Day 16: Arrived on the island

22.03.23

Falling asleep under the stars and waking up under the open sky is really something special, especially by the sea. I like it.

The night was quite cold and damp, but that's not so bad because it's somehow part of it, and besides, I am rewarded here with a view of the sea, the slowly rising sun, the blue sky, and the pleasant tranquility.

Speaking of tranquility: As soon as you, or I, have been out of the city for just one day and away from its streets, you suddenly notice the difference in terms of noise and hustle and bustle. Today I notice it again, how much influence it has on you. Before I even got up after a night on a city parking lot, I can already hear them, the cars and trucks, the people, and some noises.

This morning on the beach, only 2 people passed by to get water from the spring. I woke up not because of any noises, but because it was getting bright, and I also had to pee really badly.

Then, when the sun is warm enough and I have had my tea while walking up and down the beach, here I have the nice opportunity to go into the sea first, then slowly let the sun dry me off, maybe stretch my limbs for breakfast, etc. Everything suddenly slows down a bit when there is more peace around and things happen at a natural pace. In any case, I am noticing the deceleration and am happy about it.

Slowly, so also decelerated, but still exhausting, the path today goes uphill again. Before that, a quick shopping trip at the small supermarket on the beach promenade. Apparently, 98% of all the residents had the same thought, otherwise, I can't explain why there was so much going on in this mini store. But that's okay. People know each other, and it's lively.

The tour goes almost by itself again, thanks to the beautiful island scenery. You also notice the difference here. Hardly any traffic, a lot of landscape or the sea, and small villages. Wonderful. Pleasant.

Rucavac is the place I have targeted. It is located on the other side of the island and mainly consists of a few holiday homes that are rented out in the summer. Otherwise, there is nothing here. Hardly anyone lives here. That was confirmed when I arrived.

Fortunately, I find a great spot in Rucavac, by chance, to spend the rest of the day and the night.

It quickly becomes clear to me that this place has been left to itself for a long time. You can't expect (many) people here. A perfect place because there is a lot to discover and you can settle down without any worries. So you have a bay all to yourself. Time to lie in the sun, write, read, explore the area, watch the fisherman cast his nets, go into the water, do nothing, enjoy the peace. Sometimes it's really good to be able to just be (by yourself) without any rules or people around.

So the day ends very relaxed. Hakuna Matata.

Almost done, if it weren't for so much garbage here again.

Unfortunately, you can hardly overlook all the waste, and I can't get used to it either. Of course, this probably has something to do with how well a country and its people are doing, but also with the awareness of each individual. Whatever... I don't want to judge that, it's just always sad to see.

While walking around on the beach a while ago, I took a closer look at what was lying around:

Ketchup bottles, pallets (actually several), motor oil bottles, at least a dozen different PET bottles, plastic bags, Amazon Prime packaging (even seen it more often), several plastic buckets, shoes, laundry detergent bottles, cups, flower boxes, styrofoam, canned tin cans, beer cans, fishing nets, a soccer ball, shampoo bottles, toys, cosmetic products, packaging, and lots of small things.

Pretty fucked up.