Midsummer Blue
Midsummer weekend really gave me that freedom that you can only feel in the summer. I forgot about work and everything else. We barbequed, hung out in the sun and went on fishing trips by lakes and the sea, which seems to be the summer's new hobby. I'm really not a "nature person" but I feel peaceful in body and soul after this weekend. It might be worth spending a little more time on outdoor activities after all. It will be hard to go to work tomorrow, but 3 of 6 weeks job is completed and the reason for all this working and saving is quickly approaching. Craaazy.
Bosnians on tour in Riga - Day 2
Game day! Since there were almost only Bosnians from Sweden on the boat I had for a moment forgotten that Riga also would be full of Bosnians from Bosnia, Germany, Denmark, Norway and other European countries. As soon as we left the bags at the Radisson Blu (where everyone else from the boat also lived), we went out to the city, took pictures with lots of other fans (could barely take a photo without someone bombing it) and continued the cheering party in the center of Riga.
We were told to gather at 4 am, and when we got there, we find that the walking towards the stadium had already begun. And that's the first thing I was unhappy about. Nothing compares to the walk in Paris where we were 20,000 Bosnians, but even in Estonia it was better organized than this time. Most were not even aware of it starting, and we came to the stadium two hours early, which was a real anti-climax after getting in the right mood. These hours we could have spent with all the others who still partied and sang in the cafes.
After the game it was time for the after party which took place in one of Riga's night clubs. Disappointment No. 2. We were exhausted after two intense days but was still ready to go all in and celebrate the win with our last energy. But no, the artists didn't seem to know what party music is. Enes started well, he sang other famous songs and chants. Tifa was a real disappointment, he came out drunk and angry and only sang slow rock ballads, not even the songs that everyone know What were they thinking? That we were there just for their sake or because we actually want to celebrate the game? What a waste. We went back to the hotel pretty soon, I heard from others that Tifa didn't even return to the stage again. But perhaps it was just as good that we got a bit more sleep.
Whatever. We won. Yey!
Bosnians on tour in Riga - Day 1
The supporter trip to Riga started in the best possible way, on the so far hottest day of this year, along with the best group of family and friends. Our little crew consisted of twelve people including our parents, it felt like organizing a class trip... As expected, we enjoyed a wonderful atmosphere the minute we stepped on the boat, and it lasted during all three days, as did the sunny weather. There are only three things that I will complain about, but we'll come to that later. The most important thing is that we WON! With a high five! 0-5 to Bosnia & Herzegovina. You don't understand what it means for our small nation to be so close to a position in the World Cup for the first time. It's hard to explain, but just look at us supporters and how persistently we're cheering despite all setbacks. We'll get there, aBd.
The first hours were spent on the deck where we enjoyed the sun, hung out with other friends and sang along with everybody else as soon as a guy showed up with an accordion, a.k.a. harmonika. And where there is a harmonika, there's soon people dancing kolo. In other words: The invasion had begun mwahaha.
We felt very rested for the match the next day...
JMBG
I'm alive! After a crazy trip to Riga with a win for Bosnia(!) there has not been much time for recovery since I already on Monday had to wake up at 6am for a new work week. Illness, pollen allergics, menstrual cramps, lack of sleep - everything came together this week. Several times I have come home from work and passed out with clothes and makeup on, which only happens in a critical condition. Tomorrow I will therefore stay at home to rest, for real.
Pictures from Instagram search #jmbg.
Before I post pictures or write something about the match in Latvia I thought I should write about something else that happened during the week, speaking of Bosnia. I assume that many of my Bosnian readers have heard or read about it, but for those of you who have not, check the jmbg situation and read about the protests that's been going on in Bosnia. The least you can do is be aware of what is happening. For those who find it difficult to read about it in the Bosnian media, in short, from Swedish Aftonbladet: "In over a week there have been protests against the ethnic deadlock that have characterized Bosnian politics since the end of the war. Demonstrations started when the country's Serb, Croat and Bosniak politicians could not agree on new legislation for identification numbers, which meant that all children born since February are denied passports and health care.". I just want to say that I am so happy and proud that people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are finally taking action against the corrupt politicians and the country's retarded political system. I really hope it doesn't end with the jmbg issue, I hope people have had a taste of their power when they are united and that they are not satisfied until the situation starts changing. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, the first-named because innocent little children's health and future is at stake because of stupid politics, the other because this has gotten people up to wake up and the unification has brought hope and optimism among the people. Go babyrevolution!
Riga, here we come!
Tomorrow it's FINALLY time for the trip that I have been waiting for since the drawing of lots! A boat full of Bosnians will arrive to Riga where we'll meet Latvia in World Cup qualifiers. Jasmin and I were actually in Riga two years ago, who would have thought that we would go there again so soon? I guess it will be just like in Estonia in 2009, or in Paris in 2011, when it was an invasion of blue, yellow and white all over the city. The boat leaves tomorrow and the party starts as soon as we step on the boat, and hopefully keeps on going for three days (please God, let us win). The difference from when we went to Estonia is that it's much more organized with artists and DJ's, and I don't know yet if it's better or too much for a supporter journey, it remains to be seen. For me it would be enough to put on a CD with some "Bosnom behar probeharao" and "Zivot je bosna" to get in the right mood. I'm so psyched!! IDEMOOO!
Saturday & Summer & Celebration
Saturday offered more festivities. The evening started at Nadines graduation party, with very good Lebanese food and a lovely atmosphere. Good to see that it's not that different from Bosnian parties, people start dancing right away and eventually everybody stand in a circle and wooo at the one who ends up in the middle. The difference was that all lebanese seemed to know belly dancing, haha. Afterwards we went to Yunite, a club for former Yugoslavians, but this time both me and Erna brought some Swedish friends to the place. We all had loads of fun! And on the way home, it had already become light outside because it's finally SUMMER!!!
Friday & Summer & Celebration
Celebrating Miranda's birthday at this allotment has become something of a tradition. I unfortunately missed last year's celebration, but the one two years ago will never be forgotten, when the only thing we talked about was our graduation. Time has gone so fast since then. I am glad that we still hang out and that it always feels the same way when the group get together. Unfortunately, not all seven from our group was there that day, but it still was as wonderful as always, and we were as happy as always about that it's finally summer and that you can sit outside in the evenings with good company. I got full on the world's best(!) chocolate cake and the mosquitoes got full on my blood.
