Parts of the world in which I used to live are creaking under many layers of heavy snow, but the world in which I now live is flooded by unrelenting rain. And I am not exaggerating. I have never seen the Mirna so bloated. And so menacing. Much of the valley under Motovun is under water, including the vast stretches planned for golf and polo development. The way things look at the moment, kayaking and canoeing would be much more suitable in these parts than the vaunted sports. If it continues to rain so heavily, which several weather forecasts suggest, the Mirna will burst its banks in a day or two. God only knows, but the road from Buzet to Buje may be closed, too. Thrilling, to say the least.

Addendum (February 4, 2009)

It stopped raining yesterday evening. In the nick of time, too. Mirna is shrinking already. The fields on both sides of the river are still under water, but the road itself is not in danger any longer. According to today’s local newspapers, there were hasty preparations yesterday for the protection of the road going through the Mirna valley. Worst affected was the segment between Motovun and Buzet. Many other parts of Istria were flooded, though. The amount of rain that fell the last few days was unusual, but such unusual events are likely to become more frequent on account of climate change. At any rate, the sun is out as I write. After so many murky days, it is a joy to be outside.