under Austro-Hungarian control. This period saw modernization efforts, including the construction of new buildings and infrastructure improvements. The influence of European architectural styles is evident in the city's layout and structures from this era.

During World War II, Trebinje experienced significant turmoil. Post-war, it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This era brought industrial development and urban expansion, shaping much of the modern city's landscape.

The 1990s Bosnian War deeply affected Trebinje, leading to significant destruction and displacement. Following the war, Trebinje became part of the independent country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city has since focused on rebuilding and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Trebinje is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals celebrating its diverse heritage. Events like the Trebinje Summer Festival and the Petar Kočić Gathering highlight the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its historical and cultural traditions.

Trebinje is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the border with Montenegro. The nearest international airport is Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, approximately 40 kilometers away. From Dubrovnik, you can take a taxi or a bus directly to Trebinje. Alternatively, you can fly into Sarajevo International Airport, which is about 200 kilometers away. From Sarajevo, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Trebinje. The journey from Sarajevo typically takes around 4 hours by road.

Trebinje is a relatively small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Additionally, local buses operate within the city and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car is also a convenient option for exploring the scenic surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Trebinje, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

Trebinje is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good idea.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Trebinje has a local police station and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or monasteries, dress conservatively and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow of the head as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Trebinje like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bosnian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the historic Arslanagić Bridge and the Hercegovačka Gračanica, a beautiful Serbian Orthodox monastery. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Trebišnjica River and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants that line its banks.