Samo Jos Jedan/Only One More

            Many of my postings from September and October regard a series of firsts: first time in Europe, first day in Sarajevo, first concert with the philharmonic, etc.  Now my series of lasts has begun: we played our last ballet performance of the season in the end of May, and our last concert on the stage of the National Theater on Monday.

Final performance of the season on the stage of the National Theater

            Also, when I first arrived in Sarajevo, I felt very excited to travel and try new things.  I spent almost every waking moment of my free time going out to explore Bosnia or expand my vocabulary.  (Well, every waking moment that I wasn’t desperately trying to find internet access in order to connect with Ross!)  After a while, I became a little bit more relaxed, realizing that ten months would give me plenty of time to see what I wanted to see.  Now, I only have one month left, and quite a few things still on my “bucket list”.  But I also want to relax, have fun, enjoy the good weather, and spend time with my friends.  So, I’ll just have to take things one day at a time J

            My sisters left yesterday, and I think that they had a good time, despite the fact that I was busy and couldn’t spend as much time with them as I wanted to.  We did have a chance to go to my favorite restaurant in the park in Ilidza on Sunday night, and to re-visit old town Sarajevo on Monday between my rehearsals.  We then went out to Celtic Pub on Monday night after a philharmonic concert, and had yet another party in Otes on Tuesday night to celebrate some birthdays.  I told my sisters that my friends were a lot of fun, and threw great parties, but I don’t think they could expect how much fun they would have. Everyone was their normal goofy selves, and clicked with my sisters, who also have a rather silly sense of humor.

My sisters on Princip's Bridge in Old Town, Sarajevo

            I think that my sisters had a hard time seeing so many injured and hungry stray animals around my building.  Carrie is in vet school, so she knows enough to realize how many problems each dog has, but didn’t have any of the resources to help them.  She is interested in coming back one day to do more, and I really hope she gets the chance.  I would definitely join her for a visit!  It’s hard to think about leaving Sarajevo (I had a little crying meltdown getting some certificate in front of the orchestra today…so embarrassing!), but I am comforted by the fact I can always return for a visit or two, so I don’t have to consider it goodbye forever…