Returning

           I almost feel like I’m in a dream right now, being back in Sarajevo.  I think it’s the combination of culture shock, the language, the drastic change of weather, and jet lag.  I also keep forgetting what day it is, after losing an entire day to travel and the time change.

            I had a fantastic Christmas morning with my in-laws, enjoying American-style pancakes for breakfast, and exchanging gifts.  I even had time for one last walk outside and one last bite of guacamole before heading to the airport.  It was so warm in Los Angeles that the rest of my family went to the beach as I was leaving!  I definitely will miss the sun…

            My long flight to Europe was pretty uncomfortable.  I guess I used up all of my luck getting a bulkhead seat on the way out.  So, on the way back, I had a very large snoring man next to me, and the seat in front of me was practically in my lap.  So is life.  I was thankful that at least all of my flights were on time, and that my bag made it.  The flight from Vienna to Sarajevo was kind of funny because at first, no one was sitting in his/her assigned seat.  I guess Bosnians aren’t used to things being so strict.  So the flight attendant had to go through and check everyone’s ticket and ask those in the wrong seats to move.

This morning I was exhausted and pretty sad about leaving Ross (even though I’ll see him again in just three weeks).  However, after getting to rehearsal I received such welcoming and enthusiastic greetings from my friends that I couldn’t help but feel happy.  I am becoming more used to the double cheek kiss, which is pretty rare in the US, but a common greeting here.

We began rehearsing our New Year’s concert program today, with Diane, the woman who first recruited me to come here.  I’d never met her before, and was glad that she is quite nice and seems to have a good sense of humor.  In rehearsal, everyone started singing along to an aria from La Traviata, and rather than getting annoyed, she joined right in.

The days seem very long here sometimes, I think because I don’t have Ross to distract me. J   It’s good though, because this week I have a lot of catching up to do.  Time to refresh my Bosnian, touch up my reeds, and rebuild my oboe chops…