In a world where plans are carefully thought out, sometimes the most incredible human stories unfold in unplanned moments and situations. Like from a fairy tale! This is a story about taking risks, discarding everything we know and listening to our hearts.

Leaving everything and moving to another country is a brave step that carries with it uncertainty and risk, but when such a step is motivated by love, it becomes a challenge worth accepting. This brave decision usually requires giving up familiar surroundings and facing the unknown, such as a foreign language, culture and customs.

The story of US citizen Elizabeth Mineman Ellie from Evergreen Park, Illinois and a Bosnian Senahid Saric Senci from Donji Vakuf begins with a completely accidental meeting that not only gives birth to a deep relationship but also sets the stage for a life together that defies conventionality.

Backpack to Croatia

Burnt out from a law firm job and LSAT preparations, Ellie made a life-altering decision to trade the predictable for the unknown – she grabbed her backpack and set off on a solo trip around Europe. Little did she know, this journey would lead to Split, Croatia, and eventually to the love of her life, halfway around the world.

“Just before my trip to Egypt and Jordan, fate intervened in the form of a positive COVID test. After quarantining for 10 days, I found myself – a Type-A traveler accustomed to minute-by-minute itineraries – at a ferry station in Split with no plan. Panic mode set in as the reality of two unexpected weeks unfolded without any predetermined path,” she said.

His “Hi There” was enough

Boarding the first ferry to any island, she landed in Brac, specifically in the quaint port of Supetar. Lonely and anxious about the lack of plans, she stumbled upon a charming restaurant tucked away in an alleyway. Here, in a moment that could only be described as fate, a cheerful voice pierced the silence – “Hi there!” – and she met Senci, the love of her life from Bosnia. The universe, it seems, had their backs from the start.

Cancelling plans to visit Bol, she extended her stay in Supetar, immersing herself in the beauty of the town and of course, getting to know Senci better. What followed was a whirlwind of shared meals, laughter, and a connection that can only be known by two kindred spirits.
“After a week together, I packed my things again and continued my summer of travels – sailing in Greece, dune surfing in Morocco – but thoughts of Senci lingered. I knew there was something special there, and if I let it slip away, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Throwing caution to the wind, I canceled my flight home and booked one back to Split,” Elly said.

Only after they reunited, did they realize that their dreams aligned in ways unimaginable – a shared desire for freedom and a life of adventure. they had both daydreamed about seeing the world and sharing their experiences with people through social media and together, they resolved to turn these dreams into reality. Senci left his job at the restaurant, and their journey as travelling content creators began.

“Starting in Bosnia, Senci's homeland, we explored the beauty of the country, falling in love with its culture, landscapes, and affordability. Bosnia amazed me from the start, a land where every step was adorned with breathtaking landscapes, warm embraces, and a rich tapestry of history. From meeting Senci's welcoming family in Donji Vakuf to marveling at the Bosnian Pyramids in Visoko, from the lively streets of Sarajevo to the majestic mountains of Vlasic, each destination left a mark on our hearts. Travnik, with its soaring castle in the sky, especially cast a spell on us. The historic town, nestled against the backdrop of mountains, felt like a living storybook,” Elly added.

Discovering Balkans

They continued the journey beyond Bosnia and ventured deeper into the Balkans, touring all around Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Slovenia, with its enchanting capital Ljubljana, picturesque Lake Bled, cultural Maribor, and the coastal town of Koper, captivated them with its incredible natural scenery. In Budva, Montenegro, the two enjoyed stunning beaches along the Adriatic coast and reveled in its ancient city walls. Ohrid in North Macedonia, with its UNESCO-listed lake and ancient churches, transported them to a world steeped in history. They hiked the Albanian Alps, which was the catalyst for their love of nature and the outdoors. Tirana, the capital of Albania, impressed us with its vibrant atmosphere and evolving urban scene.

“In Turkey, we checked off so many of our “bucket list” experiences – paragliding, scuba diving, and hot air ballooning – and we officially were living out our dreams of traveling the world and sharing the amazing sights, cultures, and activities with the world on social media. Next, Italy brought a different rhythm, with house-sitting in a mountainous town, immersing ourselves in the “la dolce far niente” culture for 40 days,” she noted.

After being inspired by their trek in the Albanian Alps, the next adventure was the Camino de Santiago – a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain. Choosing the Camino del Norte for its oceanic allure, they embarked on a journey that tested their limits. Blisters, sickness, and physical challenges were met with everyday magic – moments of awe, shared laughter, and the realization that, together, they could overcome anything.

Heart belongs to Bosnia

After the Camino, they had another opportunity to house-sit for a month in a charming, historic town in Germany. From there, they were able to explore the canals of Amsterdam, checking off yet another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“The world unfolded before us, and yet, our hearts called us back to Bosnia. Our travel adventures had scratched our itch for the unknown, but eventually left us craving the familiar embrace of our favorite place. Bosnia, with its mountains, blue rivers, and lush forests, has become the backdrop to our love story. However, the allure went beyond the scenic beauty that greeted us at every turn – it was the people, the cuisine, and the vibrant culture that captured our hearts. The people, kind and encouraging, welcomed us into their world. The delectable cuisine, from burek to cevapi, offered a taste of tradition and homegrown freshness that echoed through every bite. The blend of Islam, Ottoman influence, and Balkan culture created a vibrant tapestry that resonated with us,” Elly stated.

The two chose to put a pause on their travel lifestyle and settle down in Travnik, with its perfect blend of size, charm, and mountainous views. In Travnik, they look outside our window and see the castle on top of the hill. they step outside and the warm, inviting smell of cevapi wafts through the air.

Promoting Bosnia

“Now, we’re sharing our experience living in Bosnia with the world online. Our goal is to shed some light on Bosnia as an underrated destination to travel to, and to show our global audience how beautiful and unique the culture is here. We receive so many messages from people who unfortunately had to move away from Bosnia, and now we are able to share a piece of home with them even while they’re afar. Hearing stories like theirs, and seeing how much people appreciate the representation of their culture and homeland, humbles us, and makes us realize the importance of our work here. It seems, that everything has happened for a reason,” she said.

Their love story, a testament to the unpredictability of life, the magic of chance encounters, and the extraordinary possibilities that arise when we follow our hearts, culminated in Bosnia. In this land of rich culture, warm people, and endless beauty, their journey continues, with every step forward affirming that love knows no boundaries – it is an adventure in itself.