Bosnian Coffee...

One of the first things we were introduced to when we arrived in Bosnia was Bosnian coffee. This wasn't popular amongst the team as it's quite strong, and there is amusing evidence of our reactions to it earlier on our blog. However, as we experienced more of Bosnia we saw how significant a part coffee plays in the Bosnian culture. We discovered that Bosnians have a strong café culture. The culture here is very much relational, and this is reflected in the amount of time spent in coffee shops; it seems that Bosnians can make a cup of coffee last for hours. Consequently, coffee shops are actually a vital part of OM Bosnia's ministry, and we were able to also experience this during our stay here. When we were first told that we would be going to local coffee shops with the specific purpose of talking to people I was privately filled with dread. I find building a connection with strangers very difficult, and when I imagined going to a coffee shop expressly to talk to strangers I imagined a coffee shop in England. If I were to sit down next to a stranger in an English coffee shop and try to talk to them, they would probably think I was quite strange, and I would feel deeply uncomfortable. However, I underestimated the relational nature of Bosnian culture. People were so eager to talk to us, and so friendly, it was actually really enjoyable, and I experienced a first: having a lengthy, deep conversation with a stranger. It was such a good insight into how OM Bosnia operates and one of the many times on Transit when I have been able to experience local culture in a way I never could as a tourist. (Amy Woods)