Nearly two months ago I applied for a basic broadband service from the telephone company that connects me to the World Wide Web. After many calls, two weeks ago I got my contract. And after many more calls, two days ago I got a hefty package containing many pieces of electronic gear, a tangle of cables of all colors and lengths, several compact disks for their installation, and a whole pile of installation manuals and warranties both in English and Croatian. Although I managed to get a few things to work, my broadband connection is still but a distant dream. No matter how many times I return to the installation game, I always end up completely confused by all the technical terms and mind-boggling acronyms I confront on my way. At times I get confused to the point of tears. What is worse, the befuddlement eventually affects everything else I do, as well. I cannot find anything I am looking for, I am stumbling as I walk, and I find myself fumbling for words when I write. After two days of wrestling with my new computer, I feel debilitated. Which is why I do not dare try my luck again. Ever since I got up this morning, I have been shunning my study. And I already feel much better.

Addendum (November 30, 2007)

As ever, the solution was just around the corner. I asked Saša Benčić, one of the few computer enthusiasts in Motovun, to help me. About seventeen, he seems to know everything there is to know about these gizmos. It took him only a few minutes to set me up, too. I was over the moon with his expertise, it goes without saying. As he was leaving my house, I kept shaking his hand again and again. As well as repeating how miserable I used to be. He just grinned and grinned. Although I am elated about the quick resolution of my troubles, I now feel that I can count with Saša whenever I bump into a computer problem of any kind. In a town so small, he really is a blessing.