Getting used to the place

It has been almost two weeks that I have been here, and I finally think that I am getting used to living here.

The first few days were really difficult.  I was missing Carla, my routine.  Everything felt different here.  It was odd having all these first experience:
-the first time getting up in the middle of the night and trying to find your way to the bathroom in the dark
-the first time you walk into your building's hallway at night and don't know how to turn on the lights
-getting used to the different ring tones of my new phones (I have my Ottawa phone, my Zagreb fixed line, and my Zagreb mobile)
-having a guest over and realizing that I can only offer them water (oops)
-having a cousin sleep over and realizing that I have only one set of towels (double oops)  :-)

All these new experience actually make me feel more alive.  I actually feel what is happening around me, as opposed to being in my usual mode of getting things done.  I see things in a new light, and I am able to accept them as they are. 

It is amazing how simple things like finding "Shout" (for cleaning stains) in a store can bring you joy.  I have been able to find most of the products over here that we usually use.  Now if I could only find extra lean ground beef!!!  All I can find is the extra greasy ground beef.  It is more white than red.  :-)  Oh well, some adjustments will need to be made.

I started this post by saying that I am finally getting used to living here.  First few days were difficult.  The next week was uncomfortable as you feel like you are out of your skin.  Today, I feel like I somewhat know the place and can get by.  I see my stay here as an extended stay vacation (even though I plan to find a job).  I will make sure to enjoy every day, as I know that in a few years I will be somewhere else, and I want to remember my stay in Croatia as a fun and rewarding experience.