I spend most of my time in a town called Konavle. One of the things that I love most about where I live is that I am surrounded by open land. When I walk outside onto the terrace in the morning I can see green hills and valleys for miles. It's quiet and peaceful here. Everyone has their land that they work; each growing their own fruits and vegetables. Our neighbors bring over onions and fruit because there is too much and they don't want them to go to waste. One of my neighbors said that I can go down and pick fresh arugula and tomatoes for as long as they are there. Yesterday, as I was picking the arugula and tomatoes, I thought about how I would never have even considered doing this in the states. I never thought that I would like doing that kind of stuff. Yet, as I was out there picking these things, I felt so calm and happy. Who knew that picking fresh vegetables could be so calming. I thought about when I first moved here, how I couldn't even recognize what parsley looked like when being grown in a garden. I thought it was a weed the first time I saw it. Yet, here I am, a year later, picking fresh vegetables; knowing which are good and which aren't and loving it.
In my year here, I have found that the people in Konavle live a quiet life, that's simple and peaceful. They are kind and warm and welcoming. They may never have the fanciest car or biggest house but they are okay with that. They are good people who live a good life. I'd even venture to say that they have a true understanding of the meaning of life and I can't help but admire them.
Yes, I must say that I have fallen in love with this place and will surely miss it when I leave.
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