On flag day, when I was handed the flag of the Central African Republic (long story) but told I was going to Banja Luka (pronounced ban-ya loooka) Bosnia and Herzegovina I was confused. And conflicted. I was excited about being near dear friends. I was so excited about knowing the language and culture. But, I had expected something different. New. Exotic. I was nervous about the post. I wasn't going to an embassy or consulate, but a "branch office". With 2 American and half a dozen local staff. I would have to find my own housing. It didn't seem that different from what I just left, except that Banja Luka is no Belgrade, and I was going to have more rules and oversight than I was used to. I was worried about living in such a small town (my brother said I make it sound like I am going to a village, which I am not but it feels SMALL). I didn't doubt that the job would be interesting, but would I make friends?
Fast forward through 6 months of training and extreme bonding with many of the fantastic individuals who were in the 161st foreign service generalist class. Right before Christmas I arrived in Sarajevo to spend a few weeks getting to know the embassy and folks here. I got to spend Christmas and my birthday in Belgrade, which was fun but also sad (first time away from family). I started getting to know some of my colleagues in Sarajevo, and there are some amazing people here. People who promise to visit me in Banja Luka, and who have already welcomed me into their homes any time I visit Sarajevo. People who, when asked if they want to make a road trip to check out my new home not only say yes, but hell yes.
We set out at noon on January 1, 2012. Anna warned us that she drives like a grandmother and if the drive normally takes three hours we should plan on four. It took us closer to five but we laughed the whole way. The road is not that bad, but is curvy and mountainuous and two lane. I am sure the first few times I drive it I will also take it nice and easy.
We were joined in BL by my dear friend Megan. We visited Trappist monks, ate pork, sampled regional wine and the local beer (both of which are awesome). Checked out my new apartment (like BL tiny and cute). After about two hours I started recognizing people on the street, and could navigate the center as if I had lived there my whole life. I am confident there is a lot left to discover though. Just today I was searching online for gyms in BL and found three with working websites. I think one of them however, is not really my speed (link really not safe for work-or working out!). Well that won't work the way I want it to, but for shits and giggles please feel free to click on the gray bars that say wellness and fitness ( but again not at work).
This is probably a good stopping point, but I will leave you with some very basic information about Bosnia if your eyes haven't already glazed over reading the world's longest post:
Sass - I can't wait to see the pictures of you at your new gym, wearing a thong leotard and plastic hooker heels. Please post soon. :)
ReplyDeleteso, I went and checked this gym out. It is a basement with no sauna or massage, just one big room with very basic equipment. The site is a little misleading, but that might not be a bad thing.. I will looking for a fitness center though!
ReplyDeletehah! the gym is by far the best thing going! thanks for also pointing to the grey sidebars - had I not known to click on those, I would just think it was your run of the mill balkan gym (ok, even having clicked on those, still your run of the mill, naked women proffering balkan gym). one question - if the place doesn't have a sauna, where are they hiding all the naked women that they are re-selling in prostitution rings?? kidding!
ReplyDeletevisiting you in BL was the HIGHLIGHT of my 2012 thus far. I highly suggest all anticipating readers of this blog book a trip as well.
Finally, just a generall comment that, at some point over your 2 years, choco-potatoe deserves its own post. :)
Ljubice!