Croatia

[princess garnet]

My travels took me out to Croatia for this past week, and I had a wonderful time. I'd never been to the Balkans before.
I was with a small travel group of 12 and a local tour director. We stayed in Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Trogir. I also took day excursions to Kotor, Montenegro and Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina. We visited Split for a few hours before ending our last day in Trogir. The region is rich in history and fascinating sites. If you like the natural environment, great views too.
Dining was good. Seafood lovers would be thrilled. The Croatian wines are great.

There are still reminders of the 90s Balkan Wars. Not so much in Dubrovnik but in Mostar was inescapable. Nevertheless Mostar is thriving as a tourist destination.

I'm glad I went!

[fljustice]

It sounds like a lovely trip! I've never been to the Balkans would like to go someday.

[parthianbow]

Only just saw this post! Croatia is so great, isn't it, Princess Garnet? I've been twice - for a few days on the back of a 10 day trip to Montenegro in 2005, and then for 2 weeks this summer. I've also been to Slovenia, and thought it was wonderful too. My wife and I loved Croatia and Bosnia so much this year, that we've decided to go back in 2011, and explore different areas to those we've been in thus far.

For those of you with interest in all things Roman, the centre of Split is made up in its entirety of the emperor Diocletian's palace, and all the modern houses and apartments are built in/on/around the remains. It's absolutely wonderful. Then, just off the highway to Dubrovnik, and near the turn off to Mostar, there is one of the only known temples to Augustus, the first emperor. Preserved in a newly built excellent little museum in the village of Vid, near Metkovic, the site is a 'must see'.

On my 'to visit' list for next year is the amphitheatre in Pula, which is meant to be worth visiting...

[Ash]

When I was involved in international folk dancing, I fell in love with Balkan dance and music. I was amazed by the variety through the region - some influenced by the Austrian Empires influence, others by the Ottomans, and some inbetween. The group I was in had a performing section, and they went there several times before the war. I loved hearing them talk about what wonders they saw and the amazing people they met. . It broke my heart when the war started, and the destriuction just made me ill. I'd love to go there someday, but I suspect it won't at all be the same as when my friends were there a few decades ago.

I still cherish an outfit a friend brough back from me - a beautifully embrodiered dress from Croatia, and a pair of leather shoes from Serbia. I still wear them to folk dance festivals and parties.