A love letter to Croatia…

by croatiaweek
June 25, 2019
in News

Diana Tencic (Private album)

Dear Croatia,

On May 31st I fell in love with Croatia. A little back story is needed so stick with me.

It only took 43 years to get back to the motherland from Australia but I made it and now she has taken my heart. My first visit occurred in 1975. I was all but 3 years of age when my family returned to attend a wedding. Fast forward 43 years and I too was heading back for a wedding,

How did you win my heart?

Istria. The mountainous glorious land you are. I headed straight to the town of Pazin and there i was greeted with open arms, kava and a plate full of prosciutto and bodulac cheese, fresh bread and all of the delicious cakes you could imagine.

(Private album)

My mother it seems kept her cooking traditions with her here in Melbourne. As I ate chicken soup and freshly made pasta I could not help but feel at home.

(Private album)

Truffles filled me to the brim. Majestic Istria, your truffles. What a joy to eat you in all of your glory.

(Private album)

Now we need to talk about your wonderful coastline. Rovinj the little town of cobblestone paths and laneways leading to the sea, I walked all the way to the Church of St. Euphemia. What a view! I enjoyed an aperol spritz by the marina and watched people walk by.

Then you blow me away with Pula. A coliseum greeted me and a busy industrial port. Off to discover more food delights and pancakes filled me to the brim.

(Private album)

Back to the villages and a visit to Motovun. The climb to the top produced a stunning picture. I could not imagine the valleys surrounding you. The food.. today you gave me donuts.

Then the village of Grožnjan with every twist and turn I found clever artists and art work.

(Private album)

When did you steal my heart? The villages of both my parents. Gologorica and Krbune. Cobblestone homes still standing and over 200 years old. The stories you could tell. The remoteness and stillness that is ever present. The years have past but the villages still function as they did all those years ago.

(Private album)

A flight to Split and another yet another explosion of history presented itself. My goodness history is everywhere. The Diocletian’s palace, you tower over every corner.