When I first moved to Croatia, I was introduced to a few “rules” that most Croatians live by (because they’ve been brought up with their grammas nearby, always keeping a watchful eye and enforcing these - let’s call them - laws). They’re actually pretty sweet and endearing because in the end Gramma just wants you to stay alive.
1. I love a nice gentle breeze blowing through the house, the bedroom, the kitchen, wherever. When I first travelled to Croatia, I was told never to say those forbidden words again. Especially around any grandmothers listening in, or they’ll have my head (or just fiercely cover it in scarves). Cross-breeze (propuh) is the number 1 killer in Croatia if you haven’t heard. They truly believe that’s what gets you sick. You haven’t experienced the true, authentic Croatia if you haven’t had to sit in a hot stuffy room with beads of sweat dripping down your face because Gramma’s monitoring the opening and shutting of all windows and doors.
2. They knit sweet little slippers and ensure (with an iron fist) that everyone wears them. All the time. Even in the summer. Even if you’ve gone your whole life barefoot around the house. If you’re caught walking around without them near Gramma, you’ll get a good scolding, a head-shake and she’ll chase you around until you put them on (my in-laws are known for watching my feet like hawks because they know I’m prone to “forgetting” to keep my slippers on around the house).
3. On that note, if a Croatian granny catches you wearing open shoes and no socks outside of the period between July 15th to August 1st, that’s grounds for another reprimand. She will then wander around muttering and asking herself under her breath, how you’re still alive! Outside of the hottest two weeks of the year, wear socks, shoes and maybe even some snow pants or you’re seriously risking your health and all of your major organs.
4. One serving of food at lunch is never enough. Make sure you’re extremely hungry for a meal with a Croatian granny. Always take seconds, do your best to take thirds, fourths would thrill her. Anything beyond that and you can consider yourself her favourite person for life. My husband told me about this when I first had lunch with his family. She and the rest of the family rejoiced each time I took another helping, saying to Ivan that he “chose a good one!” If you’re not bulging out of your pants, then she didn’t do her job successfully as a host. Don’t let her down.
5. Don’t reject the leftovers she will force upon you. She saw how much you loved her cooking by how much you just ate, so take whatever she gives you all wrapped up in little plastic containers and graciously accept. Her worst fear is you going hungry, so she’ll sleep peacefully knowing you have some home cooked goodness for tomorrow.
That’s that. If you ever find yourself in a Croatian household, follow these easy steps and you’ll be considered family by the end of it. I’d love to hear about your experiences if you’ve ever been invited for lunch or dinner while travelling Croatia! Anyone out there with some cute “baka” (gramma) tales?
Happy Travels,
Sarah
That’s that. If you ever find yourself in a Croatian household, follow these easy steps and you’ll be considered family by the end of it. I’d love to hear about your experiences if you’ve ever been invited for lunch or dinner while travelling Croatia! Anyone out there with some cute “baka” (gramma) tales?
Happy Travels,
Sarah
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