Before I arrived to Sarajevo, almost two months ago, I heard "exchange is not a year in your life, but a life in a year" at first I did not understand the meaning of this, but over the last six weeks this phrase's meaning has become quite clear. Stepping off the plain I was a new born baby, completely depended on the kindness and generosity of the people around me. I had no idea how the speak the language, in fact the only thing I did know was I would be living with a family, who looked very nice in all the pictures I had seen, somewhere in Sarajevo. Luckily I was surrounded by caring people who were more than happy to make the transition into my new life easy and painless. Now I like to consider my self a toddler. I can find my way around the city and with my limited bosnian vocabulary, a lot of hand gestures and some english I am able to communicate with the people around me. And like most small children I long for the day when I am grown up and able to live my life in this country like a native citizen, but for now I am very happy with where I am in my "exchange life."
For the first time since I arrived I feel at home in Sarajevo, I realized this when I came home from a week long trip with t my school to Spain, France and Italy. It was amazing, I saw places in Europe I have always wanted to see, but by the end of the week and especially by the end of the 18 hour bus ride home I was more than happy to be back in Sarajevo. Walking into my flat, seeing my family, and finally sleeping in my own bed was comforting, and relaxing, just like coming home to my house back in the states.
čao, čao!!
