Life together indicator | Potoci

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 Imagine there was water in the pool

_{Author: Mirza Lalić}

Mostar, a cherished city in Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans, and Europe, is known for its abundant sunshine and pleasant climate. It boasts numerous tourist attractions and natural marvels, including lakes, rivers, and mountains. However, one significant element missing from Mostar’s surroundings is a suitable swimming pool. This absence poses a challenge for Lana Pudar, a talented swimmer who is destined to accomplish extraordinary achievements. Unfortunately, Lana has encountered difficulties in Mostar due to the insufficient training facilities, primarily the surprising absence of an Olympic-sized pool.

While it is not a catastrophic situation, the limited availability of recreational pools does make me contemplate this particular aspect. Potoci, on the other hand, is a remarkable place for relaxation and leisure, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling atmosphere of Mostar. It boasts stunning natural landscapes and pristine surroundings, featuring charming brooks and rivers, as well as the magnificent Neretva River and a picturesque lake.

I have cherished memories of my childhood and teenage years, eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. The excitement would build as we looked forward to cooling off and embracing the delights of our local treasures, the Neretva River and the Mostar Lake. Despite scorching temperatures that often exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, and occasionally even reaching 50 degrees, nothing could deter us from our mission to plunge into our beloved “sea” – the affectionate nickname we gave to the river and lake.

We had an absolute blast, immersing ourselves in swimming, indulging in grilling sessions, snacking, and acquiring a sun-kissed tan, just like ćevap sizzling on the barbecue. Nothing could hinder us from inaugurating the swimming season in early June and concluding it in early September, just before the start of the school year.

The most disheartening aspect for us was the realization that in Potoci, there exists a well-constructed and appropriately sized swimming pool that remains unused. I recall a few instances where my friends and I united to organize cleaning initiatives, witnessing even blades of grass pushing through the concrete, all with the aim of motivating the authorities to activate the pool. It would have been an extraordinary asset for the youth in Potoci, guaranteeing success not just for us youngsters eagerly anticipating the summer, but also for tourists, enhancing the area’s tourism prospects.

Unfortunately, our aspirations were met with disappointment. The pool remains unchanged to this day, resembling nothing more than a dug hole filled with cement. When we mentioned “going to the pool” in conversation, it did not imply swimming. Instead, that location served as a meeting point, a gathering spot where we would envision what it would be like if water filled its depths. It became a place where friendships were formed, first kisses were exchanged, and teenage boys and girls engaged in light-hearted banter. Some of us even enrolled in architecture classes, hoping to create a conceptual design for what the pool could potentially become.

The pool in Potoci holds a permanent place in our memories, evoking both joy and sorrow, as it remains an untapped opportunity. Situated in a picturesque and easily accessible location, it is close enough to the community and the city, yet distant enough to offer tranquillity and a sense of escape.

The physical existence of the pool in Potoci serves as a constant reminder of what could have been, but regrettably, it remains dormant and overlooked. It exists now solely in the realm of dreams and imaginations, much like our own nostalgic reminiscences. Presently, the pool no longer acts as a gathering spot. The younger generation has moved on to different destinations, and we will forever cherish the memories of our first kisses, playful escapades, and carefree moments spent there.