One of the questions we ALWAYS get asked is why did we move to Croatia from Australia. For many people in Croatia, Australia is the Shangri-la, the promised land or Utopia if you will, where all your problems disappear, and there are untold riches available to everyone. OK, I’m exaggerating (slightly), but in general, most would agree that there is this perception that life is so much better in Australia.
Well, I disagree.
Croatia may lag in economic development and bureaucracy, but it’s miles ahead in the art of living. Here’s proof. It’s Springtime in the village, and the village has been brought to life. Everyone’s gardens are teeming with activity, including my own, in readiness for the summer crops!
Something I really wanted to do when moving to Croatia was to have an amazing vegetable patch.
This year, I made a real effort and planted as much as possible, including peas, potatoes, a huge variety of tomatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, chili, capsicums, broad beans, and the list goes on…
Now we are well and truly into spring, and with help from the Little Donkey, we are starting to see the fruits of our labor. Yesterday the Little Donkey got to try his very first fresh pea straight out of a pod that we had grown.
Yesterday the Little Donkey got to try his very first fresh pea straight out of a pod that we had grown.
He loved it!
Over the weekend, the Little Donkey and I visited our local organic farmers market, which is our usual Saturday ritual (waves to all the regular readers who see us there!), where we pick up our fruit and vegetable supplies.
We both love meeting the local growers, and the Little Donkey particularly loves selecting the exact piece of fruit and vegetable himself. This can sometimes be a bit time annoying time consuming, but I let him go for it.
On the way home, we also have a ritual where we explore the undeveloped coastline between our village and Zadar. Today we found this lovely cove out the back of an abandoned military base. A marvelous find if you ask me.
Every so often, we find something new to enrich our lives, and they have nothing to do with money, high-paying jobs, designer clothes, or anything else materialistic. It’s about family, food, and nature. This simple Mediterranean life really is special to me.
Your garden is enormous! Lots of work, but rewarding, Here in southern Wisconsin, Midwest USA, just put my tomatoes in, Jumping the gun as it is early.
Looks bigger than it is – but it’ll keep us feed :D
Ooh my goodness! I did not need to read this! I’ve been dreaming of one day spending a lot of time in Croatia, and this is why.. This is the kind of living I want! So happy for you!
Thanks Carol, make it your goal and it will happen :D
Love the mussings!
:D
LOVE FRESH PEA,S
So sweet :D
Beautiful post.
Congrat – very much!
You have found your paradise near the lovely old town af Zadar.
I’ve been twice in Istria (Pula and Vrsar) – twice in Bibinje (s. of Zadar) – once in Kastel Stafilic – twice at Ciovo (Arbanija and Okrug Gornji near Trogir and Split) – once at Brac and once in Makarska, seen many old roman buildings – been walking in canyon in NP Paklenica, swimming in Krk:a waterfalls several times – walking in beautiful NP Plitvice Lakes several times – swimming in the crystal clear sea. Standing on the top af Sv. Jura – Walking in wonderful cities like Primosten, Omis, Split and others. Will stay at Hvar (in Jelsa) and Mlini, 10 km e. of Dubrovnik next month … and each time I’ve found a new Paradise in Croatia! Just love it, and can’t get enough of it!
Søren Meyer, Denmark, 2016-05-10.