Well, I'm back in Athens for the night and found a little more time to write.
Picking back up, Tuesday night was our "Greek night" on the ship. Everyone on our group wore togas around the ship, much to the amusement of all of the other guests. We were quite the life of the party. Had a great time, drank too much (again), and got up to general shenanigans.
Had all day Wednesday to enjoy the island of Rhodes. Shopped, toured an old palace and most of the old town, then had a fantastic lunch with some of the group. Not Greek food, but there were primarily Greek people in the restaurant, so that counts, right? Was nearly sold into slavery by Australian tour mate (long story) then wandered down to the beach for a few hours. Didn't feel comfortable swimming in the salt water thanks to the open wounds on my legs and feet, but enjoyed a few hours in the sun none the less.
Back on ship for kareoke night. Drank entirely too much to prepare self for kareoke night. Made an ass out of myself anyways. Sobered up after dinner, danced the night away, then stayed up way too late talking. Deep meaningful conversations just seem so much better when had by moonlight on the Aegean Sea!
Thursday... wow. Missed the morning excursion (see above paragraph) but had a nice relaxing afternoon on the ship. Played some more trivia and finally beat the old school teachers we've been challenging all week, largely due to the fact that one of our teammates downloaded the entirety of Wikipedia to his iPhone. I love nerds. Got to the island of Santorini in the afternoon and saw two of the prettiest spots I've ever seen. Like Mykonos but without the drunkenness. Views of the blue sea and adorable village for miles from the top of a volcanic mountain. Was there approaching sunset and absolutely did not want to leave. Rode a donkey down the mountain (!) and then back to the boat for the last night!
Took it easy on board... watched the sunset, had a few more drinks at all of our favorites spots and headed to bed early, since we disembarked at 7:00 AM. I'm back in Athens now and have had a lazy day with a few of the girls, and I miss the boat already. Though there were slight annoyances within the group and the need for a significant detox by the end of the trip, all in all, one of the best weeks of my life. Everything I was able to see was beautiful, romantic, awe-inspiring, etc, and I got to know some pretty amazing people this week. Re-reading this blog I realize it sounds rather boring, but once you see the pictures...wow. It'll be hard to top this experience, but I am definitely in need of some me time. One of my tourmates pointed out to me that just having amazing experiences doesn't make you get in touch with yourself, but that you actually have to work at it... and I think I'm ready for a few days of doing that. Lots to think about.
So I'll be spending tonight in Athens for a little RnR, then off to Meteora in the morning to see some amazing architectural feats, then Thessaloniki in Northen Greece on Sunday. Will write more then...
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Greetıngs from Turkey...
So I'm a week ınto my trıp and fınally got some downtıme to stop at an ınternet cafe. Here ıs a quıck summary of the last week.. and do not mınd some of the typos, I am currently ın Turkey and the keyboards are a lıttle wıerd.
Left around 2 PM on Wednesday, after sayıng a fınal goodbye to all my school frıends. (Pout.) Had no problems on my flıghts, thought I dıd not get a lot of sleep. Got ınto Athens at around 1 PM the next day and took the Metro to my hotel. Had some tıme to walk around before meetıng my tour group, and everyone ıs rıght - Athens ıs a hot, dırty cıty. There were amazıng thıngs to see, but ıt ıs stıll a major metropolıtan cıty wıth traffıc everywhere, anımals on the streets, and lots of tourıst traps. Met the group, and everyone has been great so far. There are 15 of us - 4 Amerıcans, 1 Kıwı (who ıs my roommate), 5 Aussıes, and 5 Canadıans. One of the gırls ıs actually from Denver! Most tour groups wıth thıs company are much larger, and usually composed of young drunken Amerıcans, so thıs worked out pretty well.
Had an amazıng dınner wıth the group, watched some tradıtıonal Greek dancıng, and had a few drınks before bed. Spent the mornıng explorıng the Acropolıs and the Plaka (the shoppıng area near the Acropolıs) wıth a few of the gırls, had another amazıng meal, then off to the boat!
Our shıp ıs ıncredıble - 10 decks, lots of bars and restaurants, and lots of great vıews. The room I share ıs basıcally just a small hotel room, but there ıs so many staff takıng care of everythıgn we need, and ıt ıs all ıncluded. We dıd all pay extra for the all ınclusıve drınks package, but let me tell you, ıts been worth ıt. The pool ıs small, but there are lots of decks for sun bathıng, and hey, I came to swım ın the Medıterranean, not a pool. We spent the fırst nıght hangıng out together and drınkıng all nıght at the dısco - agaın, I have been pleasantly surprısed but how well everyone gets along, and I actually lıke everyone! (Though of course I am closer wıth some more than others.)
Our fırst stop on the shıp was Istanbul, whıch was quıte the experıence. We went to two markets whıch were extremely ıntımıdatıng - the sellers are all very pushy and let's just say the phrase sexual harrassment does not apply ın Turkey. Went to a Turkısh bath, and laıd around naked on a hot rock beıng scrubbed down by half naked turkısh women wıth boobs down to theır knees. Quıte the experıence! Overall, Istanbul was a beautıful place, and we saw some amazıng sıghts on Sunday lıke the Blue Mosque and an old palace, but I much prefer Greece!
Back onto the shıp Sunday nıght to set saıl for Mykonos. More dancıng, sun bathıng, and love of the all ınclusıve package. Watched the show on the shıp, whıch ıs HILARIOUS!! You haven't enjoyed comedy untıl you'ver watched a bunch of foreıgners wearıng sparkly outfıts sıngıng showtunes, and havıng everyone take ıt serıously!
Monday was Mykonos - WOW. Defınıtely one of the most gorgeous thıngs I have ever seen ın my lıfe. Blue water, whıte washed buıldıngs, quaınt shops and cafes... Walked the ısland, then headed to one of the beaches where there was a really cool bar / cafe / atmosphere. Swam ın the ocean, and cut my leg and foot up pretty bad on a reef. Cussed out my tour manager, Ryan, when he sprayed antıseptıc whatever all over my foot! Danced on a platform for free shots, got quıte a nıce tan, then headed back to the maın cıty. Saw one of the most amazıng sunsets of my lıfe over the ocean, then hung out wıth one of the others of the group at a cafe people watchıng and drınkıng wıne. The rest of the group went to a bar, but I fıgured I can hang out wıth them on the shıp and drınk for free - how many tımes wıll I get to people watch on the shores of Mykonos!!!
Headed to bed early, slept ın a bıt today, then had some tıme to explore the ısland of Patmos. There was a hıstorıcal church to go see, where apparently St. John wrote the book of revelatıons, but I belıeve we all know how I feel about relıgıon (not to mentıon 7 AM hıkes.) The group ıs defınıtely of two mınds - those really ınterested ın the hıstory, who want to tour ruıns, and explore old museums, and those of us there for the vacatıon, culture, and beauty of the place. Can you guess where I fall? :)
In Kusadası Turkey now... agaın, some of the group went to Ephesus to see ruıns, and me and a few of the gırls have walked the cıty, stopped for ınternet, and are plannıng to head to a cafe for apple tea ın a mınute. Thıs cıty ıs a lot lıke Istanbul - lots of pushy salesman, and predomınantly just all shops. Oh well.
Greek nıght tonıght on the shıp, meanıng we all wear togas... should be a long fun one. All day ın Rhodes tomorrow, then two more ıslands Thursday, then back to Athens Frıday! I don't want ıt to end already!! It's been so amazıng and surprısıngly fun, and I'm really glad that I was able to have thıs experıence.
Wıll wrıte more ın a few days...
Left around 2 PM on Wednesday, after sayıng a fınal goodbye to all my school frıends. (Pout.) Had no problems on my flıghts, thought I dıd not get a lot of sleep. Got ınto Athens at around 1 PM the next day and took the Metro to my hotel. Had some tıme to walk around before meetıng my tour group, and everyone ıs rıght - Athens ıs a hot, dırty cıty. There were amazıng thıngs to see, but ıt ıs stıll a major metropolıtan cıty wıth traffıc everywhere, anımals on the streets, and lots of tourıst traps. Met the group, and everyone has been great so far. There are 15 of us - 4 Amerıcans, 1 Kıwı (who ıs my roommate), 5 Aussıes, and 5 Canadıans. One of the gırls ıs actually from Denver! Most tour groups wıth thıs company are much larger, and usually composed of young drunken Amerıcans, so thıs worked out pretty well.
Had an amazıng dınner wıth the group, watched some tradıtıonal Greek dancıng, and had a few drınks before bed. Spent the mornıng explorıng the Acropolıs and the Plaka (the shoppıng area near the Acropolıs) wıth a few of the gırls, had another amazıng meal, then off to the boat!
Our shıp ıs ıncredıble - 10 decks, lots of bars and restaurants, and lots of great vıews. The room I share ıs basıcally just a small hotel room, but there ıs so many staff takıng care of everythıgn we need, and ıt ıs all ıncluded. We dıd all pay extra for the all ınclusıve drınks package, but let me tell you, ıts been worth ıt. The pool ıs small, but there are lots of decks for sun bathıng, and hey, I came to swım ın the Medıterranean, not a pool. We spent the fırst nıght hangıng out together and drınkıng all nıght at the dısco - agaın, I have been pleasantly surprısed but how well everyone gets along, and I actually lıke everyone! (Though of course I am closer wıth some more than others.)
Our fırst stop on the shıp was Istanbul, whıch was quıte the experıence. We went to two markets whıch were extremely ıntımıdatıng - the sellers are all very pushy and let's just say the phrase sexual harrassment does not apply ın Turkey. Went to a Turkısh bath, and laıd around naked on a hot rock beıng scrubbed down by half naked turkısh women wıth boobs down to theır knees. Quıte the experıence! Overall, Istanbul was a beautıful place, and we saw some amazıng sıghts on Sunday lıke the Blue Mosque and an old palace, but I much prefer Greece!
Back onto the shıp Sunday nıght to set saıl for Mykonos. More dancıng, sun bathıng, and love of the all ınclusıve package. Watched the show on the shıp, whıch ıs HILARIOUS!! You haven't enjoyed comedy untıl you'ver watched a bunch of foreıgners wearıng sparkly outfıts sıngıng showtunes, and havıng everyone take ıt serıously!
Monday was Mykonos - WOW. Defınıtely one of the most gorgeous thıngs I have ever seen ın my lıfe. Blue water, whıte washed buıldıngs, quaınt shops and cafes... Walked the ısland, then headed to one of the beaches where there was a really cool bar / cafe / atmosphere. Swam ın the ocean, and cut my leg and foot up pretty bad on a reef. Cussed out my tour manager, Ryan, when he sprayed antıseptıc whatever all over my foot! Danced on a platform for free shots, got quıte a nıce tan, then headed back to the maın cıty. Saw one of the most amazıng sunsets of my lıfe over the ocean, then hung out wıth one of the others of the group at a cafe people watchıng and drınkıng wıne. The rest of the group went to a bar, but I fıgured I can hang out wıth them on the shıp and drınk for free - how many tımes wıll I get to people watch on the shores of Mykonos!!!
Headed to bed early, slept ın a bıt today, then had some tıme to explore the ısland of Patmos. There was a hıstorıcal church to go see, where apparently St. John wrote the book of revelatıons, but I belıeve we all know how I feel about relıgıon (not to mentıon 7 AM hıkes.) The group ıs defınıtely of two mınds - those really ınterested ın the hıstory, who want to tour ruıns, and explore old museums, and those of us there for the vacatıon, culture, and beauty of the place. Can you guess where I fall? :)
In Kusadası Turkey now... agaın, some of the group went to Ephesus to see ruıns, and me and a few of the gırls have walked the cıty, stopped for ınternet, and are plannıng to head to a cafe for apple tea ın a mınute. Thıs cıty ıs a lot lıke Istanbul - lots of pushy salesman, and predomınantly just all shops. Oh well.
Greek nıght tonıght on the shıp, meanıng we all wear togas... should be a long fun one. All day ın Rhodes tomorrow, then two more ıslands Thursday, then back to Athens Frıday! I don't want ıt to end already!! It's been so amazıng and surprısıngly fun, and I'm really glad that I was able to have thıs experıence.
Wıll wrıte more ın a few days...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Update on the last 8 months...
Well, since I've got a lot going on and some more travel in the works for the next few months, I thought I'd take a chance to update anyone who reads this (Susan) on what's happening in the world of Rachel.
My time is pretty much consumed by job searching and school right now. I'm currently in Boston, but heading home tomorrow and finishing up my last paper for spring quarter. Then after a fun weekend down in Arizona, I begin my last quarter in grad school!! (Until I begin a Ph.D. program that is.) I'm looking forward to next quarter a lot, because I'm really interested in both of my classes, and it'll be nice to have a light load of only 7 credits. It seems like this whole graduate program has gone mighty fast though...
Speaking of, I'm actively job searching in hopes of having a full-time position lined up before graduation. Ideally I won't start a position until July 7th, but I would feel a lot better if I was already committed to a job by then. I've been applying for lots of jobs in research and data management, and I've had a few interviews for positions I'm waiting to hear back about:
-Research Analyst at Tufts (Boston) - great job, I loved the staff, but the office was a windowless basement room, and it would involve a move (though the money would probably be excellent). Should know within the next few weeks.
-Assistant Director of Admissions, Metro State College of Denver - loved this position too, thought it's not what I had originally intended to do. The more I learn though, the more I think I'd like to work at Metro and in this position. Would have a lot of opportunities for growth, and I think the pay would be pretty good.
-CO Dept. of Higher Ed - have the potential for two positions here. I interviewed for the Financial Aid Coordinator position for the state, which I think would be an ok job, but I'm worried I'm not as qualified as they would like. However, a week after my interview, I got a call from another guy in the office asking if I'd be interested in meeting with him regarding another position, with a program that supports low-income middle and high schools students in preparing for college, then provides scholarships. I like the work the program is doing, but I still need to find out more about the position....
So those are the things on my plate right now.. I'm still keeping an eye out for positions in Boston and Denver as they open up, but I'm hoping to hear back about these few jobs first before actively pursuing anything else.
Also starting to plan some travel for June, between graduation and new job start date, but more on that later...
My time is pretty much consumed by job searching and school right now. I'm currently in Boston, but heading home tomorrow and finishing up my last paper for spring quarter. Then after a fun weekend down in Arizona, I begin my last quarter in grad school!! (Until I begin a Ph.D. program that is.) I'm looking forward to next quarter a lot, because I'm really interested in both of my classes, and it'll be nice to have a light load of only 7 credits. It seems like this whole graduate program has gone mighty fast though...
Speaking of, I'm actively job searching in hopes of having a full-time position lined up before graduation. Ideally I won't start a position until July 7th, but I would feel a lot better if I was already committed to a job by then. I've been applying for lots of jobs in research and data management, and I've had a few interviews for positions I'm waiting to hear back about:
-Research Analyst at Tufts (Boston) - great job, I loved the staff, but the office was a windowless basement room, and it would involve a move (though the money would probably be excellent). Should know within the next few weeks.
-Assistant Director of Admissions, Metro State College of Denver - loved this position too, thought it's not what I had originally intended to do. The more I learn though, the more I think I'd like to work at Metro and in this position. Would have a lot of opportunities for growth, and I think the pay would be pretty good.
-CO Dept. of Higher Ed - have the potential for two positions here. I interviewed for the Financial Aid Coordinator position for the state, which I think would be an ok job, but I'm worried I'm not as qualified as they would like. However, a week after my interview, I got a call from another guy in the office asking if I'd be interested in meeting with him regarding another position, with a program that supports low-income middle and high schools students in preparing for college, then provides scholarships. I like the work the program is doing, but I still need to find out more about the position....
So those are the things on my plate right now.. I'm still keeping an eye out for positions in Boston and Denver as they open up, but I'm hoping to hear back about these few jobs first before actively pursuing anything else.
Also starting to plan some travel for June, between graduation and new job start date, but more on that later...
Sunday, August 5, 2007
What I've been up to in London...
I found an internet cafe that doesn't charge $5 an hour, so while I still remember, here's what I've been up to the past few days:
Thursday:
St. Paul's Cathedral - walked all the way to the top for the view - over 450 steps!!! Worth it though.
Tate Modern museum
Shakespeares Globe Theater
Boroughs Market - organic food market with cheese, bakeries, olives, oils, meats.... num num!!
Vinopolis wine museum - pricy, and not really sure it was worth it for only a few tastes of wine
Curry and cider for dinner - trying to fit in with the locals
Friday:
Westminster Abbey, to see all the dead people
Walked up to Trafalgar Square, and saw 10 Downing St, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and some other things that looked really important
Hung out in St. James Park
Shopped at Harrods
Hung out in Bloomsbury Square, near my hostel (Harry Potter is crack, and I need to spend at least an hour a day reading it - damn you J. K. Rowling!!)
Joined the group at the hostel for a pub crawl of Covent Garden
Saturday:
Went to Leicester Square to get theater tickets
British Museum - saw the Rosetta Stone and chunks of the Parthenon
Had amazing Thai for lunch
Went to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
Walked through Leicester Square again, Piccadilly Circus, and up through SoHo to my hostel
Saw Avenue Q in the West End - so funny, and cute, and definitely worth it!! Who knew puppet sex was so hilarious...
Sunday:
Work up early to head to the Tower of London - also really funny, and the best tour I've had so far
Went to Spitalsbourgh (sp?) market - basically just a big junky flea market, though some cool shops
Walked along the Thames, then more reading of Harry Potter
Now sitting in Leicester Square, about to get dinner in Chinatown
Plans for the next few days:
Having high tea at Kensington Palace, seeing Wicked, a few more museums, and definitely some souvenier shopping.... plus:
Why I Know if There Is A God I Am On His Good Side
(or, the Great British Beer Festival!!!)
While I am in London!!!
http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=gbbf
Only 2 1/2 days left!!!
Thursday:
St. Paul's Cathedral - walked all the way to the top for the view - over 450 steps!!! Worth it though.
Tate Modern museum
Shakespeares Globe Theater
Boroughs Market - organic food market with cheese, bakeries, olives, oils, meats.... num num!!
Vinopolis wine museum - pricy, and not really sure it was worth it for only a few tastes of wine
Curry and cider for dinner - trying to fit in with the locals
Friday:
Westminster Abbey, to see all the dead people
Walked up to Trafalgar Square, and saw 10 Downing St, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and some other things that looked really important
Hung out in St. James Park
Shopped at Harrods
Hung out in Bloomsbury Square, near my hostel (Harry Potter is crack, and I need to spend at least an hour a day reading it - damn you J. K. Rowling!!)
Joined the group at the hostel for a pub crawl of Covent Garden
Saturday:
Went to Leicester Square to get theater tickets
British Museum - saw the Rosetta Stone and chunks of the Parthenon
Had amazing Thai for lunch
Went to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
Walked through Leicester Square again, Piccadilly Circus, and up through SoHo to my hostel
Saw Avenue Q in the West End - so funny, and cute, and definitely worth it!! Who knew puppet sex was so hilarious...
Sunday:
Work up early to head to the Tower of London - also really funny, and the best tour I've had so far
Went to Spitalsbourgh (sp?) market - basically just a big junky flea market, though some cool shops
Walked along the Thames, then more reading of Harry Potter
Now sitting in Leicester Square, about to get dinner in Chinatown
Plans for the next few days:
Having high tea at Kensington Palace, seeing Wicked, a few more museums, and definitely some souvenier shopping.... plus:
Why I Know if There Is A God I Am On His Good Side
(or, the Great British Beer Festival!!!)
While I am in London!!!
http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=gbbf
Only 2 1/2 days left!!!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Greetings from London!!
Lots to catch up on.... I've been traveling a lot this past week, so I didnt have many opportunities for internet access. Spent my last weekend in Sarajevo laying low. Went out with the older DU students one last time, and had an absolute blast. Other than that, just hung out, packed, cleaned the apartment and ate lots of my favorite ice cream. :)
Caught my bus to Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sunday night. Got in early Monday morning, and spent the day wandering the town and climbing up to this beautiful castle with views overlooking the whole city. It rained in the afternoon and evening, so I hung out at the hostel and met some really fun British guys who gave me the scoop on what to expect in London and some tips on great places to go and see.
Got to do more sightseeing on Tuesday.... I absolutely loved Ljubljana. It's such a beautiful town, and the people are so friendly. It seemed so much more positive and clean that Sarajevo. It's amazing to me that things can be so different, even in countries so close.... heck, they used to be the same country. Just a completely different mentality and attitude. Did some shopping and wandering, had dinner with the British boys, then went to bed early so I could catch my 8 am train.
Spent the next afternoon in Vienna.... basically just had lunch, walked a bit, and went back to the train station. Had some local bratwurst, but wasn't too impressed. Think I'll stick with Johnsonville. :) Didn't really get to see too much of the town, but not sure I'm a huge fan.
Caught my flight to London that night with no problems, and made it to my hostel at about 11 PM. I've spent the last two days sightseeing and walking the city.... and I absolutely love it. Its so great to be in a city again, and around English speaking people, but it's still so different than being back in the states. Again, everything is so clean, and the people have such pride in everything.... their country, their sports, their appearance, and especially their city. I've met some people at the hostel, and did a pub crawl with a group last night... lots of fun! Let me tell you though, I thought I had a tolerance until I drank with Brits and Australians. I definitely cannot hang.
Ok, internet time is running out.... doing more sighseeing today, then hopefully a play tonight!! Only 4 more days!!!!
Caught my bus to Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sunday night. Got in early Monday morning, and spent the day wandering the town and climbing up to this beautiful castle with views overlooking the whole city. It rained in the afternoon and evening, so I hung out at the hostel and met some really fun British guys who gave me the scoop on what to expect in London and some tips on great places to go and see.
Got to do more sightseeing on Tuesday.... I absolutely loved Ljubljana. It's such a beautiful town, and the people are so friendly. It seemed so much more positive and clean that Sarajevo. It's amazing to me that things can be so different, even in countries so close.... heck, they used to be the same country. Just a completely different mentality and attitude. Did some shopping and wandering, had dinner with the British boys, then went to bed early so I could catch my 8 am train.
Spent the next afternoon in Vienna.... basically just had lunch, walked a bit, and went back to the train station. Had some local bratwurst, but wasn't too impressed. Think I'll stick with Johnsonville. :) Didn't really get to see too much of the town, but not sure I'm a huge fan.
Caught my flight to London that night with no problems, and made it to my hostel at about 11 PM. I've spent the last two days sightseeing and walking the city.... and I absolutely love it. Its so great to be in a city again, and around English speaking people, but it's still so different than being back in the states. Again, everything is so clean, and the people have such pride in everything.... their country, their sports, their appearance, and especially their city. I've met some people at the hostel, and did a pub crawl with a group last night... lots of fun! Let me tell you though, I thought I had a tolerance until I drank with Brits and Australians. I definitely cannot hang.
Ok, internet time is running out.... doing more sighseeing today, then hopefully a play tonight!! Only 4 more days!!!!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Last week in Bosnia
So it's been another busy week, but as of 6:30 tonight the official part of my trip will be completed!
Spent last Friday taking a day trip to Mostar, site of the famous Old Bridge that was blown up in 1993. It was a beautiful town to see.... evidence of the war was everywhere, and nice new rebuilt buildings stood next to buildings completely devastated by shelling. The old town and bridge were very nice, and the Neretva River runs right through town. I went by myself, and it was really relaxing to have coffee and lunch at cafes by the river, as well as to have the opportunity to wander around town and see the place on my own. The afternoon got really hot though (like over 110 degrees), and I headed back to Sarajevo (on the air conditioned bus) without staying to check out the night life. Mostar is a college town, so very fun, but not worth the heat at the end of July!
Took it easy last weekend and just hung out in Sarajevo. Got some souvenier shopping done, and spent some more time wandering the city. Nothing too exciting to report. Got up to Vareš on Sunday afternoon and began to prepare for our last week teaching! Luckily, we had an easy week planned, with our art show, movie day and picnic going on. The Vareš summer festival began Sunday night, so we definitely needed a more laid back week (translation = lots of late nights out in the town.) There was live music every night, and there was more than one cafe open past 11 p.m. Nothing too crazy went out, but it was definitely nice to see the town with more energy, and with about twice the population, since all of the people from the surrounding villages come down to the city center for the festival.
Wednesday was our last day at school, and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I really got attached to these kids over the last 4 weeks, and it was hard to say goodbye.... especially when they're all asking if I'll be back next summer. I can see why Jo, our project coordinator, keeps coming back, and feels so attached to the place.
So we came back to Sarajevo this morning, and now tonight we have our final reflection, then our closing dinner. Hoorah!! I'm planning on just lounging around for the next two days, and seeing the last few things in Sarajevo I hoped to see (mainly nightlife) then I leave Sunday night for Ljubljana, Slovenia. Im taking the overnight bus, then spending two days there in a hostel that used to be a jail! Should be really neat. Then catching a train Wednesday morning to Vienna, where I catch my flight to London. Whew! I'm definitely going to be exhausted by the time I get home on the 8th, but I think it will all be worth it.
One other fun note... made it to the black market last week to pick up some DVDs, and had the new Harry Potter movie the day after it came out, as well as about 5 other new movies. For less than $3 each! Haven't been able to get the book yet, but should be able to in London...
Time for reflection, so I hope everyone is doing well, and I can't wait to be home in just a few more weeks!!
Spent last Friday taking a day trip to Mostar, site of the famous Old Bridge that was blown up in 1993. It was a beautiful town to see.... evidence of the war was everywhere, and nice new rebuilt buildings stood next to buildings completely devastated by shelling. The old town and bridge were very nice, and the Neretva River runs right through town. I went by myself, and it was really relaxing to have coffee and lunch at cafes by the river, as well as to have the opportunity to wander around town and see the place on my own. The afternoon got really hot though (like over 110 degrees), and I headed back to Sarajevo (on the air conditioned bus) without staying to check out the night life. Mostar is a college town, so very fun, but not worth the heat at the end of July!
Took it easy last weekend and just hung out in Sarajevo. Got some souvenier shopping done, and spent some more time wandering the city. Nothing too exciting to report. Got up to Vareš on Sunday afternoon and began to prepare for our last week teaching! Luckily, we had an easy week planned, with our art show, movie day and picnic going on. The Vareš summer festival began Sunday night, so we definitely needed a more laid back week (translation = lots of late nights out in the town.) There was live music every night, and there was more than one cafe open past 11 p.m. Nothing too crazy went out, but it was definitely nice to see the town with more energy, and with about twice the population, since all of the people from the surrounding villages come down to the city center for the festival.
Wednesday was our last day at school, and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I really got attached to these kids over the last 4 weeks, and it was hard to say goodbye.... especially when they're all asking if I'll be back next summer. I can see why Jo, our project coordinator, keeps coming back, and feels so attached to the place.
So we came back to Sarajevo this morning, and now tonight we have our final reflection, then our closing dinner. Hoorah!! I'm planning on just lounging around for the next two days, and seeing the last few things in Sarajevo I hoped to see (mainly nightlife) then I leave Sunday night for Ljubljana, Slovenia. Im taking the overnight bus, then spending two days there in a hostel that used to be a jail! Should be really neat. Then catching a train Wednesday morning to Vienna, where I catch my flight to London. Whew! I'm definitely going to be exhausted by the time I get home on the 8th, but I think it will all be worth it.
One other fun note... made it to the black market last week to pick up some DVDs, and had the new Harry Potter movie the day after it came out, as well as about 5 other new movies. For less than $3 each! Haven't been able to get the book yet, but should be able to in London...
Time for reflection, so I hope everyone is doing well, and I can't wait to be home in just a few more weeks!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Lots to talk about this week....
After having a nice relaxing night back in Sarajevo last Thursday, our group headed to Srebenica, Bosnia, which is the site of the 1995 genocide where over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed by Serbian forces. We visited the memorial site and graveyard, and toured the factory where UN soldiers held 5,000 people in hopes of saving them. (After keeping the people there for two days, they were forced to kick them out - basically handing them over to the soldiers waiting outside.) The memorial site was very touching and emotional - it reminded me a lot of the Vietnam memorial, with lists and lists of those killed during the genocide. We also watched a video that included footage of those 9 days, and showed the men basically marching to their death, as well as the soldiers laughing and joking about what they were about to do. It was really difficult to watch. The video also showed President Clinton, who visited Srebenica for the dedication of the memorial. It was a clear reminder of just how little we (the U.S.) did to prevent so much of what was going on.
After leaving the memorial, our project coordinator had our drivers take us to one of the mass grave sites that was recently discovered and in the process of being excavated for bodies. I didn't even get out of the car - to me, it was a little morbid to stand around looking at unidentified victims of this horrific incident. I felt as though we were acting as tourists taking in the sights, and just didn't feel it was respectful of the people and families who still don't have closure. The students who did go thought it was very interesting to hear about the work being done by ICMP (the International Center for Missing Persons), but for me, it just didn't feel right.
To make ourselves feel better (and who am I kidding, just to have a good time) myself and Chico decided we should get our butts over to Novi Sad, Serbia, for Exit Fest, one of Europe's biggest music festivals. We got there early Saturday morning, and had a great day wandering the city, hanging out on the shores of the Danube, napping in the park, and drinking lots and lots of coffee. Later in the day, we headed across the river to this giant old citadel where the festival was held. We got inside before there were too many people there, and had the opportunity to wander around and see the grounds without 50,000 other people. The line up for the night we were there was Lauryn Hill (pictured above - yeah, that's right, I was that close!), Basement Jaxx (who rocked) and Snoop Dogg. So I got to see Snoop Dogg play from 2-4 AM, with about 30,000 Serbians singing every word right next to me! It was quite the experience. For the rest of the morning there was a huge dance party going on, but I just didn't have the energy so Chico and I headed back to the park to get a little rest. After sleeping on a park bench for a few hours, we did some shopping, then headed to Belgrade in an attempt to find a bus back to Sarajevo.
Belgrade was definitely an interesting place to see, but very run down. You can tell it was once a beautiful city, but has lost its charm. We had dinner at a beautiful restaurant on the Danube, then walked the city before getting on our overnight bus to Sarajevo. (Let me add that we were absolutely filthy, can't have smelled too good, and completely exhausted. It was a fun bus ride.)
To make ourselves feel better (and who am I kidding, just to have a good time) myself and Chico decided we should get our butts over to Novi Sad, Serbia, for Exit Fest, one of Europe's biggest music festivals. We got there early Saturday morning, and had a great day wandering the city, hanging out on the shores of the Danube, napping in the park, and drinking lots and lots of coffee. Later in the day, we headed across the river to this giant old citadel where the festival was held. We got inside before there were too many people there, and had the opportunity to wander around and see the grounds without 50,000 other people. The line up for the night we were there was Lauryn Hill (pictured above - yeah, that's right, I was that close!), Basement Jaxx (who rocked) and Snoop Dogg. So I got to see Snoop Dogg play from 2-4 AM, with about 30,000 Serbians singing every word right next to me! It was quite the experience. For the rest of the morning there was a huge dance party going on, but I just didn't have the energy so Chico and I headed back to the park to get a little rest. After sleeping on a park bench for a few hours, we did some shopping, then headed to Belgrade in an attempt to find a bus back to Sarajevo.
Belgrade was definitely an interesting place to see, but very run down. You can tell it was once a beautiful city, but has lost its charm. We had dinner at a beautiful restaurant on the Danube, then walked the city before getting on our overnight bus to Sarajevo. (Let me add that we were absolutely filthy, can't have smelled too good, and completely exhausted. It was a fun bus ride.)
We immediately went up to Vareš after getting in and showering Monday morning, and taught school as usual all week. We only have three more days in Vareš (and I only have 10ish more in Bosnia) and I know that I am really going to miss this place. I've gotten so attached to my students, and can't say I pictured feeling this way 2 months ago. Next week is the Vareš summer festival and our school picnic, so I think it will at least be a nice sendoff and a good way to say goodbye.
Came back early this afternoon and went to visit the Bosnian Federal Court with our class. Extremely interesting, and since we watched a portion of the trial of some of those charged with the war crimes committeed in Srebenica, it was a nice bookend to last week's trip. So off to reflection now, and then heading out to enjoy one of my last weekends in Bosnia!!
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