Culture and Heat

We’ve had some pretty hot days here in Sarajevo, and almost every day I get a good laugh when I’m in traffic. Some of you may know that some europeans, particularly the older generation are deathly afraid of a draft (any current of air flowing through a room or other space). Well the Bosnian culture as a whole, young and old are also afraid of drafts. So what this means is that winter or summer windows should not be opened, or if you have to you open one window, but definitely not a second for fear of a draft. You can imagine what it’s like on a full tram or bus, especially when some people have the habit of only taking a bath once a week.
Obviously in the summers you have to find some respite from the oppressive heat while driving... the solution: open your car door! Of course why didn’t I think of that? My mom always told me not to roll down the window in the car, but why not open the door? So at every stop light in Sarajevo during the summer you’ll see many people open their car doors to let some air into their cars before they start off again. But wait! The highlight for me at least once a day is seeing that one guy who’s driving with his car door open to get a breeze in his car. LOL!