Things That Made Me Smile (August 2023 Edition)

Strolling through Makarska, Croatia

This was my second August living in Makarska, Croatia.

And this is what I have concluded:

August is my least favourite month of the year in Makarska.

I will explain.

In the past, I was not keen on sharing my opinion with others for various reasons.

No, it's not something I am proud of. 

So, the fact that I dislike something/identify it as my ‘least favorite’ is a win in my books. 

It shows I am taking note of what I want more of in my life and what I want less of—and then working to figure out how to make it happen.

Yes, a tad late to the party, but here I am, writing all about it in a blog. 

And with two Augusts in Croatia under my belt, I can confidently say I want less of August in Makarska for two reasons:

The heat and the crowds.

Yes, my complaints are about such trivial things.

Give me a few years, and I will work my way up to more important things and laugh at the fact that I once complained about August heat and crowds.

The Heat and the Crowds

The heat: I love Maksarska temps from September through May/June, but things get too much for me in July, especially August.

Last August, I was so exhausted I thought my iron levels were low.

So I ate liver—a lot of liver.

It didn’t help.

Eventually, I realized the August heat was too much for me.

Remember, I thrive in the cool rain.

And the crowds: I think I went along with the crowd for so long. Pun intended.

And now, finally working to understand what I like, I realize that a crowded space is not my jam.

Makarska is full of activity and tourists in August. Great for the city. Great for tourism. Great for business. But not so great for me. Too crowded.

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Now that you know there are a few things I do not like, I need to make things right with the Universe and mention a few things that made me smile in August.

Because: balance.

Figs

They ripen around mid-August. Maybe earlier. They remind me of my grandmother. I associate them with visits to Hercegovina. They are delicious. 

Figs

The family and friends who visited

This group may have single-handedly saved August. During their visits, I was focused on their company and love. They filled my heart and my home with love and memories.

And I thank them for it.

I got to wear pants/leggings and rain boots a few times

Need I say more?

I asked for help

I was speaking with a cousin about something and had no idea she could help me. But she was able to help, and she did help!

I thanked her, and she told me: All you have to do is ask.

People aren’t mind readers. How will they know you need something if you don’t ask?

Good reminder.

I got to show a friend a few basic tennis moves on the court

Joy.

My neighbours prepared fish for me

They delivered it to my apartment.

And then they left.

No, I am not anti social. I have not turned into a hermit.

I like my neighbours. We have spent time in each other’s company. They’ve even invited me to visit them in Sarajevo and stay with them.

I think they are great humans. I am also grateful that I got to enjoy their delicious dish on my own. 

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Those are just some of the things that made me smile in August.

They were almost enough to make me forget that August in Makarska was hot and crowded. Almost.

Maybe I will spend next August on the Island of Vis in Croatia. While it’s still not crowded…