April

            It feels a little lonely this weekend, since Ross departed for Chicago yesterday.  He was here for nearly two weeks, but, as they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”, and it felt like only a few days.  I am trying to stay upbeat and busy, but it’s hard with the recent gloomy weather to keep myself from being a little bit sad, missing the companionship.

            Since I’ve last updated, Ross and I have hosted his parents for lunch, celebrated Passover, attended a solo recital given by Matt, enjoyed the final few concerts of the guitar festival, gone out for some meals, and of course, partied a bit.  Sarajevo is especially fun when Ross is here, because we like to go out for drinks at night, but are usually limited in the US by the expense.  Here, it is not only cheaper, but it seems like every pub, bar, and club is filled with friendly people our age.  I have a much easier time making social connections.  I’m not sure whether it’s because I get more attention because I’m a foreigner, whether there is less technology addiction, or whether it’s just the laid-back lifestyle, but I find that I rarely have any social anxiety, despite the language barriers.  Of course, I will always be a little bit awkward…aren’t we all?  But I intend to make building friendships a priority when I return home this summer.  It is so easy to be happy when you are around good friends.

            In the upcoming few weeks, the Sarajevo Philharmonic is preparing for the premiere of Tchaikovsky’s opera, Eugene Onegin.  I love Tchaikovsky’s music, so I am happy to be learning the opera despite the tedious rehearsal schedule.  I was first exposed to classical music as a ballet student, so I can’t help but smile during all of opera’s the dance numbers.

            Beside the opera premiere, I expect that April will bring some new adventures as the weather gets warmer.  I am hoping that I can go on a hike or two, and look forward to leisurely afternoons at all of the al fresco cafes and restaurants.  However, it has rained almost every day this entire month, and looks like it will continue to rain at least for the next week or so.  Rain, rain, go away!