Being an expat in a foreign country can be pretty challenging at times. And certainly not everything is roses and unicorns. I’ll not lie to you, there are days when I just want to pick up my things and head back home. However, today is not one of those days.

So here is the list of things I love about living in Istria.

Travel works best when you're forced to come to terms with the place you're in. – Paul Theroux

What I love about living in Istria

#1: In a town where the parking costs 1 euro per hour, as residents we pay it 20 euros for the whole year. Pretty cool!

#2: On a clear day when the north wind (Bura) blows, you can actually see the Alps from Istria. The first time I’ve seen them, I was sure they were clouds. It’s freaking awesome!

#3: From May to October, we have a picnic by the beach every day. Hammock, beach chairs, and lots of delicious food.

#4: Even with 9-5 schedule, living in a small seaside town gives us a plenty time to enjoy the beach every day after the work.

#5: My office has an amazing sea view.

#6: People actually pay big money to spend a week at OUR beach. This always reminds us to be grateful.

#7: We can visit three countries within an hour drive: Croatia, Italy and Slovenia.

#8: Living so close to Italy gives us an opportunity to get the best quality dried tomatoes for a fraction of the price. This is like really important for us. The same goes for burrata, coffee, cima di rapa, and artichokes.

#9: Anytime we feel, we can just hop in the car and enjoy an aperitif in Italy.

#10: Truffles, squids, crabs, sole fish, tenderloin in winter. Wild asparagus in spring. Wild mushrooms in fall. Food is so delicious, local and seasonal in Istria.

#11: Malvasia, a local white wine is so tasty, and it helps me see my life here through the pink glasses. For as little as 2-6 euros per liter. Wine aficionados will understand it.

Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water. – W. C. Fields

#12: From our house, we can cycle many kilometers through the fields, vineyards and by the beach. Without ever going on the main road.

#13: We have some pretty interesting wine and dine events in Istria throughout the year: Wine fair, Open cellar day, Open taverns day, Young olive oil fair, Truffle fair, Prosciutto fair, etc. And, yes we attend each of them. It's like a Disneyland for foodies.

#14: Istrian olive oil is seriously one of the best I've tasted in my life. And I don't traveler anywhere without my olive oil (and my rubber boots; but that's like a whole other story!).

#15: We can eat at the restaurant a 7-course meal for 50 euros per person. Seems like a good deal to me.

What do you like the most of the place you call home? Share your favorite things about home in the comments below.