Five Things That Made Me Go Hmm…
We are almost halfway through August.
In these parts, the tourists are tanning their tushes, while most locals are waiting for September to do the same.
Blue skies in Makarska, Croatia
And I am rushing to type this as I know my internet speed will slow down in a few hours.
So today, I am sharing a list of things that left me thinking/pondering.
You know, the things that made me go, hmm…
Cash is King
A few nights ago, I was at a cafe with a cousin. We ordered drinks. The waiter came over with the drinks and receipt. He asked if we could pay immediately. I said sure. I then asked if he would accept my credit card (foolish me, I forgot to bring cash and should have known better).
The waiter yelled at me, saying I should have mentioned it when I ordered.
I’ve lived here for almost two years; I know cash is king in these parts.
I am also human, and sometimes I leave my home without cash. My father would be so disappointed to hear this.
I’m not here to break down why the waiter yelled. Most of the time, if someone yells at you, it has little to do with you (thanks, therapy).
I’m here to remind you to listen to my father: always carry cash! He rarely raises his voice; the exclamation mark is for dramatic effect.
The Adriatic Sea is NOT Water
Ready to dive into the Adriatic Sea, Croatia
In Dalmacija, you do NOT refer to the Adriatic Sea as water.
If you are lying on the beach and hear people refer to the Adriatic Sea as water, know that those people are being judged. Hard.
Do Not Park Here
Some owners install proper parking posts/bars to prevent people from parking in their spots.
Some owners get resourceful and use items you would find in your home.
Walking through Makarska and noting what homeowners use to prevent people from parking in their spots has been entertaining.
Whatever works.
No Parking
No Parking
The Internet Moves Slowly
I do not attempt to know anything about internet speed except to say this:
I was born and raised in Canada. The internet moves fast in those parts.
I now live in Makarska. When tourists visit these parts in the summer, my internet slows down.
The slowest times: July and August at night and when it rains.
Tourists need to Netflix and Chill. I need to work.
I imagine I need fiber-optic internet. I have inquired about that with my service provider. They tell me I can’t get it. Yet.
So, in the summer, I try to get most of my work done in the morning and when it’s not raining.
I have a video call tonight at 7 pm. It should be fun.
Forgetting About Rules and Order
While waiting in line at the grocery store, an older woman stood behind me but failed to see the ten people behind me. All of them tourists.
I pointed this out to her.
Her response: let them wait; we are natives (domaći).
Of course, I was taught that cutting in line was not cool.
And I did tell her there was a lineup behind her.
But when she called me a native (domaća), I forgot the importance of rules and order. And I grinned from ear to ear because she thought I was from these parts.
On that day, being included trumped maintaining order in a grocery store line.
And those are just some of the things that made me go, hmmm…over the last couple of weeks.
I could mention others, but for now, that’s all!
Because my internet is moving super slowly.
So now, because of Catholic guilt- I will attempt to create balance in the world - or at least in my head - and mention six things that made me smile over the last couple of weeks.