Beograd i Utorak

Well Ana and I have arrived back in Sarajevo, safe and sound, after a wonderful weekend in Belgrade, Serbia. As you may know, Ana's family is from Belgrade, and they moved to Canada when Ana was 4. All of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins still live in Serbia and the Balkans, so I had the privilege of meeting her Baba (Grandma) on her mom's side, her Baba and Deda (on her Dad's side), her Aunt (Lili), her cousin (Senja), and her Mom (Snezana). Snezana was visiting Belgrade, her family and friends, for a few weeks, and I was so thrilled to be there while she was there. Her whole family were loving, caring, and wonderful people, sharing stories of culture and history with me. We arrived late on Friday night, and talked with Snezana and Baba over ajvar jogurt and some little savory things from the famous pekara (bakery), Toma.


Saturday, Ana and I headed to Ado (a lake in Belgrade) to enjoy a little bibliotherapy and relaxation in the hot sun. We then headed back to the apartment, by taking our time walking through the streets of Belgrade. We had dinner with her mom, and then we surprised Lili (Ana's aunt) who was arriving home after vacation in Turkey. She didn't know Ana was going to be there, and boy was she excited. After chatting with Lili, Snezana and Baba, Ana and I headed to her cousin, Sanja, family's cafe, to catch the end of the consolation final of World Cup, between Germany and Uruguay. Being the Canadian that I am, I was rooting for the underdogs (who put up at great fight) but they were defeated by Germany. We hung out at had some drinks at the cafe with Sanja and her friend Jelena, and then headed to the river. Belgrade is situated where the Sava and Danube rivers meet, and the nightclubs are unique as they are floating clubs right on the river. We had a lot laughs, the music was great, and it was a different experience to feel the club rock and sway as the club got busier and louder. You had to be careful when putting your drink down, and it was best to have a few sips of a full glass as a precaution against spillage.


The next day, Ana and I headed to her Baba and Deda's house for a morning visit. Her grandparents are lovely, and hilarious. Her Deda speaks fantastic English, and I was able to communicate a few phrases with her Baba in English and Serbian. We had a great visit, and then Ana and I headed into the city to explore the sights. We headed to Kalemegdan Park via the pedestrian walkways of the centre, lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors. Kalemegdan Park is an old perserved fortress, overlooking the Sava and Danube rivers below, dating back as early as the 1st century. It is a collective mix of Roman ruins, Turkish and Austrian/Hungarian walls, towers, and structures making up the oldest part of Belgrade, and currently a park occupied by elderly chess players, musicians, performers, friends, tourists and couples in love.

After spending only a day in Europe, it's not hard to observe that parks are the PDA (public display of affection) hotspots of any city. Most Europeans live at home until they're married, and parks are seen as a great place to get some loving. So needless to say, the days are hot and the nights are warm, and the couples were seen out and about in full force.

Kalemegdan Park was beatiful, with lots to see, and then Ana and I headed back home to shower and get ready for the nights festivities. We had some dinner that her aunt prepared (that was AMAZING-- I'll comment on the food later!), and then headed out to watch the World Cup Final, Spain vs Netherlands. We found an outdoor cafe that was playing the game, had some beers, and watched (in my opinion) the slowest, most uneventful 120 minutes of midfield keep away. Although I was very happy with the outcome of the game (VIVA ESPANA!!!), it was lacking the excitement of fantastic attacks, shots, saves and defense that should have occurred in a World Cup final game. Anyways, long game short, Spain won, and that's all that matters!! We then went back to Kalemegdan park, to a cafe/pub that had a live band, had some drinks and wasted the night away. The band, however, were amazing, and we could have listened to them for HOURS (well- we did haha). We met 2 of the most interesting fools on our walk home, who were strange, yet hilarious. We found our new friends entertaining, and like all European males, they walked us home, to ensure our safety and enjoy our company.

Monday, we woke up early, and explored the city for the morning, enjoying the last little bit of Belgrade before getting on our 7 hour bus ride home. Lili and Snezana fed us one last amazing homecooked meal before our trip, and we waved goodbye to them, as our bus took off, and our "workday" began. Ana and I then engaged in discussion about the survey's and interviews that we have completed with the mothers and members, and then came up with a loose framework for our interviews that we'll conduct this week with Nermin, Hana, Olga, and Silva (the professionals at the centre), and then different questions with Hasena and Azra (the co-founders). Once we finished our "workday", we were entering the mountainous zones of Serbia, and the natural beauty continued until the sunset, and we arrived in Sarajevo.

This morning, we arrived at the centre for 9am, and were warmly greeted by Hana. We had morning coffee with her, and caught up regarding our weekend festivities. We also discussed where we're at with our project, and how everything is going. We decided that our interviews with Hana and Nermin will be away from the centre, so it doesn't take away from therapy/group time. I'm not sure if a needs assessment over pivo (beer) is allowed in Canada, but they suggested it, so Ana and I are deeming it culturally appropriate, and we're planning to meet up one night this week to interview as professionals, followed by a fun night with good friends.

The centre is always filled with unpredictable events, and we never know what each day will bring. Today, again, was one of those days. Ana and I managed to get almost all the remainder of our interviews completed, shuffling around to different corners and rooms in the centre, struggling to find a quiet place to interview some of the more complex individuals. Over morning coffee, Hana informed Ana and I that one of the members had fallen on her face pretty horribly, knocked out a few teeth, scraped her gums, and isn't doing too well. Hasena then received news that her sister-in-law had gone to emergancy, but they couldn't find her. Olga's daughter and son-in-law paid the centre a visit in the afternoon. Olga's daughter is a pediatrician, and her husband is a pediatric neurologist, and they are visiting from Germany. They apparently do some consultation with the centre, and do annual "check ups" with the members. So although there were some tears shed today, the members and mothers came together for eachother, and the laughter, chatter and banter ensued over afternoon coffee. I managed to contribute 3 new sentences to coffee this afternoon, which was praised and I was congratulated, and forced to repeat for those who didn't hear me the first time. The Mothers then said that I now need to find a husband, and stay in Sarajevo forever! We came to an agreement that I just need to stay in contact, and never forget about them. Even with the dementia that runs in my family, I swear I will never forget my time here. Each and every person puts a smile on my face, and I'm always happy and excited to go to placement every morning.

Although Ana and I do most of our own cooking here in our apartment, the food in the region is so simple, yet delicious. I don't know what it is, but the food is so fresh and doesn't require spice or sauce. Ana and I often just have salad with a little olive oil, or we through chicken and vegetables into a pan, pop it in the oven, and it comes out as the greatest meal! It was similar as the meals that Snezana and Lili cooked us in Belgrade. So simple, so healthy, yet so delicious. I guess something can be said for quality ingredients. I have learned the essentials are garlic, onion and olive oil.

But I should get going. I bought a Bosnian magazine today, and I'm going to go attempt to read it. It may take me 2 weeks, but I'm determined, with the help of my dictionary and Ana, to get through it. Wish me luck!

xoxo

Balkan Express

Cao Friends!
I’m writing as I’m on a bus (the "Balkan Express") making a 7.5-hour trek to Belgrade, Serbia for the weekend. The “highways” are narrow and winding through the beautiful luscious green, mountainous countryside. Periodically we’ll pass a small town, or a bus stop in the middle of nowhere, and pick up or drop off passengers along the way. We’ve passed through hundreds of small farming towns nestled in the mountain valleys, or villages built into the mountainside. Steep cliffs with rives and lakes running through it, and fisherman attempting to catch tonight’s dinner. I’m in awe of the pristine beauty, and that as a roadside observer, appear to be 100 years behind the times. Ana and I are off to visit her family in Belgrade this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited. A place filled with different culture, sights, sounds, and people- just my cup of tea.

The past two days, Ana and I have been busy at the centre, conducting interviews with the members. They were semi-structured interviews, based on the COPM (addressing self-care, productivity and leisure) to find common trends, wants, needs, themes and gaps between members, but also addressing Radost Zivota; how it helps them and what can be improved. We have been interviewing the people that we see daily, that participate in the program (that they call workshops—a mix of art, music, sports, excursions, motor development, and socializing). There are members that we have only met once or twice, that attend for 1 on 1 therapy with Hana, Nermin, Silva or Olga. We have been collecting valuable information, but our uncertainty regarding our project is still at the max. I think our biggest difficulty is that the members that attend workshop daily are the same group of about 20-30 individuals ranging in age from 10-39, ranging in diagnosis from autism to cerebral palsy, from learning disabilities to psychiatric conditions. Some individuals have no insight into their disability, while others have insight, fully understand their disability, yet have the greatest perspective. Disability seems to be something of a mystery around here, and not really openly talked about—especially learning disabilities or cognitive impairments. We know that a few of the members didn’t receive proper intervention or prevention during the war, and then they seemed to fall to the wayside post-war due to the large number of other social and medical issues the country was dealing with. Some individuals have parents that do everything for them, while others lost their parents in the war. Radost Zivota does the most amazing job operating on a zero budget, but the raw truth is that they function from grant to grant, scraping by on pennies. The centre itself is far too small the number of people that attend, and would probably be considered a fire hazard in Canada to have that many people in such a small space. It’s apparent that all of the members could benefit from individual therapy, but our goal is to impact the collective community. So whatever Ana and I suggest has to cost nothing, can’t require lots of space, and impacts a spectrum of individuals. So far, apparent themes that could be addressed are: sexuality and disability, self-care needs, activities that promote independence, self-esteem building, disability awareness, and life skills (mainly cooking, and transportation). We’ll be continuing our needs assessment next week with more interviews, and some focus groups. I’ll be updating with more findings, but we’re always open to suggestions, so please feel free to comment!!

So Ana and I have now been in Sarajevo for 2 weeks, and we’re getting are adjusting just nicely. It’s sad to think that we only have 3 weeks left, but excited for the adventure to come. We’re getting more comfortable walking and running in the streets. We still get stared at while running, as if we had 3 eyes, but I don’t think that’s going to change. I’m starting to comprehend the slightly organized chaos that is European driving. People are really good at laying on the horn around here, and I can now distinguish between a friendly hello, and road rage. Driving appears to be a mastered skill, but I’m surprised we don’t see more accidents. It still worries me that motorists don’t wear helmets (even small children), and people don’t wear seatbelts in the backseats of cars. I managed to go to a stand, and buy an onion independently the other day (woo hoo!), and I’m able to understand some words and phrases embedded within speech. Hana, Nermin, Ana and the kids are great at teaching me vocabulary. Hana and Nermin started teaching me “key” phrases one should know (mostly slang haha), while Ana remains my lifeline and greatest teacher of all, celebrating my small successes. I think her brain wants to explode some days constantly engaged in one language or another. My frustration with not understanding the world around me or being able to express myself is driving me nuts!! There’s only so many times you can ask someone how they are, what they’re doing, how they slept, or randomly spurt out simple vocab words regarding your surroundings. How productive is it if you were trying to engage in conversation with someone who can just say “chair, table, window, sky, cloud, sun, eye, nose, hair, milk, coffee, peach” and then counts from 1-10 (although I ensure you, I know more words than that). I can also be seen attempting to speak Spanish, just because it’s the foreign language I do now, and when English doesn’t work, I may as well try option #2. Needless to say, I’m gaining a huge lesson on how much we rely on verbal communication.

Balkanika song of the day is a Romanian beat... needless to say, it's unreal! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv8nGq-XMQM&feature=PlayList&p=DD201CFC3AE0ECA9&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=4

Well, we’re in Belgrade now settled in with Ana's amazing family! Her mother is the nicest lady, her Grandma is adorable and I'm excited to meet the rest of her family! So I'll update after the weekend! I miss you all, and I hope you all have a great weekend! BC’ers, enjoy the summer weather you’re finally getting! Ontario, try to stay cool from the heat wave! And to the rest of you, just enjoy whatever is coming your way!! xoxo

Kako Ste Spavali?

Hola mis amigos! Today was the day of our excursion to the spring! Ana and I arrived at the centre to have Kafa with Hana, Nermin and Sylva at one of the cafe's infront of the centre. Sylva, one of the defectologists, is the sweetest woman, but boy can she talk! Her speech is on overdrive, and even though we don't understand eachother, she talks to me as if we did.

When you examine the buildings surrounding and throughout Sarajevo, you'll see bullet holes and/or damage from granades or shells exploding. Some buildings are barely a standing frame of rubble. Many abandonned houses and buildings have signs warning people that they're unsafe to go inside. Sylva explained to Ana and I this morning that she's lucky to be alive, because she was in her apartment when a granade landed, and the explosion caused so much debris that it could have killed her. She then showed us her scars on her shoulder from that explosion. It's scary to think this was only a few years ago. In Canada, we seem so removed from war. We hear about it on TV, read about it in books, study about it for a history exam, and of course, remember those who have fought for our country. But it's a different reality here. It is eye opening to talk to people in their 20's who have lived through a war. Or individuals who's parents snuck them out of the country to live with distant relatives until the country became safe again. Or people that have lost one or more parent or loved ones during the war. But people still walk with a bounce in their step, a cheer in their voice, love in their hearts, with promise for a better tomorrow. This is Sylva to a "T". She is fantastic, and has so much love that she shares with the kids, Ana, I, Hana, Nermin and the Mothers. She is non-stop talk, and non-stop love. I sometimes wish she'd slow down so I could try to understand!

An observation Ana and I have made is that Bosnian's have a general concern for one another's sleep. Every morning, whenever you see someone (a friend, the kids, a stranger on the tram, a person in the street, or a Mother at the centre), you always exchange "Dobro Jutro" (Good Morning), "Kako si?" (How are you?) immediately followed by "Kako ste spavali?" (How did you sleep?). I've never, in my life, been asked so many times "How did you sleep?". It's awesome.

So back to the day...we left the centre around 9:15, and we took the tram to the last stop. We then walked for about 20 minutes and we met with some of the other Mothers and Kids who live on that side of town. The Mothers left the kids with us, and they stayed at the cafe. We walked for another 30 minutes or so to get into this park. It was beautiful though, and it was nice to be nestled in with nature again. There are tons of meandoring streams, with waterfalls, and bridges built over. We stopped for lunch at they small huts, and then carried on exploring the park. Again, it was fun getting to know the kids outside of the centre, talking about past experiences and their likes/dislikes. It was also wonderful to be out of the cramped centre, having space to explore and it didn't feel like everyone was yelling. We still shared lots of laughter, and stories in any combination of languages. The weather managed to cooperate, and the sun was shining throughout most of the day. Needless to say, we were all happy-go-lucky.

The group of us from Radost Zivota enjoying the park!

It was so beautiful! The water was crystal clear, and their were tons of mini waterfalls with bridges over the waterways.

Talk about accessible washrooms! Toilet transfer anyone? Ha ha. (Welcome to Eastern Europe)

The girls taking it easy in the shade!

Group shot of us just hanging out!

When Ana and I arrived home from the excursion, we were quite exhausted. We had a quick nap, then continued to work and brain storm regarding our needs assessment. We're starting the interviews with the kids tomorrow, and I think we're now prepared. I feel like even though we prepare everything, nothing really goes according to plan. We'll run all of our questions by Hasena when we arrive at the centre in the morning, and hopefully get going.

I'm happy to announce that SPAIN BEAT GERMANY!!! Woo hoo!!! For all you world cup fans (and those who aren't), Spain is in the finals versus the Netherlands. Tonights game was super exciting and fun (even though Spain dominated the field), and the atmosphere in the streets of Sarajevo was wonderful. I love Europeans love for football. Ana and I are headed to Belgrade this weekend to visit her family, so we will be intently watching from there. I hope they have as good of an environment as they do here in Sarajevo.

I'd like to give a bit of intro into the Balkanika song of the day. It's called "6" by our good friend, Tony Storaro. Whenever Tony's videos make an appearance on Balkanika, Ana and I get excited. Not only for his Balkan beats, but also his dance moves, fist pumps, and lack of facial expression. We have fallen in love with "6" for the mere fact that the video is so horrible, it's awesome. It goes against all of my values about exploiting women as objects, but it's Tony. In Canada, generally when you see a good looking guy or girl, some people would rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Here in the Balkans, the scale is out of 5. Tony gives the fish looking girl with fake everything, a 6. It really is love at first sight. I hope you enjoy it for all that it is. If you can't, feel free to laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLXkTlc0ml0

I hope you all sleep well. xoxo

Learning Curve

We headed into the centre today, with great plans to complete an activity with the "kids" as apart of our needs assessment. We asked them to draw/write where they see their lives in the future, regarding all aspects of their lives (self-care, productivity, leisure, ya know, classic COPM). Reflecting on it now, it wasn't the greatest activity, and we realized that these kids need more structure and direction to complete abstract concepts. We got drawings of houses, flowers, nature, and instruments. Included were some sentences regarding wanting to live in Sarajevo, the mountains, owning a recording studio, and one young adult would like to marry me. Unfortunately, these weren't exactly the type of ideas we were hoping to get. So we worked with Hana on reworking some of our next steps. We need more structured type interviews/surveys/focus groups with the kids, with very goal directed questions. We have to do our needs assessments in smaller groups, because sometimes there can be 20 people in and out of the smallest closet of a room, with people yelling, laughing, talking, crying, tantruming, which even I find distracting. We also realized that the kids don't have concepts of time. Majority of them can't differentiate between a week from now, a month, a year or 5 years from now. So Ana and I worked this afternoon on a few different options reworking our needs assessment. It is also difficult because of the wide range of ages at the association, and they are generally altogether, doing the same activities. So doing a needs assessment with a 10 year old is much different than adults in their 30's. We weren't expecting many people in their late 20's and 30's. But we're OTs; we can adapt and we will.

Tomorrow we're all going on an excursion to a spring (the start of the river that runs through Sarajevo). The centre has been planning this excursion since we arrived, so it should be good. Any trip with the association will be wonderful, and I'm certain it will be filled with smiles and laughter the whole day through. Promaja is punishing me with my heat rash, and I'm still super itchy. The weather today has been on drugs, with a combination of sunce (sunshine) with not a cloud to be seen, to torrential downpour in matter of moments. I hope it smartens up for tomorrow, but isn't too hot so this darn rash stops. I feel I'm on the mend, and with positive thoughts, I'll be back to normal in no time. Moral of the story, don't' doubt promaja.

Today was the first time I ventured out and about in the city alone (without my trusty-sidekick, Ana, or a friend), and boy was it an adventure. My goal: to get to this book store I saw a few days ago, and see if they have an English/Bosnian pocket dictionary. You'd think English/Bosnian would be pretty standard considering this is Bosnia, and English is one of the most common languages in the world. How eurocentric of me, I know. But it's easier to find Italian/Bosnia, French, Slovakian, Russian, Japanese, but no English. Unless I'd like to purchase a massive encyclopedia sized monster, it's been impossible... until today. Today I went to the Knjiga (which I mistakenly call Ninjas cause it's easier), and found a not-so-pocket sized dictionary. I was pretty excited, but would need to purchase Men's XL cargo pants to have this dictionary in a pocket. I think they should rename pocket dictionaries to miniature, or petite dictionaries. But maybe that's just me. While I was in the reference section of the bookstore, I got approached by a man in his late 30's, early 40's. As I'm holding my English/Bosnian dictionary, he begins speaking to me in Bosnian. I'm pretty sure the confused look on my face (or the blond hair/blue eyes) allowed him to assume that I'm a foreigner. I muttered a few things in Bosnian, and he then started speaking to me in broken English, and being Canadian, I obviously attempted to carry on a conversation. After exchange of social niceties (where you from, what are you doing here, yada yada yada), I was expecting to be on my merry way to purchase my dictionary and continue exploring the city, but he demanded that I go for coffee with him. I politely said that I was to meet up with a friend shortly (a white lie. I was to meet up with Ana at 6-6:30, but it was only about 4:50), and tried to leave. He said even 15 minutes is enough time, and I started to get the heebie jeebies, so I then went and perused the children's section, carefully reading Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hanzel and Gretel, pretending I was interested in books I've read a thousand times in English, but can't understand most words in Bosnian. I thought I was in the clear, and purchased my dictionary, and went to leave, and there he was. He asked if he could call me, and I said I didn't have a phone (truthfully, I don't). He asked what way I was going, and he said he was going in the same direction and would walk me to where I was meeting my friend. I then faked, and said I got my directions wrong (I have a geography major, this never happens), turned and walked in the other direction quickly, waving cao! Maybe it's the Canadian in me, I just have a hard time being mean, and I am my Mother's daughter, and will talk to strangers. My next Bosnian lessons will need to be more aggressive goodbyes and dismissals.

After walking about 10 minutes in the opposite direction of where I needed to go, I turned around, and walked back taking in the city, it's sights, sounds, and people. There were thousands of people out and about, having coffee with colleagues, shopping with friends, or having a drink with lovers. I love people watching in any city, and making up histories for what is going on within certain situations. I must have got caught up in all of this, but didn't realize that the darkest clouds rolled in (almost instantly), and torrential downpour started. Of course I don't have an umbrella, and just bought a small dictionary that won't protect me from anything. So I naturally took cover under one of the shop's awning, hoping for it to pass. Of course, it didn't for about 60 minutes. I was lucky to make a new friend, who joined me under the awning in refuge from the rain for a minute or two. She immediately started speaking to me in English, and we talked for a bit. I realized that she's from Montenegro, studying Law in Sarajevo. She had an umbrella, and offered to walk me home (she asked where abouts in the city I was living, and I said 3 minutes away), and she then insisted on walking me home so I didn't get any more drenched than I already was. She was very nice, and the first person I've met from Montenegro. I hope to see her again, and repay my thanks. But that was about the extent of our day. We did more work on the project, made dinner, and watched Netherlands beat Uruguay in the city centre. It was another one of those very interesting days!

Balkanika song of the day is a traditional Balkanika song, from the 90's. This is the roots of Balkanika, and we still hear it when we're out and about, and everyone seems to know the words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e25_3FuQWHg

And I leave you with some photos of yesterday... our adventures with Hana and Nermin.

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

Sloga

Zdravo friends!

Well Ana and I have now been in Sarajevo for over a week, and everyday my heart is warmed by the city and it's people. So where to start... I guess with Thursday night. So we met with Adi and Mehmed in the town square, and we walked and talked to Sloga, a night club in about 10 minutes away. Sloga, meaning unity, togetherness, or getting along, was a huge night club with two main floors. I'm also certain we were one of very few foreigners there. They decided to bring us there because its amazing and has live music Thursdays and Saturdays. Knowing about Ana and I's love for Balkanika, they knew we'd oblige. So we had drinks, talked and listened to the music. The band was one of their favourites, and they were fantastic. Although I didn't understand the lyrics, the beat and the bands stage presence was amazing! After the band finished, we just danced and hung out to a mix of Balkanika, house, and old school favourites. Adi and Mehmed were hilarious, genuine, and lots of fun to hang out with. They walked Ana and I home, with plans for the 4 of us to hang out again in the future. It's great having local friends, because they show you a side of the city that you wouldn't see otherwise.

Friday morning, Ana and I arrived at the centre, and had a long, hilarious Kafu with Hana and Nermin, talking about their experiences with the centre and life in Bosnia, all of our weekend plans, our plans for Monday (which will apparently according to Nermin will consist of a mix of beer and culture), and my pop vocabulary quiz, which pretty much consisted of me listing all the words I remembered from the day before. They are both heading out of town this weekend, to visit their perspective home towns. When the kids arrived, we went to the park and played games. The weather has become beautiful now, and is 30+ degrees and sunny daily. I am loving the sunshine and heat, but I'm still adapting, so I can be seen sweating during most daily activities. But we had fun at the park, until Jasmin (the president of PT federation) came and met us to have a kafu and talk/collaborate about rehab issues at SOS and Bosnia in general. He is honestly the kindest individual with the greatest intentions to make the world a better place. We went to "Cafe Borat", a cafe (kafic) across the street from Radost Zivota. We talked with Jasmin for about 1.5 hours, and we could have talked with him for hours. We talked alot about the future directions for UFFBIH (PT federation of BiH), ideas for SOS, new theories in OT, Community-based Rehab, and the History of Bosnia. We are to meet up with Sanela to further discuss issues. With Sanela being Bosnia's only OT, I'm sure she'll be fascinating to talk to.

When we got back to the centre, and we joined the group in free time, which consisted of colouring, games, Bosnian/English lessons, and general banter with lots of laughter regarding promaja, English/Bosnian differences, and general fun. But today, we started to see some behavioural issues come alive in some of the kids. The Mother's were really busy all day with their project for the fashion show, and Nermin works till 1, and Hana left at 2, and it seemed like everything fell apart, but it was good for Ana and I to see so and gave us a little more depth and understanding some of the difficulties that they face. It also guided Ana and I's creation of the needs assessment, and the beginnings of project ideas, especially regarding program development, stability and structure for these kids. Ana and I had missed lunch while we were out for coffee with Jasmin, and were wanting to eat our arms off by 2 o'clock. With our drop in blood sugar, and when behaviours got wild at the centre, our patience was stretched and tested. We left the centre around 3, and there was the Brasil vs Netherlands game on at 4. So we went to a cafe, had some pizza and watched the game. We were exhausted post-game, and went home for siesta prior to the 8:30 game. Little did we know, we were so tired that we fell into mini-comas and almost missed the Ghana vs Uraguay game. We ended up watching the game at home, and missing out on Sarajevo's World Cup Fever.

World Cup Fever has hit Sarajevo, and the energy is amazing. Throughout the city, there are hundreds of little cafes that have patios that fill the streets. For World Cup, the cafe's have large flat screen TVs set up so that the games can be watched, and crowds and crowds of people come together to watch and cheer on their favourite teams. Watching World Cup games are fun, but watching it with thousands of crazy football fans is entertaining. It's sad that the tournament is coming to an end.

If I haven't mentioned before, I'm loving this city. Being busy at the centre, and getting adjusted to life in Bosnia, we haven't had a ton of time for exploring. And I've been busy blogging more about our experiences than the actual city itself. But, needless to say, this city is beautiful, and with some weekend adventure, we're getting to know and love it's eclectic combination of decrepit and new, turkish and european, muslim, catholic and orthodox. There are plenty of Mosques, Cathedrals, and Orthodox churches. The stari grad (old town) and centar (centre of town) are all pedestrian only zones, filled with nooks and crannies lined with bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops selling everything from antiques to purses and bags to jewelery to dvds to designer clothing. Over the weekend, we spent much time exploring the city The city is closely nestled in the surrounding mountains, and the river runs through the city. It's a shame that it's unsafe to hike the surround mountains (due to the numerous landmines), but Ana and I managed to find a fortress up on the hill that overlooks the city. So we walked uphill, winding through the beautiful, unknown city streets, to get to the fortress, and when we arrived at the top, it was a beautiful and peaceful oasis removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has become our new favourite spot, and we returned today (Sunday), to read, and work on our needs assessment in the warm sun.

An amazing Balkan delicacy that Ana has introduced me to is "Ajvar". Ajvar is what I consider to be the healthy soulfood of the Balkans (I'm not sure what they think, but I'm pretty sure most people would agree), and Ana and I eat it on a daily basis (for either breakfast, lunch, dinner or light snack). It's similar in texture to antipasta or vegetable spread, but consists of roasted red peppers, eggplant and garlic, mashed together with lemon juice and olive oil. Each Balkan country appears to claim fame to the amazing Ajvar, and really I don't care who invented it, I'm just glad I now know about it. I will definately be bringing a few jars back to Canada with me.

The rest of our weekend was enjoyed in the sun, either watching World Cup, having Kafu or drinks, patio hopping, exploring the city, finishing up our needs assessment, listening to Balkanika, making friends, laundry, and photodocumenting our experiences.

This week should be another week of interesting joys, and challenges. We're beginning our needs assessment, which will include survey's with the mothers, activities with the kids, interviews with Hasena and Azra (the co-founders), Hana, Nermin, Olga and Sylva, and focus groups with the mothers and the kids.

I'll leave you with the Balkanika song of the day (warning, it may change your life haha):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQs_m4UOl7Y

I miss you all, and hope you're all happy and healthy, and avoiding the risks of promaja!
Oh, and Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you!
xoxo

Promaja

Everyday gets better and better at Radost Zivota (Joy of Life). Today, I learned a lot of Bosnian vocab, Balkan myths, and much much more. My face hurts from laughing so much. The energy in the centre is full of joy and love, and everybody is loud and genuine. We arrived at 9 for morning kafu with Hana and some of the mothers. The kids arrived around 9:40, and we started by playing the longest game of "čovječe ne ljuti se" or in Engleski, Don't get Angry Man, which is the Balkan version of "Sorry!". I am now proffecient in counting from 1-6 in Bosnian, but I am able to count to ten. For those of you who are interested:
1= Jedan (Ye-dan)
2= Dva
3= Tri (tree)
4= četiri (Che-tree)
5= Pet
6= šest (Shest)
7= Sedam
8= Osam (rhymes with awesome, O-some)
9=Devet
10= Deset

The game took approximately 1.5 hours, but of course it wasn't just playing, we were talking (or I was guesturing and smiling), laughing, making jokes and building rapport. We then did some group art with Olga (the art teacher/defectologist) and we did a group drawing of a city. We exchanged languages regarding colours, and casual banter continued between the group while drawing. This continued until Ana, myself, Nermin and Hana were called to lunch with the Mothers. Lunch normally consists of anything they have lying around. Previous lunches we've had chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, bread, and cream cheese. Today we had bread, chicken pate, cream cheese, yogurt (which is thinned, plain yogurt that you drink... and it's amazing), eurocreme (similar to Nutella or Nocilla), and Burek (homemade cheese and meat ones). Over lunch we were all laughing about one thing or another (whether it be something someone did or said, to a story someone is telling), and I'm starting to understand more little by and little, with some help from Ana. Hana (psychologist) and Nermin (SLP) are hilarious and around our age, and Ana and I have officially become friends with them. We are all going out on Monday for dinner, watch Fudbal (World Cup) and "drink beer, lots of beer" (Nermin, 2010). It is exciting to have friends, because although people in Sarajevo are really friendly and helpful, it's has been a challenge making friends (especially considering nobody speaks English).

After lunch, we went back to the group, and we had group discussion, and we decided to give everyone Canadian/English names, in honour of Canada Day (Happy Canada Day to ALL!!!). We were all laughing hysterically. Then they decided to give us Bosnian names. Ana became Ajkuna (I-kuna), and I was Dzevida (Je-vida).

I was then informed about Promaja, or The Draft, and other crazy Balkan fables. So, the weather here hasn't been as hot as it normally is in the summer (it's only about 25, when normally it's 35), but it's still warm out and Ana and I wear sandals to placement. Today, Suada (one of the Mother's) said in Bosnian "You shouldn't expose your feet in this weather, or your you'll get inflammation of the ovaries". Ana, being Serbian, has heard these before, but I almost fell over laughing. And then I was introduced to the rest of these crazy fables that are serious because everyone knows a friend of a friend of a friend that this has happend to:

1. Wet Hair: If you leave the house with wet hair (no matter how hot/cold it is outside) you will get inflammation of the brain.

2. Wet Bathing Suit: If you go swimming, and if your bathing suit doesn't dry before the sun goes down and you leave it on, you will get inflammation of the ovaries and/or kidneys.

3. Sitting on Concrete: If you sit on a curb or concrete block without placing a towel/blanket down first, you will get inflammation of ovaries and/or kidney's.

And last but not least (prepare yourself):

4. Promaja (The Draft): We have been at the centre for 4 days now, and I always thought we closed the door in the group room as a sound barrier. Boy, was I wrong. We close the door to protect ourselves from promaja (the number one killer of the Balkan people). Never, under any circumstances do you expose yourself to a draft. You are not supposed to have a door and window open at the same time, because this will create a draft and promoja will get you. Common symptoms of promaja are full body stiffness or a cold. More serious side effects of promaja would be your mouth permanently shifting to one side, inflammation of any body part, or death. People are known to change seats on the tram, or move spontaneously in rooms, because they fear promaja, and honestly, it is a big fear of the Balkans. So I warn you my friends and loved ones, protect yourselves before promaja gets you too.

Crazy enough, that wasn't the end of our day. Over afternoon Kafu, we were introduced to Adi and Mehmed, Suada's nephews or brothers (unsure based on translation), who specifically came to the centre today to meet us. Based on conversations and events, Ana is thinking that the Mother's are conspiring to set us up with Adi and Mehmed. Considering we've been at the centre for 4 days, and haven't met anyone that can speak English (other than Hi, How are you? and Bye Bye), I said to Ana "I love to watch grown men drink kafu from the smallest espresso cup", and then Mehmed looked at me, and had another sip of his kafu with a pinch grasp on handle, and pinky up and then laughed at me. So lesson learned, they understand English, and actually speak pretty well but are just afraid to do so.

So this afternoon, Ana and I (more Ana, than I) ran an English class, and I started my personal Bosnian/English dictionary (considering it doesn't exist in this country). Adi and Mehmed joined us, and the kids, and we had a blast. Adi added the following words to my dictionary (in this order): bowling, beer, street, car, drink, soul, mouth, party, "crazey", and ball. Based on those words alone, I know we're going to be friends forever. They then asked us to go for a drink with them tonight, and considering Ana and I don't have many friends, we obviously said yes. When the Mother's got word of this, they laughed, giggled, continued to conspire and talk behind closed doors (you know, promaja). Tomorrow's kafu will sure be interesting.

Life in Bosnia continues to get better and better and more and more interesting. Our first week of rapport building and getting to know everyone at Radost Zivota is coming to an end, and next week, we'll be starting our needs assessment, and working with the centre to create some sort of program.

I miss you all, and Happy Canada Day to you all!! xoxo