Looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is so much to love about where I live. There is, however, this quiet ritual I have every time I travel someplace new. I don’t announce it or make a big deal about it — but as I move through the streets, watch the people and settle into the rhythm of a place, I start to wonder: Could I live here? It’s not about making plans — it’s more like trying on a life for size, just to see how it fits.

I just spent the last several days exploring Croatia — a small, stunning country on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. And like I always do in a new place, I returned to that quiet ritual of imagining what life might look like if I had chosen this place to live. I visualize myself and my spouse living in a two-bedroom apartment within the great historic Walls of Ston. Our apartment would likely be on the top level of a building, which would necessitate several uneven stone steps to access. We, like many others in this country, would walk everywhere we went. We would shop for fresh groceries every day, since food preservatives and dyes are nearly nonexistent, and as this is the way with the Croatians. We would look to speak in more subdued tones. Our clothing styles need to take on a more formal look for daily walks among the public. We would be thin and fit, as our new lifestyle would facilitate such a thing. Our laundry would dry on a clothesline hanging several stories above ground level. I could go out alone at night and walk the city, as I would feel safe among the locals. Croatia, after all, is the 15th safest country in the world, with the U.S. coming in at No. 132 out of 167 countries.

On the other hand, it is incredibly humid in Croatia and my hair just doesn’t work in the humidity. This is also a very seasonal place for recreation. Almost everything shuts down in the winter. Although I hate to be cold, I hate being cooped up indoors with nothing to do even more. It is also very onerous to get anything done due to all the taxes and regulations, and for someone who doesn’t like rules, that won’t work for me either. Not to mention, the Croatian language is South Slavic in origin and is classified as a “Category III” language by the U.S. State Department. These “hard” languages have huge linguistic differences compared to English. For someone who took three years of Spanish and can only remember “hola” and “baño,” I likely would not qualify.

As it turns out, the only lifestyle that really fits for me is right back in Utah, where we experience all the seasons (although not always when we expect them). We do, however, experience an active community for recreation throughout the entire year. We have a rich history, where pioneering spirits thrive and strong communities and neighborhoods are built on hardy values and traditions. Sure, we have some uniquely Utah ideas and culture, but we also offer an invigorating and fulfilling lifestyle. I have no regrets for building my life right here at home.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.