I was already in Pazin early this morning when my lawyer gave me a call from his car. The court hearing was postponed, as he had just learned from the judge’s office. This was less than an hour before the hearing itself. He did not know the new date, but he guessed it would be early next year. At any rate, he told me that I should go to the court and ask, for he was already on his way back to Umag, where he keeps his office. I went to the court, but was told at the judge’s office that the new date was not yet set. Of course, no-one even thought of explaining the mess, let alone apologizing for it.

A short while after I returned to Motovun, the lights went off. The cut was announced a few days ago, but it still came at the worst possible time. At least for this sensitive soul. My house went cold pretty fast. Although the central heating system uses heating oil, it does not work without electricity. I zipped my fleece all the way to my chin, and pulled a woolen hat over my ears. And then I lit a candle and grabbed a piece of paper and a ballpoint pen. As far as I am concerned, writing is the way to go in case of adversity. It has never failed me, either.

So, welcome to New Tuscany—the land of darkness! There is only one reason why I am still in Istria, or anyplace else in Croatia, after so many years of abuse by all and sundry. It is my beloved, whose choice of place to live is constrained by her family and her job. Our love is worth every sacrifice, as well. But, dear reader, do not even think of this country if you are not very much in love! Otherwise, avoid it like the plague. And let idiots of all sorts spew about New Tuscany for all they are worth. Most of them have little to lose, but darkness is surely not your best bet. Except if you are coming from, say, Zimbabwe or North Korea.