Slomadism

Slomadism event, Split Croatia. Photographer Jose Alfonso Cussianovich

I have the privilige to live and to work as a digital nomad.

I love the way you said it, an American man told me, a privilige. Well, it is a privilige, I am very well aware and grateful. I know that a lot of of people envie my lifestyle and I understand. Despite they don’t know the reason behind.  And sometimes it’s not always that glamorous… Never a dull moment in my life. Visiting a hospital in Croatia was not part of my to do list, now I can tip if off my list.

Hospital 

What did I do? Just walking! Nothing special :-) Sorry I don’t have any super exciting story here… I wish…. I felt my foot was slipping away and heard it cracking and knew directly, this is not good. Strumbled to the closest bench and almost fainted from the pain, and started sweating like crazy. Focused on my breathing, I called a taxi to the camping. I thought it will be okay.

Not! I have to listen to my gutfeeling! I felt my foot swelling in my shoe and as soon as I arrived at my camper, I put cold towels on my foot and kept it up.

I had an empty stomach, didn’t really had a good breakfast or lunch, so I thought with eating I will feel a bit better, well again no.

I decided to call my local friend (my guardian angel) and he picked me up from the camping and drove me to the hospital (took a while to find the right hospital and entrance). In less than 2 hours from checking in until receiving the results, I stood again outside. I have to say, my compliments to all the staff that were taking care of me.

Painfully 

I was put in a wheelchair and they drove me through the hospital to take pictures, to see if my foot or ankle is broken or not. A hospital is not the best place to be, let’s admit. Now it’s was me in a wheelchair and all the memories of my visits with Christophe were passing by like sitting in the movies. It was not the pain in my foot that gave me the f… lonley feeling but the memories of the entire hospital circus that we have been through came up, and next the emotions of a grieving process.

Luckily my foot is not broken, just badly twisted and only rest can heal. I extended my stay at the camping (easier said than done, the camping is fully booked until 15th October!!). Thank you for the great service!

When I came back at the camping I had a beer with my friend to toast on the ‘good outcome’. In the evening when I was alone again in my camper reflected on the entire day, I cried, a lot. And felt broken. Exhausted. Pain. Lonely. Emotional. 

The next day I was feeling better, after a good night sleep, and my friend came with a brace and arnika creme. Yes, I am in good hands. Thank you very much.

Job offer : Driver

But then the next challenge comes up… I can’t really drive. How do I get from Split to Montenegro on Wednesday? I have no clue yet and opened a job offer for a driver. Who knows what will happen… And I’m the least person who would say… anything can happen!

Seagulls 

I have never seen campings so full of people, where the majority, definitely the large majority are retired people. And they all find me very interesting or fascinating. I am being watched like I’m alien, at every step I take. This is the complete opposite of the situation in Poland where I was almost alone at the campings.

It’s funny and sometimes I just have to laugh because I don’t know of they think I’m sad or so. A woman alone. I see their brains working when I’m passing by. Especially now that I have the speed of a snail ;-) I’m even more special! And don’t get me wrong, there are also many nice people at the camping, who start a conversation.

There’s a such a mix of different nationalities here, the majority are from Germany, but Swedish, Danish, Dutch, French, English, Swiss, Belgians, Slovenian, Polish, Hungarian and what else do we have more? Do you know that the campings in Croatia refuses every day new reservations because they are fully booked? Even now, at the end of September?

Slomadism

On Saturday I gave a presentation in Split for digital nomads, friends and fans. The event is called Slomadism, and it’s for everyone who’s interested in digital nomads or perhaps better said, remote workers. To say it a beautiful way : finding the sweet spot when blending work and travel. It was nice meeting people from all over the world who moved very recent or already years ago to work and live in this vibrant city. And to learn more about their lifestyle, type of work and why they maded the decision to move here.

Last but not least, to learn more about the local wines of Croatia during a wine tasting. It’s not just work ;-) Thank you Tanja for being part of your event.

I know now what Slomadism means: Slow Down Mariska.

After I twisted my ankle, that’s the only thing I can do, right? I know that everything happens with a reason but for now I can’t say I’m really happy about the situation. Time will tell.

My best compagno

And about Loekie, she was doing better but the spots were not healing. I received a great tip from my friend and she said, buy bach bloesem and put it through her food. And damn, this works very well. She’s more quiet, calm and seems more happy, and she sleeps better and her behavior really changed. I’ll think it was the burgerly that had a tremendous impact and who knows what they did with her….

Montenegro 

I have never been to Montenegro and I’m looking forward to exploring a new destination. I have seen stunning images of the country and it should be one of the most beautiful countries in the world! A privilege to discover and support the country. It’s great to have the support of Aleksandra, Andri and colleagues of the Convention Bureau and I’m convinced that I will have a unforgettable experience. Stay tuned!