all good things...

yes.. you know how the saying goes..


Wednesday was our last day of classes. Our student leaves for home today to attend a family wedding, so this morning we will pack up our equipment, clean up our work areas and begin loading up our suitcases with clothes and trinkets and memories. To say this trip has been incredible is way beyond understatement.


To make myself feel better about leaving, I made this list of things I will NOT miss about Dubrovnik:


1) smoking in cafes and restaurants
2) lack of Dunkin Donuts
3) all those damned tourists


Yeah, I realize it's a short list. The list of why I would want to stay is much longer and more complex... the atmosphere, culture, history. The events and activities that begin today with the start of summer festival (fireworks, yippee!). The incredible foods, fresh in their simplicity. The people, as varied and diverse as any other country, but as special and unique as only Croatians can be. The music and squeaky toy birds, the view from the balcony, the daily walk through and around Old Town.

... the little treats our landlord has brought us; beautiful roses, plates of desserts, fresh picked lemons.


... my mornings and evenings on the balcony, watching the ships and boats in the harbor, seeing and hearing the goings-on in Old Town. Watching the sun peel back from Lokrum and then Old Town each morning, like a piece of dark saran wrap unveiling the town below. Laughing with Mrs. Cathy about silly things.


... the apple strudel and the sandwiches "as big as your head". The vegetable risotto at Fuego, the salmon salad at Restaurant Dubrovna, the dessert at Dolce Vita.


... swimming in the Adriatic, and the wonderful buoyancy of salt water.

... the odd and varied selections of items at Kerum and Tommy markets. The unusual bathrooms in all shapes, sizes and configurations.

... ordering bottled water "no gas".

... the lectures of Zoran and Professor Stasa and Professor Kate, learning so much about this history and people of this wonderful place.

I will even miss the pigeons, who I've come to co-exist in an odd "immersion therapy" sort of way.

This list is only partial; I'm sure as I settle back into Bloomfield, fleeting glimpses, memories of what I've seen or heard or experienced with push their way back into my mind. I only hope that happens for a long time to come, keeping my Croatian trip as fresh as possible.

Thank you to all for your comments, notes, prayers, good wishes and even your jealousy... I know you meant it in a loving way (you did, didn't you?!) :)

I will try to post again when home, adding any new pics as we will have a traditional Croatian lunch today "under the bell" and I'll want to share that with you as well. For now, I am grateful for all of you at home keeping me in your thoughts... and for the chance to share my adventures with you.

love and mir.. annette