Being that I seem to have been neglecting my responsibilities to this page for about a month, I am finding it hard to figure out how to summarize the last few weeks while still retaining the concise, simple articles, I've been known to try to write, but haven't quite mastered. I feel know, that, to paint a fresh picture, rather than re-tell my experiences, to which, i will return to re-telling, I will elaborate on a few items that have grabbed my attention. This list is by no mean exhaustive, or its items of any value to anyone else but me.
Showers
I've seen showers here that resemble the showers that I am used to seeing, this being a stand-up shower with a mounted head. I love these showers, they encourage sloth and laziness while allowing participation in active hygiene. With these, I looked forward to waking up in the morning just for an opportunity to use it. However, the majority of showers I've spotted in the occasional friend's bathroom, have been of a different model. They usually consist of a basin, more or less resembling a bathtub, with a hand-held handle which can be rotated and adjusted for one's cleaning needs. This can be done while standing up, or, as I have adopted, sitting. I know that this is by all means a more effective, and water conscious solution to the stabilized shower head, and I want to like this style, really I do, however, it seems to have taken the very soul of bathing in a shower, that is, doing absolutely nothing, right out of the entire process. By moving my arms, I feel the sanctity of what I've come to learn has been violated. On another note, when I don't have two hands available to bathe, I must put the handle down, and as I do this, the water pressure moves it to a degree, annoyingly spraying the washing machine adjacent to the basin.
Washing Machines
I have one in my bathroom. I use it as a table.
Intellectual Property and Copyright Laws
Virtually nonexistent. There are several examples. Perhaps my favorites are the Dolce and Gabana leather belts sold in between a collection of umbrellas and a Coke machine. Maybe it is Pizzaria U2, though I'm not sure if this counts as any sort of infraction upon the band of the same name's trademark agreements, or if the photos used inside count as simple decorations, but I'm almost sure they would ask for a cut of their income, of course, to be used in designer clothing and African aid. To a lesser extent, the same may be said for Club Bill Gates. Also, the photocopy place that uses Fantasia-Era Mickey as its illustrated scribe hard at work. I went inside, it's a Xerox. Perhaps the best though, is the very visibly traded black market DVDs and Videogames in the Center. I'll be watching Quantam of Solace before any of you.
Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are served with sesame seeds, not salt. Better than I would have thought.
Bakeries in general
These are the saving Grace of evenings out and early morning classes. Many are open 24 hours and are filled with both salty and sweet pastries. Perfect for ending a night with Patrick. You buy pretzels here.
Walking
People waaaaaalk, they don't walk. Makes more sense when translated. Really though, I wish I could join them in this quality.
Public Kissing
Everywhere. Tongue is normal. Again, I enjoy how relaxed they are here.
Harlem Globetrotters
Still terrible, even in Sarajevo. Not Sarajevoss fault.
Adults talking to strangers' kids
This is completely OK here. People will stop on the street to talk to children, treat them like children, but not ignore them like children, its great, and so far, no Amber Alerts or screams of "stranger danger." I don't know why this doesn't happen in the U.S., but fearing the judgements of total strangers, I'll refrain from pushing the issue.
Daily Tram Rides
Great, and after speaking with Sandra, I'm an artful dodger of fares. It's so crowded, perfect for those lonely at heart.
Student Films
As pretentious as those in the U.S. Best buying from the Streets.