Y2Y day two... last full day in Serbia ?

Hey there's another connected PC in the motel - thanks Greg... 32kbs! Whoohoo :-)

The students socialized last night , and the adults minded their own business... that's how well this trip has worked out. There's a general understanding amongst the group, of the rules that need to be followed to make sure everyone remains safe. What is especially interesting and gratifying to see is how the students respect Greg and Jana's need to have control over things that can affect their well being, and that have implications vis a vis the temporary guardianship they are exercising while we are away.

There are more workshops today and we'll be doing a tour of some local attractions. Believe me; tourism is not common here and we seem to be a bit of a novelty. I see group members strolling around with recent purchases and hope that the few dinars we are spending helps the locals. We also continue to receive gifts... it will be tough to bring it all home.

I hear loud applause from one of the conference rooms and must get in there soon...







Yesterday there were some fits and starts in getting people to speak and participate, and at a certain point some of the adults led the group. Luckily it provided a focal point and today it looks like it's being led by youth.

There was some feedback from Parcents in Panchevo about how the Canadian students influenced their local students. The parents were delighted that their guests stood up after their meals and cleared dishes and helped tidy up. That's unusual here.

Another story was that in a classroom, a group of the local students stood up when their teacher entered the class and remained standing until she sat at her desk. The lesson it seems, is that it's possible to be cool and respectful at the same time.

Did you know that about your sons and daughters? They are cool and respectful :-) It feels great to type it out... The Serbians are emulating the behaviours of our students, and as you will see later this week, our youth have absorbed things and have grown since connecting here.

So anyway... in other, more immediate news... there is the potential for a delayed arrival at YHZ due to an impending strike at JAT Airlines. Check with the arrivals desk to see what is going on. We are trying our best to get back on time through our connecting flights but won't know for sure until the later whether or not we will be on schedule. Rajka is pulling some strings at JAT... we'll see what happens.

Please excuse spelling mistakes - the keyboards here are a bit different and time is tight...

Also, once we are back you should stay tuned to the SFTP website - I'll be posting photos and a lot of other materials in the coming weeks and months, especially in support of the student's film work.

More later,
Cheers!
John