kitchen Angst!

I have been back from Croatia for two weeks now, And I haven’t even been able to write about my return. Zagreb was an amazing city, and the people were great! I had 16 days to “take it all in” and come home with a new perspective, and understanding of a part of the world I had never seen before, instead, I came home with a deep sadness….

I Knew going into this trip that I wanted to move overseas someday, and live the “European lifestyle”,  but two weeks in Zagreb, Croatia really brought that home for me! Outside of holding down a job in a country where I don’t speak the language, I was able too get a true sense of what my daily life would be like living there. I went out on my own, shopping, exploring, and just tooling about town. Most Croatian’s speak at least enough English for me to have a conversation, and get what I needed, and were very gracious about doing so! I found not only the City to be beautiful, but the people as well!! The food was ” off the hook” I had sausage’s, bacon, local wine, and fresh eggs, cheese, veggies, and anything else I wanted for that matter!!

As in other European cities I have visited, the ” markets ” are the best!! Every day year round they have fresh markets where you can buy fresh produce, eggs, cheese, cream ( unpasteurized),meat, poultry, WHATEVER YOU WANT!!! They are normally in the ” city center ” and very accessible!! I really need to live in a city with that kind of approach to food! Fresh today, in season, and not far from home! I love to cook, but more than cooking I love to create, and design a menu around what is available, and ” in the now”! Tomatoes in the winter don’t excite me, But Squash…. or beets!! bring-em on!!

Here is a perfect example!! I can find cherries in the states, but they are within yards of fresh fish, every day there in season!! One stop shopping at Its finest!! Not to mention It’s only a 10 minute walk from the flat ( where I was staying )!! I found this true not only in Croatia, but also Germany. I haven’t explored enough of Europe but I can say without doubt… other countries are the same! I want to live like that, and I will!!!!!

I am so sorry It’s been so long sense I’ve written, I promise to try and write more often, however I am finding the time harder and harder to find these days.  I am really trying to find a way to live in Europe, and fully enjoy my life.

All my love…

James