It’s Tuesday today, which means I have already been here over a week. Time flies! The to-do list I made last week may not be growing, but looking at it I ask myself what I did do. That’s why it is a good idea to keep a diary, any form of diary.
I’m not quite sure what to call myself here. Obviously I’m a tourist, but I am staying longer than usual and not doing as much sightseeing. Maybe I am a visitor, or a guest, or a traveller. When I’m touring around on my bike taking pictures I feel like a tourist, but when I cycle to the Via Dinarica head office with my laptop in my backpack I feel quite different. Seeing everyone I met two months ago feels comfortable and natural. Although conversations are often held in Bosnian and I feel like an outsider, I don’t mind at all. I actually enjoy just listening and watching people talking.
I am so fortunate to have so much time, it relaxes me and I don’t feel pressured that everything has to happen right now. That other people are busy is a well known fact. Being busy, or just living their lives. For me, it is a layover, I’m just here for two weeks visiting. The drawback of having so much time is the possibility of postponing: “I’ll be here for two whole weeks, we’ll definitely see each other!”
So now there is less than a week left and still so much I want to do! Visit the Bijela Tabija (White Fortress), the Skakavac waterfalls, see Džana in Hadžići, eating ćevapi on Baščaršija and of course spend an evening at Kino Bosna.
Because there is still so much I want to do, I have lost track of what I’ve already done and what I’m doing right now. Like having my own quiet place where I can come and go as I please, where it almost feels like home when I put the key in the lock and greet my neighbours. That might be worth more than visiting all the attractions.
I have no appointments this week, no plans and no obligations. I will leave when I’m ready and until then I will happily hop, skip and cycle around.
Translated by Liesbeth
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