When you’ve been away from your own country for a couple years, it’s really interesting to come back and look at it with fresh eyes. While we lived in Zagreb, we became so used to seeing a pekarna (bakery) on every corner and outdoor cafes everywhere, packed with people day and night. I expected to come back to the States and see the usual CVS drugstore on every corner with the same big stores repeating themselves every block, like we noticed in suburbia after we returned from three years in Okinawa. (Remember this post?) But this area south of Jacksonville isn’t like that at all! What you’ll find everywhere are Baptist and Methodist churches and Dollar Trees:) I’ve been amazed by how many churches there are and “Thank You Jesus” signs in peoples’ front yards.
The biggest shock for me has been the food and food prices in America. The exchange rate from the US dollar to the Croatian kuna was 7 to 1 in our favor. Food is getting more and more expensive for most Croatians, but on the dollar, prices were incredible. The first time I went to the grocery store here in North Carolina my mouth dropped at how expensive everything is. And how huge and vast grocery stores are!! The quality of food in the Zagreb markets is incredible, too — when you begin with rich soil on small farms, use minimal to no chemicals and rotate crops with the seasons — it’s hard to beat that! We’ve spent the past years eating eggs in Croatia that were so bright and rich they were almost neon orange. So the first time I cracked open an egg here I couldn’t believe how pale and sad it looked!
BUT! If you are in the Sneads Ferry area here in North Carolina, I discovered a great place to buy good eggs and fresh produce — Hometown Harvest. If you know of any other farms or homesteads in the area, please let me know:)
The best surprise about moving back, specifically to this part of North Carolina, is the people! This area is made up of small towns and doesn’t look like much at first, but start interacting with the people who live here and you may find yourself totally blown away like I’ve been. These are some of the most down-to-earth, friendly, warm people I’ve ever met before. We’ve only been here a few weeks but I’ve yet to meet anyone that hasn’t immediately started up a conversation or at least smiled and waved while driving or walking by or said hello. I also love hearing “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” everywhere we go!
brittany says
awwww it is so crazy to hear your latest observations on AMERICAN life!!! and of course, your captures are magical right off the bat. 🙂 i hope the kiddos are enjoying getting adjusted!! and oh. yeah… i guess you’ll just have to go ahead and get ready to spend all your money on organics grown in crappy soil… what can you do!!! but farmsteads are such a great idea. and maybe chickens again in your future?! xoxoxo!
Amanda says
Thanks Bee!! Hahaha that made me laugh. Yes we are planning on more chickies as soon as we find a home! 🙂
Emily stone says
Yes on the eggs!! They do look sad and pale compared to the freshness available in the EU farmer’s markets. I’m so glad you’ve already found a place to get your produce, and it sounds like you’ve received quite the warm welcome by the people there. Looks like it’ll be a great few years there for you guys!
Amanda says
Thank you, Emily!! I hope it will be:) We’re really happy to be back on US soil and excited to find a home!
Malia says
That’s funny you wrote a post about all of this because we’ve been loving just all that in Slovenia. The quality of food here is amazing and we’re really enjoying how much cheaper things are here. We’re going to soak our next two years here until we’re back in the States … to the good ole military life. Hope all is going well for you guys and the transition back has been easy!
Amanda says
Oh yay! I’m so glad to hear that and to hear from you! I hope everything worked out in the end with finding the right apartment/house! Yes, enjoy it:) The transition back to military life has been real… ha. I miss my husband!!
Kait says
Oh I love that you guys are back in NC – we are crossing our fingers to *MAYBE* be there next year!
Amanda says
Thank you!! Let me know if you come back!!!!
Rebecca says
On our trip to the States this past summer, I was also shocked at the price when checking out at the grocery store! $50 for milk, flowers, and a food odd breakfast things for the kids. We also have really great organic food here – no one here even calls it organic because that’s all there is. :). So lucky.
Amanda says
Haha, you know I always laughed because the farm to table movement that is popular right now (which I’m so glad of!!) is just how people have always eaten in Croatia 🙂