Here
Zagreb is becoming more beautiful as fall truly sets in. A cold snap hit us on Sunday and is continuing for a few days, but I welcome the cold, oddly. Maybe the thought of coming home for winter break? I am definitely feeling homesick. It goes from mild to extreme for silly little reasons, but I'm missing my fall rituals in Louisville - decorating the house, carving pumpkins, making fires. I've tried to incorporate those things into my life here, but it seems that every task takes a few more steps than it would at home... but I'm learning.
I don't want to complain, but I also don't want to sugarcoat things. I am happy, but I'm also homesick and it's difficult to find a balance. Sometimes, it's easier not to talk to people at home because it makes me think of all the things I'm missing, and all the people I'm missing. Just looking at these pictures, I realize how lucky I am to be here. And I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a great group of people here to hang out with, to explore with, to experience this adventure with, but I'm still finding it difficult sometimes.
Ian got a motorcycle. He says now he's a motorcycle man. And I'm a motorcycle mama! :) Here are some pictures of our day trips two weeks ago to Samabor and Medvedgrad.
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| Medvedgrad |
There
Traveling to Germany a few weeks ago was such fun! It's been a dream of mine since I began German classes in the 7th grade. I've always been curious about my ancestry and it was really special to see it up close. People immediately talked to me in German and I was actually able to understand a lot of what they said - pretty exciting since I haven't taken German in 12 years! When we went to Rab Island a few weeks ago, some Croatians began speaking to me in German as well. For some reason, I enjoyed being thought of as German. I love that the US is so diverse and that everyone has a different look and blend of cultures, but I also feel that Americans have lost (and feel the loss of) a distinct culture and vast history. I've never really looked like anyone. Obviously, I resemble my parents and my siblings, but not so much. So, it was nice to feel like I belonged to something here.
Anyhoo, here are my favorite pictures of Stuttgart's Volksfest.
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| A castle in Austria - on the way home from Germany. |
Everywhere
Have you helped a foreigner today? This week? Seriously, when was the last time you met a foreigner and tried being friendly? Smiling? Giving them directions? I hope it was recently. Being a foreigner is by far the most difficult part of being here for me. Not only do I not understand the customs and norms, but I speak very little Croatian. It is humbling, challenging, interesting, and hard. What is it about my traveling self and grocery stores, but I always find them to be the hardest. There are a few different regular cashiers at the Konzum by my apartment. You just wouldn't believe the difference a smile makes. So, not to be preachy or anything, but next time you're dealing with a foreigner, please think of me and be nice. Veeerrrry nice. :) Just because they don't speak the language doesn't mean that they aren't intelligent or kind or worthy of kindness.
Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my mind and my heart. :) I'll try to get Ian to post again soon. It is interesting how different our experiences are.
