I am falling in love with Motovun once again, I must confess. And I am amazed at myself. Wherever I go in the hilltown, I greet everyone I know with heartfelt gusto. For I am genuinely delighted to see them. I shake their hands and rub their shoulders. I hug them and kiss them. Young and old, they are all dear to me. I even pet all the cats and dogs I know. But I cannot stop wondering about the sudden eruption of my feelings. After a few years of deep hurt, which often bordered on despair, I am getting ecstatic about this medieval town one more time. Looking at myself from a little distance, I keep shaking my head at my unexpected transformation, which is taking place in front of my very eyes. Strange. Funny. Actually, ridiculous. And yet endearing. Heartbreaking even. Yes, I am in love with myself, as well, for now I am one with Motovun afresh.

Addendum (October 24, 2016)

A couple of years later, the emotions reported in this piece strike me as a tad exaggerated. Having read it on one of my uncharted journeys through my writings, I immediately checked its date. Not surprisingly, the date explains my emotions pretty well. Not to beat around the bush, this piece was written after nearly three months spent in Zagreb. Besides, the municipal elections less than a year before it was written had changed a great deal in Motovun. And for the better. Much better, as a matter of fact. As for my feelings at the moment, the next winter is only a couple of months away. In other words, I am a bit tired of the place close to the end of the tourist season. In addition, the next municipal elections await us in the spring. Although the new mayor and his mates have done a great deal for the municipality, their political future is far from certain. The political divide among local people is too deep for comfort. For all these reasons, this piece makes me a bit uncomfortable at present. The emotions reported in it are over the top, to be sure. And I cannot tell at this juncture whether or not I will be one with Motovun ever again. Time only will tell.