Every Girls Dream

So we are into week 4 of 5, and we're not really happy about our little time left. Ana and I have been busy busy working on our project. After a full 2 week needs assessment and collaboration with everyone at the centre, we have finally figured out what we are doing (we think)! It'll be a mish-mash of this and that, creating a package, and educating/presenting the information to the centre on July 29th! We are creating 2 programs (one for the mothers and another for the members), making recommendations regarding behavioural interventions for some of the behavioural issues at the centre, recommendations regarding program structure, and creating a website for the organization. So we have a lot of work to do, but we're having a great time doing it. We're now only going into the centre Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, and focusing the rest of our time at a cafe, doing research, and creating programs, focusing on group theory and practice. Our group for the mothers is on mother education and acceptance of their child's disability, and we're creating a group regarding puberty and sexuality for the members. If anyone has any information regarding any of these topics, PLEASE send them our way! We're totally open to suggestions, research, activities, discussion topics, etc.

The last 2 weeks, Ana and I have been so busy doing our needs assessment, that we're now just spending quality time with the members and mothers. I must say, I missed just hanging out with them, having fun during music therapy, bibliotherapy, art class, group talk and free time. The moms are busy working away on their project, weaving curtains, for a fashion show, but we get to spend time with them over coffee, and while they work. We've tried helping, but we're still considered "guests", but we'll keep trying to help. They really are the most fun and energetic group of individuals (the mothers, members, and professionals), and we continue to leave with nothing but smiles after a good dose of laughter therapy.

Onto more interesting topics...

I feel it is an obligation as a female human being to comment on the toilets in Eastern Europe. Until today, I thought there was 3 types of excretion devices: the traditional toilet, the flushable hole in the ground, and the bidet. Now I know it's every girls dream is to pee standing up, and it is now a reality here in Sarajevo. Let me explain. Ana and I have been spending some significant time working away at Vatra, the single cafe in town that has WiFi. I had been to the bathroom a few times, and in the washroom is a toilet and beside it is what I wrote off as a bidet. Today, Ana came back from the washroom and commented on it, forcing me to go and investigate, proving that it is indeed a long, cylindrical device known as a female urinal. A female urinal you may ask? Yes.. it's true, and there were two 8.5x11 black and white framed photos above the urinal that acted as instructions. The photos were of a woman, who was completely naked (who goes to the washroom--especially in a public space-- completely naked!?), in two various positions. The first photo instructs you to stand directly overtop the urinal, with a slight pelvic thrust, in ready position (ie//knee bend). I'm assuming this is the optimal position, but, as the photos suggest, one can opt for the traditional squat. I'm gearing up the confidence to try this urinal (ie// packing extra clothes for any sudden mishaps), but needless to say, I'm intrigued.

So my friend Cary has arrived in Sarajevo, and I couldn't be more excited to have her here! We've been friends since we were 5, and she has been off in Melbourne for the past 2 years working on her law degree. She was in Geneva completing an intensive course, and she decided to come visit, in attempt to recreate a classier second edition of our crazy European adventures from 3 years ago. She arrived last night, and although I had to do a bunch of work today, we've spent a lot of time catching up, showing her around the city, and of course, exposing her to the wonders of Balkanika. After 4 weeks of intense dedication and exposure to the amazing balkan beats, Ana and I are, what I could only explain as experts on the topic of Balkan pop culture. I know I have commented on Balkanika previously, but with increased exposure over the past few weeks, we have noticed some key themes in comparison to American pop culture. Throughout Canada and America, the music scene is driven by children and teens, infactuated with young pop stars like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers and Justin Beiber (or while I was growing up-- the boy band culture known as N'Sync, BSB, and New Kids on the Block). I feel here, it is the opposite, where music gets better with age. On all the Balkanika we've seen, there hasn't been an exploited child star, but rather Balkan stars bloom in their late 20's and produce amazing tunes into their 50's. It's refreshing, and with a little more practice with the language, I feel that I too, can finally become a star.

Hope everything is well!! Miss you all! xoxo