Halloween

Beli's first Halloween was in Colorado. I dressed her up as a bumble bee and she went trick o treating to hubby's workplace.

Then she came home and looked through her goodie bag. Wow, I can't believe how tiny she was. These are some photos from two years ago of my nephews.  My Mom made the boys' costumes. Pretty cool hu?

My youngest nephew born this year. Wonder what he will be wearing for this first Halloween

Beli's second Halloween was spent in Croatia and my sister offered to mail me an outfit but I declined since Halloween is not celebrated here. The closest thing resembling Halloween is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Needless to say that the holiday passed by unnoticed. Although I think Croatia has a similar tradition to Mexico and that is El dia de los Muertos. Nov 1st/2nd  is a family occasion where you visit the graves of your loved ones and take fresh flowers.

Photo by Loren Javier via Spanglishbaby.com

I found this article and it discusses how cultures intertwine between Mexico and the States. It compares the differences between Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos. Very interesting to read.

I asked my Mom why I don't remember celebrating that holiday and she told me its more of a tradition in the central part of Mexico. Here in Croatia, On November 1st or 2nd (not sure which day) all the shops are closed, workplaces are shut and it's a time for families to be together. My  Mother-in-law will be traveling about 5 hours across the border to visit the cemetery where her parents are buried and offer fresh flowers on their graves. It amazes me how our cultures (Mexico and Croatia) are similar in so many ways. Sometimes the world is quite small isn't it?
 I'm trying to remember the last time I dressed up for Halloween and I think it was during my college years but I can't remember what costume I wore. Hmmmm maybe a call to my sisters will jog my memory. For those of you that do celebrate Halloween, happy trick-o-treating and be sure to check out the following links for more posts about the subject.

A bike and portraits

Saturday I was surprised by hubby and his family to have lunch at this lovely restaurant. Thanks again for your sweet comments and birthday wishes! I'm very blessed to have such kind friends.











From the moment you step inside you are transported to a small place in history. This konoba or family restaurant has been around since 1799. The walls are decorated with portraits of local celebrities, including artists, and politicians. After we ordered our lunch the owner stopped by to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. Now I call that, customer service. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it. It's only minutes from Bacvice beach.

Historically konobas were simple cool rooms were wine, olive oil, cured meats
and fish were stored and where food was often prepared which is why they usually had fire places and dining tables. Commercial konobas (or ostarijas) are family owned and offer simple, high quality food made from fresh local ingredients using old recipes and most often focus on sea food and local house wines and spirits. It was around 1pm when we arrived and about half an hour later this place was busy with locals and tourists. (I could see maps and books about Croatia on their tables)You guessed it, that's Beli and hubby peeking through the window. I just love the old typewriter on the wall. They even have an outdoor seating area.



It was a very special day indeed! After lunch we drove to the Makarska Riviera (about 40 minutes from Split) where we stopped in the small coastal town, Baška Voda for coffee and while we waited to meet some friends I noticed a paragliding ad across the street, and you know what happened next right?

We asked for the prices and it was only 100 kunas/person (about 18-19 dollars). This was not planned but that's what made it fun and a memorable day indeed. Have you ever tried paragliding?skydiving?diving? Do share.

Paragliding

It was not something I had written on my bucket list: go paragliding on my birthday. Despite hubby's fear for heights and mine of water we said "why not?" And it was so much fun!




(Currently considering to hire someone to set up wordpress for me,lots and lots of forums, who has the time???)

Day Trip to Biograd

Let's go to Biograd, Croatia to see the longest Croatian gastro table (900meters to be exact!) Enjoy many of the Dalmatian specialties beautifully set on a long table along the Adriatic Sea.
You can stop by and ask for a sample of the famous homemade hard alcohol, rakia. Or you can purchase a bottle or two or three.

Driving North from Split we saw a field of poppies and I had to stop and admire its brilliant colors. I asked hubby what could possibly be made from poppies (aside from the obvious) and he replied, "cake?"And what do you know, we found strudels made from poppies at the event and I had one and it was yummy!

Downtown area near the Marina.

Tourists are waiting for the FREE mussels!

Biograd, see you again next year.

Driving south along the coast.

It's Croatia Time

"Mami quiero chai!"

I woke up confused and wondered what time it was. "Mami, quiero chai," repeated Beli. I called out to my hubby who was in the living room, "Beli wants tea." He walked in and greeted us good morning and as I rubbed my eyes I asked for the time, he replied "it's 12:30 and my parents have invited us for lunch." For clarification purposes I asked, "is that Iowa or Croatia time?" He said, "Croatian time." Wow, I didn't realize how tired I was. This jet-lag is no joke, but then again, I was up for 24 hours straight so I guess that takes a toll on your body. Hint.hint. I'm not getting any younger.

In a way, I feel like the trip to Iowa was a dream. Weird hu? Has this ever happened to you, that you go on vacation and then wonder if it was real? (Note: I'm working on several posts from the trip Beli and I took to the States, but I also wanted to keep you posted on our current day to day activities.) Thanks for being patient.

And it's only been 2 days since we arrived and Beli is ready to travel again! Our next destination? Grandma's house!

For lunch: Mussels in olive oil, fresh parsley and garlic with warm bread from the oven. Delicioso!

And for dessert, a yummy white layered fruit cake. Did I mention what a great cook my mother-in-law is? How did you spend your weekend? By the way is it raining world wide?