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When looking back on my time in Sarajevo, one of the things I was most shocked by was the people I met. I think it might have been because of what little I knew about this region before coming here or because of hearing my parents freak out about the idea of me coming here, but I was not expecting the people to be so welcoming. While I obviously did not meet everyone in the city of Sarajevo, everybody who I did have conversations was extremely nice and open about their experiences when I would ask them questions. Although I know that there are still horrible people in the world (ie the person who stole my wallet!!), I was glad to see the good in people who had experienced such hardships.

Of all the Bosnians I talked to, I talked to Klerija, a hotel employee, almost morning. The “Bosnian Mama,” as she referred to herself, was a refugee from the war. Prior to the war, she worked for TV Sarajevo, but once fighting broke out, she moved to New Jersey with her husband through a US-sponsored program. When she returned to Sarajevo, the only job she could find was one working for the Courtyard Marriott. One of the things that I found most interesting about her was how she said that she felt indebted to the United States due to their support during the war. I feel as though if I were in the same position as her, I would not have those same feelings. I don’t think that I would have the same reaction. While I would be grateful for the assistance, I just can’t seem to understand that sense of indebtedness. Obviously, I have not experienced war first-hand, but I was still shocked by that.

In addition to Klerija, I also spoke with Juliet, the laundry lady, and Namik, a jewelry maker, on multiple occasions. Both of them were nothing but nice and pure, and I am grateful that they told me everything that they did. Obviously, all three of these people were there to do something for me in some way, but I thought that they were very open about what they went through and how they have recovered from the war. I believe that my interactions with them was one of the most rewarding experiences in Sarajevo because I was able to see how the war affected regular civilians. While we were able to talk to a variety of people who were involved, I really enjoyed being able to talk to normal people who don’t seem to hold grudges about what they had to go through.