May was a month of exploration, reflection, and heartfelt goodbyes—a time when we ventured into new places, revisited old favorites, and prepared to say farewell to Croatia after 18 unforgettable months.
We spent part of May exploring places we hadn’t yet seen, each visit filling us with awe and a touch of nostalgia. One standout was our trip to Sinj. The fortress—known as "Tvrđava Sinj" by the locals—has long been a refuge for the people of Sinj, guarding the town against countless invaders through Turkish invasions, earthquakes, and barbarian attacks. In the heart of the old fortress stands the church of St. Michael, with its altar of St. Barbara and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mercy. Over centuries, the site has witnessed rebuilding and renewal—from the construction of the church of St. Mary between 1699 and 1712, to the 1887 structure that marks the bicentennial celebration of the Cetinje people's arrival from Rama. In 2008, a bronze statue of Our Lady of Sinj was erected, a testament to enduring faith and resilience.
Not far from the castle, we followed the Stations of the Cross, a contemplative pathway that winds its way up the hill, each step a reminder of the town’s rich spiritual heritage. The journey felt both solemn and uplifting.
In contrast to the historical gravity of Sinj, our walk along the Stobreč Promenade was light and playful. The gentle sea breeze, the quiet streets of an off-season town created a warm backdrop for that stroll.
These were the days we took time to say goodbye to our favorite local haunts—those little spots that had become our second home over the past year and a half.
May was also a time for goodbyes. We visited cherished friends, both human and four-legged companions, savoring every last laugh, every shared tea, every hug. It was a bittersweet period as we finished packing up our life in Croatia. Every box packed and every familiar face seen reminded us that, although we were moving on, the memories would always remain close to our hearts.
Our departure marks the beginning of an exciting, albeit long, journey back to the USA. Over the next two months, we drove across Europe—passing through Zagreb, Salzburg, Kirchheim unter Teck, Luxembourg, Brussels, Calais, and then Southampton. Then, a week aboard the majestic Queen Mary II carried us across the Atlantic, before a July reunion with family in Kentucky. Finally, we settled in Providence, Rhode Island—a new chapter that feels as thrilling as it is a little melancholic to leave behind the life we built in Europe.
In addition to our farewells in Croatia, we cherished visits to other memorable spots along the way. We even managed to squeeze in a visit to Italy and a week on the enchanting island of Hvar. Each destination added a unique thread to the tapestry of our travels.
As I look back on May, my heart is full. There’s a gentle sadness in leaving behind the familiar streets and faces of Croatia, but also a profound gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and moments of wonder we’ve been lucky enough to share. Whether wandering ancient fortresses or saying goodbye to a favorite café, each step has brought us closer to understanding the beauty of impermanence—and the promise that new adventures always await.
Here’s to the memories we leave behind, and to the new journeys that lie ahead.
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