Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Sarajevo - Day 9

Things have still been going pretty well here. I have made contact with some really interesting women's orgnaizations. Also, I have been finding some really great hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I went to the fancy mall yesterday since I had heard so much about it and it was really fancy. The food court had a stand that sold cup corn which was very much like elotes, but it had garlic and pepper added and didn't have the cream. I also found a place showing Stanley Cup playoffs while walking around the old town, so last night I watched some hockey while drinking a Sarajevsko beer (http://www.sarajevska-pivara.ba/index.php?user=06928d79a6cb133f9115addbba199ad7&lang=E). I was also able to find an inexpensive duffel in which I can bring back the many books and materials given by different organizations visited. I did not think of that at all when I came up with the carry-on only strategy. Still, the bag was significantly cheaper than mailing the things would have been and it would have been really hard to lug all of it around in the airports.

Overall the trip has been going really well and I am LOVING my hostel! If anyone out there is planning on heading to Sarajevo, stay at the Hostel Ferhadija (http://www.hostel-ferhadija.com.ba/). It is in the middle of the old town, the family that owns it is extremely friendly, and I have been getting amazing sleep! I cannot emphasize how great it is. With that said, I had better get up and get my day started. Only a week left here and so much to do, including potential trips to either Mostar, Zenica, or both.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sarajevo - Day 7

I have returned from Brčko and have settled in my hostel. It's pretty awesome! Tonight I should catch up on notes and be prepared for the coming week. I am still debating a trip to Tuzla, Zeniza, or Mostar but we will see what happens in the coming week.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Brčko - Day 1

The last few days in Sarajevo have been extremely productive! In addition to meetings, I also got to have my first doner from Mac Doner's (logo can be seen at http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/logo/mac-doner) and generally been trying as many new things as possible. We had an opportunity to come up to Brčko, and we are now here. It was a beautiful drive and the city is very nice. I haven't been able to do many updates, but I am making sure instead that I am getting enough rest. In the coming days hopefully I will be able to further update you all.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sarajevo - Day 3

Today was another productive day meeting with members of different organizations. I had my first bosanska kafa (Bosnian coffee) and it was pretty tasty, though I'm pretty sure I got the specifics of when/how to add sugar, eat the Turkish delight, etc. wrong. Still, very nice and very strong! I also had a nice Bosnian dish for supper that was a stew of sorts served with bread. Between meeting all the great people here and learning my way around the city, I have been very busy. Tomorrow promises to be another busy day, and that is definitely a good thing!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Sarajevo - Day 2

Today was a productive day filled with NGO meetings, more good food, and finding socks to replace the ones I forgot to bring. Note to anyone traveling to Sarajevo: do not forget your black socks! Also, apparently never underestimate how cold it can get in May. I am so glad I was prompted to bring my jacket! Tonight will be spent on notes and preparation for tomorrow's many meetings. If I have time later I may post some photos from yesterday's excursions. Overall though a good day, despite the cold, and I am really looking forward to tomorrow!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sarajevo - Day 1

I will be posting updates here regarding my time in Sarajevo and surrounding areas (should opportunities arise), just as I did during the Spring 2010 Practicum at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Be sure to stay tuned!

I actually arrived in Sarajevo yesterday, after a flight connecting from Lincoln to Chicago to London to Munich and finally to Sarajevo. It was a surprisingly nice flight! I met up with UNL faculty member Dr. Patrice McMahon to get situated in the city, and she introduced me to a delicious Bosnian dish during supper. There was a salad of cucumber and tomato covered in cheese that was amazing and a very tasty pita bread filled with sausage. I am certainly going to have my share of red meat here! After a good night's rest, and because many NGOs are not operating on Sundays, I took time today to learn how to get around town and see several historic sites. The rest of today is going to be spent organizing the specifics of the visit and preparing for interviews.