Week in Los Angeles

         Returning to the US has given me a little bit of time to reflect on my first three months in Sarajevo and has provided me with a chance to consider and compare the differences between day-to-day life in Bosnia versus America.  I am so happy to be back in my home country, and feel comfortable around so many familiar places and people.  However, I’ve realized that there are numerous reasons to appreciate my laid-back lifestyle in Sarajevo.  I am amazed that I feel so close to my friends there, even though I have known them only a few months.  I miss them already, and know it will be very hard when I leave for good, come July 2^nd.

A warm sunny day in LA

The city skyline

            One thing I keep wondering: why do Americans drink so much bad coffee?  First of all, our drip coffee really does taste like I remember: hot, dirty dishwater.  And not only does it taste bad, Americans drink giant 32oz cups of it.  Good thing the public facilities here are always stocked with tons of toilet paper (no such luxury in Bosnia), because drinking that much coffee makes everyone have to use the bathroom all the time.  Furthermore, why do we drink our coffee at such a tongue-scalding temperature?  I guess if you kill all of your taste buds, you can’t tell that your coffee tastes like dishwater.

            Anyway, bad coffee asides, I’ve had a great week in Los Angeles.  My mother-in-law threw a party to celebrate Ross’s and my wedding.  It was great to meet new friends and family, as well as to be reunited with those I already know.  My cousins live in Los Angeles, and their parents are in town, so I’ve had some time to hang out with them.  Additionally, my parents and sisters decided to come here for the holidays so that they could enjoy the warm weather and see me. (I don’t have enough time to visit my family in Colorado this winter, so otherwise I wouldn’t be able to see them until August.)

Me, my husband, and my in-laws at our party

            The party was a big success, with lots of delicious California wine and food from a local Middle Eastern restaurant.  Ross amusedly pointed out that a lot of the dishes were similar to foods you can find in Bosnia, like the spinach and cheese stuffed pastries, and the spiced ground lamb and beef sausages that apparently tasted a lot like Cevapi. 

We’ve had gorgeous weather, so besides partying and eating (a bit too much), I’ve been able to spend a lot of time walking with Ross outside.  Getting a bit of sun in the winter is always nice, and I especially like admiring all of the blooming plants and ripening citrus.  Yesterday, I took a short hike with my family that provided perfect views of downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, and the surrounding mountains.

With my sisters on the hike

Ross and I enjoying the sun

I’m sad to leave Ross tomorrow, but am looking forward to at least spending Christmas morning here.  And I can’t wait to see my friends in Sarajevo and celebrate the new year with them.