One Week In

Yesterday Sara and I played hookey from day 3 of our internship. For good reason, I think, and our internship helped us arrange it. We looked into private Bosnian language lessons from a professor at the University of Mostar. Even with a hand-held dictionary and language CDs, I don’t feel secure in the basics. For example, I know none of the question words and zero grammar rules. Granted, most of the ignorance is due to my lack of learning initiative, but I’m ignorant nonetheless. I need a jumpstart, even if it’s a little late.

Today my DU program advisor and a representative from the organization that helped set up my field placement are coming to Mostar to check on things. I appreciate the check-in.

Tuesday Sara and I did our first bit of touristy site-seeing. We went into one of the many mosques scattered throughout Mostar. We climbed up its tower’s (is there a better name for it?) narrow, spiral staircase to see one of the best views of Mostar. The inside of the mosque was beautiful as well, and we both commented on it being a powerful experience, despite having no connection to Islam.

We also looked at a photo exhibit of the bridge of Mostar—and other parts of the city—before, during and after the war. There are really no words to describe the destruction of 1992, 1993 and beyond. I can’t get over the fact that a mere 15 years ago, so much of this city was wiped out. It’s so different now. I’ve only been acquainted with this city for a few days, but I’m so proud of it and the rebuilding it has done. I only hope similar healing is attainable for the people who have been through worse devastation.

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Thing I like about Mostar: Most things are mad cheap. Yesterday I bought risotto, chicken bullion, an onion and a bottle of wine, all for around $5.

Thing I do not like about Mostar: There are stray cats everywhere. So creepy. I hate, am very allergic to, and am genuinely afraid of cats. My fear is one will run into my apartment. If that happens, from the U.S. you will hear my scream. Followed by the cat’s, as I punt it back outside.