Short Update

Written on 9/19:

Sarajevo looks quite different today because there was a dramatic change in weather.  It went from hot, sunny, and a little smoggy to incredibly windy, and then pouring rain.  The view of the mountains is quite beautiful, with the houses and trees peaking out from the mist.

We had our first rehearsal for our second concert this evening.  I have to wear earplug a lot because everyone overplays.  It’s so loud and so sharp…ugh.   I am trying not to be bothered by it and lead by example.  I am on my best behavior, very attentive to the conductor, trying to never overplay, and to play as in tune as I can.  On the positive side, our conductor is fabulous.

Tonight was my first night eating one of the popular, cheap meals from a Bosnia bakery (Pekara, I think it’s called).  I had a huge pastry (burek) stuffed with spinach (spinat) and cheese (sir).  See, my Bosnian’s getting pretty good, right?  We’ll I’m leaning the important things, like names for foods, haha.  I also bought a loaf of bread for the next few days.  Everything cost 2KM, or less than $1.50!  So, even though it’s harder to cook here with the electric stove and no microwave, it’s so much easier to eat out on a budget.