Visit to Banja Luka
Reflection by Luis J. Fernandez*
My experience in Banja Luka was very interesting. Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo and is the largest city of Republika Srpska (the Bosnian Serb Republic) entity. Banja Luka has a deep meaning in Bosnian history. The many buildings that were built there were mainly from the Ottoman Empire.
As we went there we visited the city and that was great but I could have gone without the amazingly hot weather. In the city I visited many stores and saw a McDonald’s which is an example of globalization. I learned that here in Bosnia it is more expensive to buy junk food than it is to buy healthy food which would be great for America too. We also learned about Banja Luka’s version of Romeo and Juliet and visited the site of Safikada’s tomb where people go to light candles in order to celebrate their love. Read here to learn more about Safikada’s story.
Even before I went on the trip to Banja Luka, I went with my host family to see a giant waterfall, which was beautiful. That was one experience I will never forget. I took many pictures of the many places I have been to here in Sanski Most and it has been a lot of fun. I have also gone to visit the U.S Embassy and spoke with US Foreign Service officers there and a Bosnian press officer, which was really interesting. I have learned that it is not easy being involved in politics as it requires hard work and dedication. I have met so many people here and this is such a great place to be in as I can finally relax and get used to the quiet life. Although I do miss home, I wish I could stay here forever.
*Luis Fernandez attends Long Island City High School. He entered LIC though its Culinary Arts Program and enjoys cooking and eating the dishes he creates. He also likes playing video games and reading books. He is also very athletic and enjoys playing various types of sports. Luis has been with Global Kids for more than two years. As a GK Leader, he is more aware of what’s happening around the world and is involved in Greening Western Queens, where he, alongside his peers, campaigned to have green roofs on top of schools all over New York City. As a Global Kids leader, Luis is learning a lot about many political and environmental issues and believes that youth should use their knowledge and willpower to make a difference in the world.
chariev76 liked this globalkids posted this