Post Office Visit-Follow me

How a visit to the Post Office turned into an interrogation scene from a movie.

My friend Nando from NYC had sent me a package a couple of weeks ago and I still had not received the item. In fact I received my Mom's care package and my Sister's before his. We were a bit worried as to where the package was. So then I received a memo in the mail to go to the post office to pick up my box! Hooray. I went there and putting my Croatian lessons to the test I gave the memo to the clerk behind the desk and she said "something , something, kuna," Hu? I don't understand I say "samo segundo". Just a second, and I run out to the parking lot to get my hubby to explain. We go back and the lady was just telling me I had to pay 10 kunas and in exchange she gave me a blue envelope. That's it? I ask. THIS is my package? No,no my hubby said there is a memo inside the envelope that you need to take to the building next door, its the customs office and they have your package. Alright, walk to the building and it is closed! OK come back Monday.

It's Monday, again I put my lessons to the test and I walk into the government owned customs building. The security guy asks for my passport. I don't have it I am thinking, I give him my Colorado drivers license. He writes ALL the info down. OK he says "prvi kat" (first floor) "fala" I say.

I walk one flight of stairs, then I see several employees dressed in their blue polo shirts and many doors. Oh which do I open? Ok I ask for directions half Croatian/half English. The nice employee tells me "follow me" as I show him my memo. Up another flight of stairs. We walk into an office and several employees are working on packages and sorting them out. He tells something to one of the men and he responds by telling me to show him the memo. The nice employee who escorted me said in English "he will help you now have a nice day". I thank him and turn to the next employee who in turn tells me "go to my colleague" as he points to the man across the room. Alright I walk across to the man and I notice he has a badge on (like a police officer badge!) He sees my memo then says "follow me". We go to another office, and he goes to a desk types something on the computer then walks over the next desk and looks through a folder. He tells me, "what is in the package?", I answer I don't know it is a gift from my friend. "A gift hu?" Yes I answer. He continues, "you didn't buy anything on e-bay?" No, I didn't purchase anything it is a gift and I don't even know what is in the box." He stated, "Ok, I believe you!"

By now I am thinking "what is going on why is he asking me all this?"

Then he asks me in Croatian, if I speak Croatian. I reply "mali". Then he smiled, and his other colleague smiled. I corrected myself, "malo". (Later my husband informed me, you don't say mali (small) in reference to speaking, you say malo because "mali" is in reference to their Penis size and some people could get offended). I replied well the employee smiled at me, AH!! that is why he smiled! Ok continuing with the story...So then he writes something on my memo and tells me "follow me". I am walking behind him and the other employees are staring at me. We reach another desk, and the nice lady smiles at me as the man hands her the memo. She asks for my id card. Again I hand her my Colorado license. She writes all the information down. She looks at the calendar, looks at me, looks at the calendar then puts some numbers on the calculator and says "you must pay 43 kunas". I pay then she looks for my package and hands it to me and says bye-bye. "Sve?" (that is all?) DA. Yes.

I walk out of the office saying what just happened?

Later my husband told me, it is because of the value that was declared when the package was mailed to you. Anything over 100 dollars you must pay custom taxes. I didn't know this. In addition when the man said "I believe you" he was saying that because I could have ordered the stuff on ebay then it is mandatory to pay the 23 % local tax plus 20% import tax. Then I would have paid ALOT more but because he believed me I only paid import tax. I feel so ignorant, I didn't know any of this. I mean I have never had the opportunity to receive or send anything overseas. It is true what they say, You learn something new everyday. Except for me, I like to say, I learn something new every minute.

I am now at home, just staring at the box. The culprit of so much anxiety. Should I open it now and tell you what is inside or wait to call my friend Nando in the states?

Allright if you insist, I am going to open it right now and tell you the contents: "Wow", "Oh I love this color!" "UUUHH"! I received some beautiful cosmetics (which includes:lip balm, lipstick, eye-shadow, nail-polish, make-up brushes, perfume stick...) And also some YOGI TEA: "Mexican Sweet Chili" and "Lemon Ginger". Better go and try all these products.

A big thanks to Nandoism it was definitely worth the wait! And to treat my anxiety I am going to enjoy that cup of tea now.

Behind the Wheel

My husband's cousin Miss V. recently moved to Split from the island of Brac with her little girl Laura, or as Isabela calls her YA-YO! They have become good buddies as well as Miss V and myself. Today she called and asked if I wanted our daughters to have a playdate. Sure I said I will catch the bus and meet you at your place. She said great see you in a bit. My husband then asked, "Why don't you take the car? I asked "the car?" Sure he answered "why not?" UMMM, I am thinking of the reasons in my head: I am scared for one. Drivers are way too fast for me to keep up. Motorcyclists pass you left and right, and I haven't driven since we left the States and that was 5 months ago and again I am scared. Internally debating to do it or not to do it? Then I told myself ok WHY NOT??


Sitting behind the steering wheel I was sweating already and it wasn't because it was hot, no it was the fear, anxiety and a rush of adrenaline I was feeling. I turned the ignition on and started driving and was coaching myself as I crossed two major intersections. Telling myself words of encouragement, "see you crossed 1 street, now on the next, good job!" Darn I was too busy talking to myself I just passed the street where I am suppose to park. Alright make a loop and have to turn around. Hey I say to Isabela, look Mama is driving! I turn on a small street make a u-turn and find a place to park.

I unbuckle my seat belt and scream " I did it... woo-hoo!" Isabela is looking at me like saying...."what is so funny MAMA you can't stop smiling?"

Upon our return back home, I was still nervous but a bit more confident. I even managed to park exactly how my hubby had the car parked in the garage. So if you are asking, are you driving again? Umm, answering in a meek voice, yes? I mean YES.

Clothing Pieces

Suddenly I am receiving care packages left and right. I feel like such a celebrity. And I love it! Yesterday I received a package from my Older sister. She helps me with fashion tips because if it was up to me I would be in jeans and t-shirt every single day. I love comfort. But my sister adviced me you can have comfort and yet be fashionable. Oh she really needs to switch her career and become a Fashion Consultant!

These are a few of the items I received from her:



These are my favorite earrings for the time being.


This blouse I love the color so chic!


These shoes are so comfortable to walk in!



Thank You Sis for all the blouses, shoes, earrings, ring and bracelet. I liked everything you sent. Isabela also liked the pictures you sent! She called your name right away!



AMO.

Hours of Fun

She does not look guilty does she? I called her name from the kitchen.... silence.........Beli?... silence..... You know when children are quiet after you call their name that they up to something! So I called again.....silence.........then I walk to the living room and see this....I laughed and had to get my camera...and I said BELI! ..she said MAMA! ahhh kids...


Shopping with Daddy..She just can't decide which one.. Daddy can I take all of them? as she flashes one of her winning smiles.



With grandpa at the rooftop of shopping center Joker. This is an awesome shopping center. Five stories high, a movie theater and this restaurant with access to the swimming pool.


We found Gargamel and his cat Azrael. Now I can add them to my smurf collection! Some people believe smurfs are evil. My aunt once told me that if I kept collecting them that they could come *alive* and haunt me in my dreams?? Never believed it, but wonder why the stories?


Ziplock storage container equals hours (ok minutes for her) of entertainment!! Since she jumps from one activity to the next every 5 to 10 seconds, minutes is a long time.

Classes: Day 1

Can I tell you how excited I was today when I woke up and realized today was the DAY? Yes, the long awaited day to start Croatian lessons. Last Friday there was some miscommunication with registration and I was informed when I called the office that classes had already began a week ago. I missed 1 or 2 lessons. Won't deny I was frustrated but only lasted a few minutes because I informed the lady on the other line that I was still interested in attending and would be there on Monday at 6pm sharp!

So its Monday..........How was it you are asking???

After two hours of practicing Croatian with 2 Italians, 1 Brazilian, 1 Canadian, 2 French and 1 Jordan gal and myself from Mexico, I feel ready to conquer Split!!!!! It was challenging but so much fun!

Recap of the evening:
I walked in and saw a student preparing for class and I introduced myself and asked him about the previous lessons and what book(s) I needed to purchase. Then other students starting walking in and saying IN Croatian "oh another new student" (yes I understood that phrase)...I started panicking, these guys are already speaking so well and I told them did I get into the right class? ( I think I was expecting beginner's class...like count from one to ten...learning the colors....but really I wasn't sure what to expect!) One of the students said "Don't worry I have only been in the country for two weeks, I am sure you are well more advanced than I am". Wow I guess this is going to be a fun experience and I can't wait.

The professor walked in and apologized for not having me on her registration list and welcomed me aboard...She is so cool...I like her and her class. She told us right of the bat," I am not here to tell you what words mean in English, that is why you have a dictionary, but rather I am going to teach you about grammar and pronunciation". That is exactly what I need I told myself. Lessons will be twice weekly at the Republic Square and will meet for hour and a half for 5 months.

Again I love challenges! I need to buy my grammar book Pronto!
See you next Wednesday! Laku Noc!

Eating Pancakes

Eating pancakes in a foreign country for the first time. Courtesy of Mom's care package.You might say and what is so special about that? Well living in Split makes it a little difficult to find items that one might find in bigger cities. Since pancakes are not popular here, much like mexican food, you don't find pancake mix/syrup on the shelves of grocery stores.

How do ALL the dishes get dirty at the same TIME????



Progress of construction in front of our Apt. Suppose to be some sort of Trade Show? Will give you more details as progess continues.

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Can you see alll those sailboats?

Activities

Yesterday was a busy day! Woke up at 6:30am courtesy of my little one and went to sleep at 11:30pm. As I was in bed trying to fall asleep I couldn't tell if all the activities we did were actually from that day or the day before. Yes a long day! The morning began with a cold breeze. It felt as if winter is approaching even for sunny Croatia! You should know it hardly, if ever snows in Split. Back to our busy day.......
We met "Ya-YO" or Laura Isabela's playdate at her home and look she has her own little house! I think this is a wonderul idea! Her grandma made it out of a cardboard box.

They play quite well and helps Isabela socialize with other children.

Then went home and made lunch then Nap time. This is usually the time when I can check email etc..
Then went to the bookstore Profil and I found the book I was looking for!
Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zaffon! It is a must read in my opinion. I also purchased a children's book for Isabela.

Then we dropped little one at grandparents, then Hubby and I went to the movies and saw, I hate Valentines. Yes movie releases are a little behind here in Split. Not as funny as My life In Ruins but an ok romantic comedy.

Then back to grandparents to pick our little one and guess what? She was still awake, that little booger, at 11pm!!!!!! I just hope she will sleep in late tomorrow......

Care Package

Today I received a care package from my Mom. Because of the time difference I had to stare at the box for 6 hours until it was 8am in the States and I could open the box while talking to Mom. I felt so giddy staring at that box. Then my husband said, You know it lists the contents of the box on the outside. And he started reading.....I said I don't want to know, please don't read. I wanted to be surprised.

These were the contents:

1. Gansitos Beli saw the box and was screaming DUCKEEEEE!!!!! I ate these growing up in Mexico.They are addicting!

2.Pancakes and syrup. SO Happy I miss eating them on sundays (Yes I found the recipe for pancake mix online but none for maple syrup)

3. "Maggi"-tomato bouillons-,Fideos (Special brand of noodles)

4.Ziplock bags (so handy for snacks, and just about anything you can think of), sippy cups (yeah!) for Beli

5. Canela (para la avena) Hey that rhymes, only in spanish! Cinnamon sticks so I can add to my oatmeal.

6 Vanilla extract (from Mexico) and Peanut butter

7. A tea set for Beli

I still feel bad about the shipping expense Mom had to pay.