Things That Made Me Smile (June 2023 Edition)
My Adriatic Adventure
I eat Tahini. It is a Middle Eastern condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It is served by itself or as an ingredient in hummus and other dishes.
As far as I know, it’s healthy, agrees with my digestive system (yup, getting old-er, haha), and I like that it’s introduced me to new recipes/dishes.
This morning, I purchased Tahini.
I paid 7.40 euros for 300 grams.
I find that ridiculously expensive - in any country.
Yes, I was able to pay for it. But it also hurt to pay THAT much for it. And so I posted my melodramatic ugh to my IG stories.
The minute I posted it, I felt guilty.
I had the ‘Oh Marijana, posting about your first-world problems! You sound like an asshole.’
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.
Music + A Road Trip
Last weekend, I went to Pula, Croatia, to watch Florence + The Machine perform at the Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheater constructed between 27 BC and AD 68. The drive-up along the coast (a first for me!) and the concert (the second time I saw her in concert) made me smile.
A coffee stop in Karlobag, Croatia
Pula Arena
Two Thumbs Up
While driving through Istra on our way to Pula, Croatia, I got two thumbs up from two pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk. At two different crosswalks. That brought a smile to my face.
I’d like to believe that all cars stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. But the thumbs-up leads me to think that might not be the case.
Free Liver
As I mentioned in my previous blog post: There’s a new butcher in my neighbourhood: Uzanca.
Last week, I went in to buy liver - because it’s good for you! I walked out with free liver and a new favourite butcher shop.
I went back on the weekend and bought ground beef for lasagna. The butcher asked me what it was for and if I’d like it ground twice.
I had no idea because I don’t know these things. So I said yes because he’s the expert.
I like that he asked. It showed that he cared and understood his product. It made me smile.
My Croatian Is Improving
The same butcher said my Croatian was very good (it could be better, but I am working on it). He then proceeded to say that I sounded like I was from Imotski. I smiled. Close enough.
Love Language
This morning I stopped by to see my aunt and uncle at work. I love being able to do that regularly. I am not sure if they do (kidding).
This morning my aunt gave me a slice of cheesecake. Her love language is food. It made me smile.
The Weather
Last week, the weather in these parts was scary (for me). It was humid, and I locked myself indoors.
Yes, yes, melodramatic, I know.
THEN…The last couple of days have been LOVELY! GLORIOUS!
No, no rain.
Sunny. Warm. Maybe 27-29 degrees Celsius. Cooler nights. No humidity.
That made me smile.
And there you have it!
While I continue to navigate living in Croatia, I will surely experience moments of ‘ugh’ - and then feel guilty about it after the fact.
And then I will post something like this because balance. Or guilt.
This is life.
This is learning.
This is my Adriatic Adventure.
Živjeli (Cheers).
At the end of last summer, I was in the car, listening to a Croatian radio station based in Dalmacija, and the announcer said something that stayed with me.