As I like to boast, I hate buying things. I hate wearing new things, too. And so I buy everything I need in bulk, and I stick with it as long as possible. For example, I bought a lot of essential clothing in Reading before moving to Motovun. Among other things, I bought a whole collection of identical underpants and socks. But time is merciless when it comes to such things. Holes pop up left and right. After less than four years in Istria, I have been reduced to two pairs of each. Which means that I can wash my underpants and socks only late at night, just before going to sleep, when I can go around without them. As I write, the washing machine is doing its bit, and I am wearing nothing but an old sweatshirt and a pair of ancient sweatpants. The funny thing is that I already have a new collection of underpants and socks, purchased nearly two years ago in Zagreb, but I will do whatever is in my power to stretch the life of the old collection, which I will throw away all at once. Now it is a matter of months, if not weeks. Still, I shudder at the thought.

Addendum (September 28, 2016)

Having come across this piece entirely by chance, I cringe as I read about underpants and socks. Yes, I am in trouble. Once again, holes are popping up left and right. And time is merciless, as ever. The number of underpants and socks in my possession is shrinking at a clip. But the trouble is that the store where I used to buy underpants and socks in Zagreb is no more as of a few months ago. And it was the very same one where I used to buy them in Reading, as well. Which store was it? Marks and Spencer’s, it goes without saying. While I was living in Britain, my underpants and socks never changed. And this was the case ever since I moved to Croatia. All told, this covers a quarter of a century, no less. All of a sudden, Marks and Spencer’s decided to leave Croatia earlier this year. By now, all of its stores have vanished as if by magic. And now I have to find another store where I can buy underpants and socks that are utterly plain and long lasting at the same time. I shudder.