Well, a lot has been going on since I've last written. Let's do the frustrating part first then go into the fun stuff.
So this apartment fiasco has been just that, a fiasco. Basically, I didnt like the apartment that my internship set up for me for numerous reasons (not close to work, expensive, no real bed, etc) and I wanted to get out of the contract that they had signed for me. Well, that didn't go as planned. I had a few bad interactions with different people at Gariwo and then Wednesday was my first day of work where I met Sveltana Broz (the director and Tito's granddaughter). I thought it was going to go well and I could explain myself and the situation but unfortunately it was another bad interaction. I don't really want to go into specifics but basically Gariwo is washing its hands of the apartment situation and since they fronted the money for me, I need to pay them. After talking to Adnan and his family we all decided that really my hands are tied and to just take it. I just want this to be over. It's too much to deal with, especially within the first week of my move here. I want to pay Gariwo so I don't owe them anything and I can move on, at least from them with this ordeal. The sad thing is that I found another apartment that is so much cheaper and 5 minutes from work. It was adorable and I moved in only to have the landlord tell Adnan that I had to move out. He gave a whole bunch of weird excuses that neither Adnan nor his mom could explain but we found out the next day (after I moved out) that he rented it for more money to someone else. Of course...my luck. Anyway, I've moved into the apartment that Gariwo set up for me and really it's not that bad. I mean, there are a few things that I need to figure out (such as how to keep the water hot for more than the first minute of my shower) and I plan on going to the American consulate to get some help looking over the contract and tracking down the landlady (who is in Serbia), so you know, things are getting more settled. Still don't have internet there yet, but one thing at a time...But it's funny because Adnan's family calls me their American gypsy because I move around a lot, it's cute. And I am still going over there almost every day to see them and hang out, so I definitely foresee that keeping up.
Speaking of which, many of you have said that thank god I have them and it's so true. First of all they help me everyday and secondly I feel a part of the family. Yesterday and today is Bajram, the celebration at the end of Ramadan (so I don't have work), and I went to lunch with them and it was so nice because, just the way they interacted reminded me so much of my family. I am excited to have them and I already refer to Amina, Adnan's sister as my sister, so it's just a nice intereaction. I am so lucky to have them!
Bajram is an interesting holiday. I thought that there would be a huge celebration throughout the city since Sarajevo is mostly Muslim and since most places are closed but actually the city was dead yesterday. I went for a long walk around the city to check it out but it was deserted. Amina explained that most people go to see their family, grandparents etc., outside of the city so that makes sense. Although there are little traveling bands that parade the streets, so that's a nice touch. After this I will walk through the city and check out the festivities and see if there's anything going on then go to Adnan's house for a special dinner and meet his uncle from Mostar.
My first day of work went well, except that little bump in the beginning of the day with my boss. I don't really know what is expected of me yet, but the work I did on Wednesday was good, I guess. First I read Sveltana's book, or part of it, which are different testimonies of people in the war who were helped by people of another nationality/religion. It was interesting, although I think it got pretty repetitive but that may be the point, that this is not uncommon and good may outweigh the bad even in the worst of times. The other tasks I was asked to do were find an article about youth and empowerment and then write my own article urging young people to vote in the upcoming election. I haven't gotten any feedback yet so we'll see on Monday what people think.
Ok, now the fun stuff! The wedding in Fojnica was just wonderful. It's funny because when I got to Sarajevo I was excited and nervous but when the bus was pulling into Fojnica I got giddy! When I got there I called my friend Mladen, whom I worked with the past two times I was there, and he picked me up and took me to Mario, the groom's, house. Everyone, besides the bride's family, were there, getting ready, drinking and celebrating. It was really nice to see people and even though I knew only a few people, they were so welcoming and sweet. The best man, Daniel, I knew from other times that I was in Fojnica and he was so surprised to see me! Of course, the rakjia bottle was being passed around and first I gave Mario a hug and then I was given the rakjia to drink. That seemed to be the theme of the night! So a quick run-down of events:
1. We went from Mario's house to our cars, which all had ribbons on them, and some decorated with Croatian flags, because they are Catholic and thus Croatian, and paraded through the town. It was so much fun! People were hanging out of the windows, honking their horns and everyone came out to see and wave at us!
2. Then we went up to the monestary for the wedding. But actually, it was the wedding and Colleen's baptism! I didn't understand much but Mladen translated some of it for me, although I was still late on the "amens" so I eventually gave up, ha. Colleen looked beautiful! Her sister, Nicole, was her maid of honor and everyone was just perfect.
3. From there we went back to our cars to parade around again (after a wait while Mario and Colleen went to sign their officially wedding papers). This time kids waited by the sides of the road while people through candy to them from the cars. We drove way out into the country to Mario's grandparents house and got out of the cars and sang and drank more. The boys were hilarious! It was such a good time and Mario's family did such a good job including Colleen's family in everything. Everyone was having such a good time.
4. Then we went to the Reumal, the spa in Fojnica, for the reception where we ate and danced the night away. Literally. Nicole and I left at 4am. Ha. But seriously, it was so much fun!
The next day, we went over to Mario's family's house and after Colleen's family left, I hung around to walk around Fojnica a bit. It has actually changed so much! They put in this waterpark which has brought in a lot of money. There were new buildings and many in the place where old, run-down buildings used to be. I mean, I could definitely recognize the place, but a lot had changed. I think that it's good for Fojnica, especially because it is so divided, to have more money and people coming into it but selfishly, I was a little sad that it wasn't the same. But again, it is good for Fojnica...
Ok, I'm going to try to post some pictures from the wedding. I'm at an internet cafe now so I'm not sure how well it will work but if it doesn't load then I'll do it when I have better internet.
I'm sorry if lately I have been sounding sad or frustrated but I think I have just been overwhelmed by this whole situation and it's been a tough first week, but I am so happy to be here and although I may have gotten emotional about this whole situation, I am so excited to start this year and adventure. But, I do miss you all a lot.
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