Answers from the Adriatic Sea

by Jessica Pacheco (Mexico)

Making a local connection Mexico

It all started with lunch at a Japanese restaurant in Mexico City. My friends and I were trying to figure out the meaning of life over a bottle of sake. After hours of discussion, the obvious solution was a trip to Croatia. We might not get all the answers, not even close, but at that moment, any reason was good enough to go and see those dreamy Adriatic shores. The quest for the best deals to our trip began, and many late nights followed until we had the itinerary all figured out. August arrived, and we were off to Split, one of the main cities of Croatia. Our first impression on our way to the hotel was how beautiful, and well-organized everything was. The orange ceilings and white houses blended with the green mountains creating a gorgeous view. It was like watching a trailer of a movie, the perfect teaser for what would come. The mission was to fully recover from jet lag, preferably soaking in the ocean with a series of snack breaks in between. The next day we planned a sailing trip because "when in Croatia, do as Croatians do." We walked to the Riva, a waterfront promenade full of palm trees, people in summer attire, and the promise of a strong coffee. We met our captain at the port, and his name was Neno. He was 76 years old, full white hair in a ponytail, a charming smile, and beautiful blue eyes. His English wasn't the best, but his attitude made up for it. Neno told us that all his family was originally from Croatia, and sailing was a profession passed over generations. He loved his job and was very committed to it, and he sailed almost every day. His hobbies were cooking, swimming, and taking underwater photos. It seemed such a simple, yet fabulous life. He taught us some sailing essentials, as we anchored in the middle of nowhere. We jumped one by one into the deep blue ocean. Floating face up with my eyes closed, feeling the chilly water on my body, I knew this was going to be one of those perfect days. My daydreaming was interrupted when Neno told us that the small island in front of us had a restaurant with some tasty dishes. We swam for the big prize. Neno was right, that lunch was one of the best I've ever had in my life. Plates with melon, prosciutto, olives, goat cheese, anchovies, tomato, and little fried fish with olive oil filled up our table. It was the ultimate Mediterranean feast, and it tasted as savory and sweet as vacations. As we finished, the song of cicadas sounded like a lullaby that announced an imminent nap. It was getting late, and it was time to go back to the boat. The wind was favoring us as we sailed smoothly on our way to the port. We talked about being young, life experiences, growing up on this side of the world, and pasta recipes. Suddenly everything went silent, the clouds turned orange, and our hearts felt full. Our day trip was over, and we agreed to grab a beer with Neno later; we were not ready to say goodbye yet. We went to our hotels and cleaned up good; it was time to go out and explore. Split at night; it's a mood, a joyful, relaxed, festive, tanned skin kind of mood. Its narrow streets seem like a labyrinth you want to get lost in. Dalmatian food and endless talks were next on the agenda. The restaurant was Bokeria, a trendy spot full of people and good energy. Everything was delicious, but I was still in awe with the lunch we had earlier. We stepped out to the streets again and found our way to the Royal square. Neno was there; we hugged him as an old friend. We sat on the stairs surrounding the plaza and ordered some beers. Music was playing, and a couple started dancing, while the rest of us enjoyed the show. As I contemplated the scene in absolute bliss, I had realized that Neno and Croatia had given us some answers to life in just two days.