This evening a merry company gathered together in one of Motovun’s watering holes. As it turned out, each and every one of us came to the town from quite afar. Few of those present had any previous connection with Croatia, either. Slowly but surely, we started talking about the circumstances that brought us together. Laughter got louder and louder. “Come on,” I yelled at some point, “it is time for us to admit that we all fucked up royally by coming to this place!” There was much laughter around the table. “This much accomplished,” I yelled again, “we have a chance of bouncing back and perhaps even redeeming ourselves!” The laughter continued for a while. I am not sure about the others, but I must admit that I feel much better about Motovun already.

Addendum (November 5, 2016)

So many years later, the merry company in question is forever gone from Motovun. One by one, they have all departed never to return. And thus they have bounced back and perhaps even redeemed themselves. To the best of my recollection of that evening, I am the only one who is still around this godforsaken place to this day. By my own reckoning, I have fucked up not only royally, but also forever. Alas, it is high time for me to admit!