Tonight is our last night in our black-and-white-and-red-all-over Croatia apartment. What I’ve come to think of as our “Duran Duran” décor era is about to be over.
Our original plan was to move back to the States before the new year. Turns out, we’re staying in Croatia for a few more months. But first, we’re going to spend Christmas in Germany. I’ve always wanted to visit a German Christmas market, and just for a moment, feel like I was in a snow globe scene. I hope it is magical for the whole family.
I found a housesitting job for us on TrustedHousesitters, a website that’s something like Airbnb for pet lovers. The boys will get the Christmas joy of dog-sitting a labradoodle. In exchange, we will get to stay in a German home whose owners are leaving a decorated tree up for us. Their town has already had some snow this week. We really might get our winter wonderland.
On the way there, we’re going to see some friends from Sarge’s Army days and celebrate Sarge’s birthday. It’s bound to be a fun reunion.
Tomorrow, we’ll bid goodbye to our home for the last half a year. I will miss the giant corner bathtub, the light-filled rooms and the sunset views from the balcony. I’ll also miss our kind landlords, who leave fruit and vegetables at our doorstep and were the first to introduce us to the local culture. I’ll even miss Orange, the turtle that lives in the yard, and the landlords’ sweet dog, Lily.
We arrived in Croatia with one duffel bag and one backpack each. (Except that one lost backpack the airline never recovered.) Our move to a new apartment by the marina will take several trips for all the extras we’ve accumulated – mostly household goods and beach gear, kid stuff and bicycles. I told Sarge we might have to introduce the country to yard sales before we leave. We’re limited to 22 pounds of carry-on luggage and 44 pounds of checked luggage each when we move back home.
Part of the experience of living abroad has been living with less. Maybe it will help me clear the clutter when I get back to my “real” life. Maybe I can finally clear the boxes out of my basement in Kentucky without wanting to hang on to everything. For now, I’m still savoring living in new places and soaking up the scenery. I’m not ready to leave just yet.
What a wonderful adventure and experience for all of you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope you get the snowglobe that you want.
LikeLike
Thanks! Have a merry little Christmas yourself!
LikeLike
What a sunset! German Christmas sounds magical. Have a wonderful time.
LikeLike
I can’t wait!
LikeLike
What an awesome opportunity! You guys are truly blessed. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas in Germany!
LikeLike
Thank you! This has been the greatest year. I am grateful for it!
LikeLike
Having to shift places comes with a lot to deal with; I can understand that you will miss that bath tub and much more but for sure, it will be better whete you’re going! Enjoy your Christmas in Germany!
LikeLike
Thanks, Darlene!
LikeLike
what an awesome looking opportunity! enjoy Christmas abroad!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lyndsey! Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Sounds like such an amazing experience that you all have had! And oh my goodness, have such a great Christmas, that sounds heavenly!
LikeLike
Thank you! I am loving the adventure!
LikeLike
Gosh, I love the color of that wooden door. I wish you an enjoyable trip to Germany and for the remainder of your time in Croatia. Travel is truly the best teacher.
LikeLike
Thanks for following our story!
LikeLike
Croatia is on my bucket list! Can’t wait to visit one day! This looks great.
LikeLike
It is a beautiful place. I love Croatia!
LikeLike
Wow, how beautiful! Have a wonderful Christmas!
LikeLike
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLike
What a bittersweet day! Your Christmas plans sound absolutely amazing. I definitely want to visit a real German Christmas market someday too!
LikeLike
The Christmas markets really are magical.
LikeLike