A Lovely Meal
I'm in Sarajevo in large part because I know someone who lives here and it was an incredible opportunity to visit a part of Europe that I otherwise would not have seen. Leslie has been a gracious, knowledgeable and caring hostess. I'm thrilled to get this time with her visiting the place she now calls home.
Leslie and I woke to a world of white this morning, but as it is not all too uncommon here, life continues and Leslie has mastered driving in the snow. We went to the old part of the city where we visited food markets, artisan stores, and a small restaurant which proudly displays a photo of Bill Clinton at the restaurant. We saw churches, mosques, and temples. We heard the call to midday prayer for the Muslims, and we watched as a group of old men played chess in the snowy park on an oversized chess board.
For dinner this evening, Leslie arranged a special treat. Smoking is still incredibly common here, both inside and outside, in restaurants and markets. There is a small restaurant that is typically open only for lunch, but you can reserve it for dinner. So, in this intimate restaurant it was just myself, Leslie, five other women and the staff of three. These other women are also wives of people who work at the US Embassy here or some work at the Embassy themselves. It was such a treat to be with a group of remarkable women who have set out on exciting adventures, not too dissimilar from my own.
The company, conversations, and familiar accents were a treat alone, but the meal and service made for an even grander evening. We had five courses prepared right in front of us composed of food the chef thought looked good in the market earlier that day. We had pumpkin soup, salad, chicken and rice, beef and potatoes and then chocolate cake-all of which were absolutely delicious. Because the exchange rate is so wonderful, this five course meal in a private restaurant cost about $35 per person-what an absolute treat!
Leslie and I woke to a world of white this morning, but as it is not all too uncommon here, life continues and Leslie has mastered driving in the snow. We went to the old part of the city where we visited food markets, artisan stores, and a small restaurant which proudly displays a photo of Bill Clinton at the restaurant. We saw churches, mosques, and temples. We heard the call to midday prayer for the Muslims, and we watched as a group of old men played chess in the snowy park on an oversized chess board.
For dinner this evening, Leslie arranged a special treat. Smoking is still incredibly common here, both inside and outside, in restaurants and markets. There is a small restaurant that is typically open only for lunch, but you can reserve it for dinner. So, in this intimate restaurant it was just myself, Leslie, five other women and the staff of three. These other women are also wives of people who work at the US Embassy here or some work at the Embassy themselves. It was such a treat to be with a group of remarkable women who have set out on exciting adventures, not too dissimilar from my own.
The company, conversations, and familiar accents were a treat alone, but the meal and service made for an even grander evening. We had five courses prepared right in front of us composed of food the chef thought looked good in the market earlier that day. We had pumpkin soup, salad, chicken and rice, beef and potatoes and then chocolate cake-all of which were absolutely delicious. Because the exchange rate is so wonderful, this five course meal in a private restaurant cost about $35 per person-what an absolute treat!
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