Rakija

Zdravo mis amigos!

Today was a day filled with ups and downs. Actually, all ups except for one down. The only down is that promaja has gotten me, and I woke up with Heat Rash on my legs, arms, neck and chin. It must be a rare form of Promaja, but needless to say, it's awful, so I headed to the Apoteka (pharmacy) this morning with Ana. I love pharmacies in Europe for the general reason as that it cuts your visit to the doctor entirely, and they can prescribe on the spot. What did they prescribe you may ask? A calcium spritzer and topical steroid cream, and I was on the tram to placement and on my way to being cured.

We arrived at placement, and had kafu with Hana and some of the mothers. We started some activities with the kids for group, and then Ana and I met with Hasena and Azra regarding our needs assessment. We discussed plans, and they reviewed the mother's survey. They revised a few things, and we discussed some of the issues with the mothers. What we didn't realize was that there is a lack of awareness, insight and education with some of the mothers regarding their child's disability. A few of the mothers aren't necessarily accepting of their child's disability, and they're still awaiting a "cure", or for them to possibly "grow out of it". This has become another issue that Ana and I can possibly touch upon while here. But Hasena and Azra were very receptive to our plans, and are excited to get this underway. We printed the surveys, and they were in the hands of the mothers before lunch.

Before lunch, Ana, Hana, Nermin and I took many of the kids to the park to play. We played a little volleyball, and carried on with the constant discussion. Daily activities at the centre carried on as normal, with plans for our needs assessment to continue tomorrowa. So Ana and I continue with "free time" with the kids, playing games, having Bosnian lessons, and reading. We left the centre excited and knowing we're on our way in regards to our project.

Tonight, Ana and I met with with Nermin and Hana, (the SLP and Psychologist from Radost Zivota) and it was outstanding. They took us to "Twist Tower", a 35 storey building that overlooks the entire city, which was beautiful, and then took us to a few of their favourite bars, Tito and Celtic. I won't get into great detail cause I need to sleep, but I will explain something very important: Rakija.

As I have previously explained, Promaja is a great issue within the Balkans, but Rakija is considered the common cure. Rakija is a common liquor, made from various foods (often fruits). It is served in a shot glass, and meant to be sipped. Tonight, we tasted walnut, honey, grass and cherry Rakija. Ana, Hana and Nermin explained that Rakija can cure everything from Promaja stiffness or inflammation, to colds and fevers (I'm hoping it'll cure my heat rash). In the Balkans, it is normal that when you have a fever, to soak your socks in Rakija, and put them on. Within no time, your temperature will return to normal. Why haven't the Balkan people sold this curative bottled greatness to the rest of the world? I'm not sure. Again, things in the Balkans remain mysterious, making me want to explore further.

Tonight was a blast, and Ana and I are looking forward to more nights out with Nermin and Hana. It was great to build rapport and get to know our interprofessional colleagues on another level. And of course, I love getting learning about other cultures and traditions. As much as I may laugh when told these stories, I'm intrigued beyond belief. My bed is calling but I promise to update again soon.

Cao!! xoxo