I’ve left behind the country that gave us the neck tie and the dalmatian, and have returned home (?) to London to start up a life for myself. I had an amazing time in the Balkans, and the last few days in Zagreb were fantastic. Hanging out with Veronika’s cousins and their friends has given me special and highly personal insights into the country. I couldn’t have asked for more.

On my last night in Zagreb we went to a graveyard outside the city centre designed by the architect responsible for some of Zagreb’s greatest buildings. It was stunning and eerie, and the evening light, fall leaves and quiet breeze made it seem... otherworldly. Veronika bought flowers to place on the graves of her Grandparents. It was strange, nice.

As we left the cemetery I finally found the Zagreb feet shot I had been waiting for. It seemed apt, given my departure.

I’m excited. I’m stressed. I’m nervous. I’m optimistic. I really hate my hostel - from hearing drunk Aussies moan and groan in dorm-room sex acts, to being woken up every two hours during the night (by Drunk Aussies). Seriously... why has the lowest common denominator of Australian backpacker chosen my hostel?

I need a home. Some viewings tonight, and every finger and toe on my body is crossed.

Postcards from Zagreb

Last night we had a bit of a party at Veronika’s cousin Tamara’s flat, and I got my mind blown by philosophical debates under a heavy cloud of cigarette smoke (and lots of wine) with Tamara’s intelligent, cultured Croatian friends. The chain smoking and drinking somehow made it seem much more... academic? But seriously... I can’t believe how much they smoke here!

Tonight Veronika’s other cousin and his girlfriend took us to a town outside Zagreb called Samobor for hand-made Croatian pastries and strong coffees. Both of them are incredibly well-educated (he has two Phds and she is a doctor) and it was very interesting getting their perspectives on all things Croatian.

On the drive home he played a cover of “Romeo & Juliet” by Dire Straights and it brought me back to a time in the past when I was so carefree and optimistic about the future. For the first time in a long time, though, I think I’ve started to regain that optimism. I feel like London could work out to be something really good for me. 

There’s also someone I think I could love in London, which is likely a foolish thing to even consider at this point, but I’m usually the biggest fool when it comes to these things.  And somehow, I'm kind of starting to like that about myself. 

I forgot to take a picture of my feet in Zagreb, and alas, have broken the theme I was going with.  :-(  But maybe it was getting old, anyway.