Just food

       My next article will be basically instruction, how to survive as a volunteer, with limited budget and time to prepare a proper food. Maybe some other volunteers are surviving in different ways (eating in 5 stars restaurants and drinking Masseto Toscana every day), but for this is article about my survival skill, I will write about potatoes and pasta. Some time ago, I figured out, that my daily budget is little less than 10KM and since I am drinking at least 3 coffees in local coffee shops per day, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day, spending money for useless craps and spending most of my money in first five days I get them, by budget is actually little less than 3KM a day. 

       So how to deal with situation like this? Is that even possible? Answer is really simple. Potatoes! You can buy one kilogram for 0,5KM, if you are lucky (you might also steal it, if you are fast and brave enough, but in that case, why would you steal potatoes and not let’s say half of slaughtered cow? (Left side of course)). There is a lot of ways, to prepare dish by using potatoes, but for we are volunteers with limited time, the best way is to fry it on oil. As you know, oil is reaaallly expansive so I’ll give you now 3 good advices: Recycle, recycle and recycle. Don’t throw used oil away. Keep it on pan and next day, you can use it again… and again… and again… (Of course, one day you will have to get rid of it, but don’t forget, that the little piece of oil helped you to survive for more than one week, so say at least “thank you dear oil” before you pour it to sink). 

       While cutting potatoes, don’t forget to cut them into really small pieces. They will fry faster and cool down faster, so you will save at least 47 seconds, which you can spend to feed some homeless people on street or whatever. After frying potatoes, there is a question, what kind of taste would be the best? And because simple is most of the time best, answer is: “SALT!” Are you asking: “Only salt?” and my answer is: “YES!!!” Are you asking…ok enough. Yes, salt is the best, according to my knowledge, gained through the hundreds of hours spent to prepare potato-dishes. If you are bit richer, you can also add pepper, ketchup, meat and whatsoever, but that is extra money, and money is time and we don’t have time. You know? So Peter, with great power comes great responsibility.          

       About pasta, I recently found a simple recipe, how to prepare cheap pasta (thank you Luka), so here we go: Boil water, add pasta, cook pasta, add oil, add vegetables in form of vegeta, and let it cool down, bon appetite. And don't forget SALT!

       I really hope, this article have been useful and will at least to one person help to survive. If you don’t believe I am alive, here is a photo (Yeah, I’ve been lying, I am rich bastard and I am eating kilograms of sweets every day!). M out!

Yppah si ydob ym ni llec elttil yreve.

I am not complaining, or moaning, but I have the most difficult, almost impossible task to work on and I really don’t know how to manage it. It is killing me inside, that I am not able to make it work! Why is this world so cruel to me? But for real, can you imagine working on something impossible? If you wanna know, I will tell you, what is my task and I don't want to hear any words of compassion. It is my karma and I have to deal with it! So here we go. "Write an article to your blog, about on-arrival training in Sarajevo". Right? How the hack am I supposed by using the simple words explain, what it felt like, to be a part of that amazing collective and know those beautiful, perfect, amazing, great, open-minded, adorable, nice, gentle, brave, happy, thankful, clever, helpful, zealous people? Damn. I really don’t know. 

Basically, the main problem is that I really don’t remember order of activities, or daily schedules (but I can tell you, I haven’t been bored for a single second) and so write this article chronologically is for me impossible and writing it alphabetically wouldn't sound that good. Only thing I know and share with you is, that after this one week in Sarajevo I feel, I could now instantly die, because I reached the limit of my happiness and I can’t imagine there might come something even better (Maybe disclosure of unicorns with lightasbers would be better, but who knows?). Ok, that is maybe too much, but as a description of my emotions it might be enough.

My next role is also to apologize to my family, for replacing them with this bunch of AWESOME people. Also my next apologize belongs to Dog… I mean God, for playing with an idea of learning basics of Genetic Engineering to clone all those excellent people and bring them to Mostar (just joking. I already collected all the hairs and blood I needed and bought a centrifuge on E-bay, so BUUYA!).  Next apology belongs to three sisters: Sadness, Melancholy and Pessimistic, for not being invited to Sarajevo (Sorrrryyy). 

Maybe the pictures would tell you more, so here we go again!

If the pictures weren't enough, I apologize, but my descriptive skills aren't able to deal with this problem. Fin.

P.S.: I know this article is written without any informative value. I wanted to capture emotion, not facts so sorry also to you, discontented readers.

Can you imagine living without one cent?

     Within my next article, I would like to talk about the crowdfunding campaign, we launched yesterday and the problems connected with it. As many of you knows, we are currently in Mostar as volunteers and we are trying to improve the local community in many ways. As I mentioned in one article before, we are preparing a lot of projects and activities, aimed to sharing knowledge, educating people of all ages (mostly youths) and helping people to find new values in their lives.

     Yesterday as we started our campaign, we were full of expectations, hope and of course we were looking forward to see, how many people want to spread their good will by contributing to our project. Campaign has been launched and we were sharing it really annoyingly and waiting to see, how many good people it address. After 6 hours of waiting, the amount was still 0. How is this possible? Little suspicions sneaked into my mind, while I was watching mindlessly to the screen incomprehensively. Questions like: “Is the campaign a good idea?”, “Are people really not willing to help?” bothered my mind.

     Then I received the message saying, that it is impossible to contribute. I was trying to solve this problem for two hours, addressing myself with a lot of rude words, while looking for solutions. Finally the first contribution arrived! So the mistake wasn’t in the kindliness of people, but in some technical bullshit. First have been followed by second… and that was it. 18 hours after launch, we have only 15 euros there; our project seems to be in deadlock. So I am addressing this article to you, my fellow readers. If you can imagine, living without like 5 euros for the rest of your life (if you will live for 50 years, it is basically less than 1 cent per month), or if you want to see the happy children, holding book and smiling, while maybe being in magical Hogwarts, desolate Mordor or accompanying Alice through the Wonderland, contribute and help us make this idea come true.  

Here is the link for campaign: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/813lD5/ab/65GNs8 have a nice day :) 

Waiting is killing us all !

     Next week in the office was almost over. Martin stood up and made himself another cup of coffee, to stay awake for the last 2 hours. Waiting was killing him, but there was nothing else to do. Clicking clocks reminded him of his childhood, when he was pushed to kneel in corner, after doing something bad. Click, click, click. Checking the screen. Nothing. Click, click, click… During the last week he and Silvia challenged themselves in tasks of different kinds, such as browsing Facebook and YouTube, learning Spanish and Bosnian and reading stuff, but still, they were mostly waiting. In office, there were many ongoing activities. People standing and talking, sitting and talking, some people sitting, while other people standing and talking and so on. 

     During that week the volunteers fully realized, that waiting is also part of their everyday lives. Until now, they have been living in a huge bubble of inner lies, with pink glasses on their eyes. Maybe another day, maybe the day after, maybe… What they were thinking? Of course it was supposed to be like this. They weren’t waiting for the bus, or the end of their working day. No! There was something more important, something that bothered them with bigger power. Something, they could not possibly change. It was… wait for it… the delay time between Bosnian bank and PayPal account! Let me explain.

     The week started as all others before. Full of enthusiasm, that at Monday they will start their fundraising campaign, Martin and Silvia arrived to the office. They crated their PayPal account and pressed “verify” button. Of course error message occurred, but after few hours they solved that problem and PayPal sent them message, that they have to wait until the 1,5euro will transfer from their account to PayPal balance. It might take one day. They were leaving the work and looking forward to another day. Tuesday of waiting followed by Wednesday and Thursday of biting their nails skipped into Friday. It is stupid Friday already, the bank accepted payment and checked it, but the money still did not leave the bank!

     With shaking hands, Martin took out the cigarette and lighted it. Anger was bubbling inside of his body; rage filled his world and ticking clocks made him think about suicide. Suddenly he realized, he is staying on side rail of balcony. He couldn’t control his body. Then he took a step and fell down the balcony from the fifth floor. Last words, he could hear was: “Martin, we can start! The bank finally withdrew the money!”, but it was too late for him. He was dead. Waiting killed him, as many other people, who also daily wait for important stuff in their lives, such as food, drinkable water or ending of war and conflicts in their country. Don’t let those people wait, help them now! Support Masterpeace!

In the end, we would like to highlight the fact, that nobody really died, during half an hour, in which we've been writing this article... unfortunately except of around 400 kids, who suffer from preventable causes like: poor sanitation, lack of food, poverty, HIV/AIDS, conflicts and many more... for example.

Spoiler alert! We are actually doing something!

     As you might know, there is about 100.000 people living in Mostar, some of them old, some younger and some of them… like really little people. You know? Not dwarves or midgets. Ah never mind. During the big storm in our office, which influenced our brains, we came with an idea of Free Little Libraries, based on the fact, that a lot of people do not read (worldwide, but also here in Mostar). Babies!! I meant babies! Sorry, let’s continue.

     Our plan is to build few Magic Boxes in the city (great name isn’t it?), where people can put books they do not want, and by contrast individuals, who want to read can come and pick a book. We calculated the charges of total 100 euro for one box, so our goal is to collect at least 300 euros for 4 boxes. No, 3 boxes. Damn that math, sorry. So if you are interested in our idea, in the couple of days, we will start our fundraising campaign and you, my fellow readers can contribute with any amount. We will be thankful even for like 1 euro and won’t be judging, that you spent last Friday 50 euros for booze and party, and gave 1 euro for education of youth and helping them to read the books. No, really good job!

Here is a short "trailer" for our Fundraising. Full lenght video will be available after launching our campaign.

     Also we came with an idea of organizing Christmas Market, the event which is supposed to share the Christmas tradition among people of all ages, include some volunteers from Budi Muško Klub if they will be interested in (if not, we will make them to do it anyway.. by asking them nicely of course). Selling gingerbreads and home-made nonalcoholic punch, creating decorations and winning prizes in tombola (and the winner is…. Martin Frič…oh what a surprise… I did not expect that, thank you), is what you should expect, but for the reason we do not know the exact date of the event, we recommend you to take leave for the whole December and few days of January, to not miss this. Also if you want to help us with materials for gingerbreads, or in some other way, do not hesitate to write us.

#hardworking #messytable #intelectuallook 

     For now, that’s it, I just wanted to inform you about our future plans and activities, which we are trying to prepare for the next 2 or 3 months. Those are only small ones, so I hope you are not disappointed. If yes, I am sorry, but the biggest one is top secret, but because I care about you and truly want you to be happy, here is a little spoiler: SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE!!

     Martin’s out!

Excuse me! You need a stamp...

  As we were drinking delicious morning coffee in bus station for 0,40 € (#bosniancoffeeovergold) our coordinator and CEO of the NGO YP (Ajla and Armin) appeared and took us to the place where we are supposed to live for next 10 months. We were actually ready for anything, but two-rooms apartment which have not been used for 5 years, and the last resident was about 135 years old lady, pleasantly surprised us. We have to admit that our “new” “home” has everything what we need, even broken blender, and about ten kilograms of Christmas decorations.

 After short stop and breakfast we headed forward to bureaucratic adventures. It means coupe of stamps which have to be verified by more stamps, medical control which proves that we are not potential threat for rest of local population (HIV positive, etc.), of course with stamp on it & much more. This bureaucratic journey took us more or less 3 days. What is more, it is still has not been completed yet!

    In the middle of the week we have started to “create”. It has included some brainstorming for upcoming events we are supposed to work on. Moreover, we had possibility to explore the town little bit, such as Old town, Old bridge, Old everything J, couple of coffee places and beautiful park.

    On Saturday we were participating in meeting of “Be a man club”. By participating I mean that each of us were presenting briefly personal story using brand new technology. We had chance to meet a lot of young perspective active people from different high schools, share our experience with them and see how the club is running managed by ruthless Nedim’s whip app. More than 20 people were attended, some of them really excited while others…let’s say slightly excited.

  After the week of duties and working-related tasks, we decided to visit the Hum hill, with 30 meters tall cross attached on it. They told us it could take like half an hour, so after lunch, which consisted of coffee, we left our apartment, without taking any water or food. As we were walking for about one hour, a small amount of suspicion sneaked into our minds. Where the Hell is that Cross? Suddenly, out of nowhere, when we almost lost our faith, it appeared on horizon.

  It was a beautiful moment full of joy, happiness and celebrations, but still. Considering, our trip begun at 2 p.m. and it was already half past 3, we finally realized, that Einstein was right. Time really is relative. As thirsty as Sahara at midday, we took some selfies and after being delighted at the view of the city, we headed back to town, little bit sad, that our first week is over, but on the other hand enthusiastic, there will be 39 more of them.

Bus over Airplane

     Here we are, waiting in Wiena for our bus, which is supposed to take us to Mostar in less than 15 hours. Half of us regret, that we did not decide to go by the airplane, and if you want to guess who was complaining, here is a little clue: It was Silvia! One hour later we are already sitting in the bus, our legs really hurts, but still with the smile on our faces we are excited, that we are leaving this* great country. Suddenly somewhere in the Wiener Neustadt our driver decided to follow the car with a sign: “Please follow me!” Our first thought was: Idiot, what are you doing? It’s a trap! But our telepathic connection wasn’t working, so we ended up in dark ware-house, where we were waiting for almost one hour, while people outside were pointing at us and discussing, probably about our future in the uranium mines. 

     Fortunately the bus reversed out of ware-house and it was weight of our hearts. For like 10 seconds, until it stopped again and another bus with Bosnian registration plate took over our place in ware-house. “When I saw Silvia is afraid, I tried to make a joke to help her, so I told her, imagine some guy will come into bus, point at you and yell: “You ae going with us!” It didn’t help her, who knows why.” We were watching another bus from our “safety place” when the light in ware-house turned off. We really didn’t know what is going on and then our bus just left from the parking lots without any explanation. We still do not know how it is possible, that we are alive, or what happened with another bus and people inside. Maybe we don’t want to know. R.I.P. 

            

Let’s make it clear; it was just a “regular” custom control.

So after two and a half hours spent in bus we still have like 14 hours of our traveling adventure left. Wheeee!

     We were trying to fall asleep but only Silvia succeeded in less than 10 minutes, while Martin was struggling with issues connected with the fact, that he is two meters tall. So he didn't sleep at all. Instead he enjoyed the scenery changing behind the window, as the bus was passing through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and finally Bosnia and Herzegovina.

     It's 8 a.m. and you couldn't believe it, but we finally arrived to Mostar!

     

Let's get this party started!

     At first I think we should introduce ourselves and tell you something more about us. Ladies first, so Silvia, you can start :)

     Hi. As Martin already mentioned, my name is Silvia, I am from Slovakia (Martin), 24 years old motivated recent graduated student with Master degree in European Studies and Regional Development. I am currently looking for opportunities to develop and improve my skills and capabilities. I participated several times in different exchange programs abroad, such as CEEPUS or Work & Travel in US. I am coffee lover, full time dreamer, free spirit, future travel guru. Recently I decided to take a part as volunteer within European Voluntary Service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so I applied and here I am, sitting next to Martin :) 

     O.K. My turn. My name is Martin, also from Slovakia (Žiar nad Hronom), 24 years old freelancer, recently finished my low budget traveling, hitchhiking, camping experiences in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia and so on and after that thinking about my future I realized, I am too young for regular job so I tried to apply for EVS Project in B&H (sorry for shortcut Bosnians) and they somehow chose me. I am a huge movie, music, culture, book, good food lover. So also, here I am. Hopefully we will have some good time together and enjoy this show :)

Why are we here? What is our purpose? Where are we actually?

     It might sound like a cliché, but we came to B&H to get a new experience and knowledge about Balkan culture, to develop our skills in the fields of project management, communication and informal education, to help the local community with tasks of all kinds. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to get know new culture, real taste of Balkan, meet new people, learn local language because “Jedan jezik nikad nije dosta”.

     We have been informed about wide range of activities of our hosting organization, what includes taking part in Young Man Initiative by cooperating with schools, Ministries, parents and platform Masterpeace which is aimed at promoting worldwide peace, in our case concretely in region of B&H, specifically in Mostar. 

     We already mentioned our hosting organization, so drumrolls please; we are introducing the NGO Youth Power / Snaga Mladih. YP is a Non-Governmental Organization trying to create a society with positive values, in which young people are contributing to tolerance and interpersonal dialogue, promoting healthy lifestyles, gender equality, non-violence, and actively involved in social life and politics.

     
     For the next ten months, we will be posting at least one time a week, so if you are interested in our new stories, experiences and so on, keep refreshing this page on weekly basis, or often if you want ;)