XXXXX tourists

The problem when you travel for a while – is that you become to think that you are not a tourist and perhaps just part of the furniture (as such).  We went to plitvice falls and everyone must have heard about it on ”getaway” (thanks Renee)  because busloads of tourists turned up.  There were Italians, Japanese, Americans the list goes on – and they were all destroying our peace.  The falls were spectacular but unfortunately the crowds weren’t ,as we had to push and shove to get to the waterfalls, caves etc.  The highlight was the bus trip for child No 3 who pretended he was the crazy bus driver as we swerved around the corners.  The other disappointment was that it felt like we were in Austria when we arrived we were directed to a restaurant that served schnitzel (good), steins of beer (also good) – but the mood left us thinking we were back at the Munich beer hall.  The other shock was that in the morning we left Hvar, were decked out in shorts and t-shirts and sunning ourselves (sort of) – in 30 degree heat – but in the afternoon we were in jeans, long sleeves shirts and jumpers and the temperature had dropped to 13 degrees – emotionally were not ready for it.

From the falls we headed to Osijek to stay with the relatives, Streets (Lukas brother) and streena  his wife.  They are so welcoming I feel like they have been part of my family forever.  There is the obligatory vegie patch out the back, homemade prosciutto in the fridge, the son that brings his washing home every weekend, the home made plum brandy on the table along with the bowl of lollies.  Its very cliché I know but it is wonderful every minute of it.  We can’t speak a word of Croatian and English to each other but we understand every word (almost).

Today we had the immediate family to lunch (22 people in total) – I kind of lost track of who is who but am slowly learning where everyone fits in.  The thing that amazes me the most – is that most live within minutes of each other.  Kids move upstairs, downstairs or next door when they move out of home.  There is no desire to move away – its just a way of life.  Even though we like each other at home – the thought of living next door or under the same roof – is not something we would entertain – I know its cultural – but it still astonishes me – how different our mindsets are.

My sister asked me on the phone yesterday if I have left my husband in italy as he doesn’t feature in this blog much!  Needless to say he is still here, and is enjoying life in Italy and Croatian.  He has had fun speaking the language and reconnecting with long lost relatives.  I guess I have always had the strong family connection – so it makes me happy to see him enjoying time with cousins and aunts and uncles.  They adore him and us all, and I feel that my family has grown in size.  It’s a wonderful feeling. Dovidjena to now!