From ignorance to inspiration

Who wants to go and listen to someone talk about an obscure Bosnian hotel for an hour? 

 

Lots of people, apparently, since the room for the talk on an obscure Bosnian hotel was packed. And for good reason, since the talk was incredibly interesting.

 

It was a treat to hear Dr. Kenneth Morrison telli anecdotes about several hotels during war/conflict before talking about the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war. For the audience it was fascinating, and for creative writers like myself, the talk was a source of inspiration. The way Dr. Morrison told stories of members of the press in a hotel during these conflicts made it sound almost like a intense movie. 

 

And if my praise still hasn't convinced you, and you're still asking the opening question, then I ask you this: why are you still reading who a blog post about  someone listening to someone else talk about an obscure Bosnian hotel for an hour?

Adil L

Hotels in Hell

The History of the War Hotel was certainly an interesting lecture. Kenneth Morrison talked about the uses of war hotels in times of conflict, and the impact they had on people. A hotel could be a place for strategic/military assets, a place where the press/media could set up base, and a sanctuary for people in general.

It was particularly shocking to find out that the Hotel Europa in Belfast, had the misfortune of being bombed 33 times during 1971-1993. However, this almost caused the place to become a symbol of survival, and the hotel itself employed both Catholics and Protestants.

Grand Hotel, Brighton, was also targeted on one occasion, when Margaret Thatcher was among the guests, in attempt to cripple the government. Five people were killed and thirty-one injured but Mrs Thatcher escaped unhurt.

The Holiday Inn, Sarajevo, known for being painted yellow, was said to have been built on land deemed as “cursed”. It too had its fair share of hell.

Dominique Slatter