dalmatian windmill

Laughing windmill

Never ask your wife's opinion about your blog pages :-)

How about that for an intro.

Well, after a nice dinner (which I prepared, as usual) we had a small conversation about my blog pages.

She confronted me with the fact that I once in a while mention my best friend Robert of MALIMLIN.

So, what about him ?

He and I, whenever he has the time, 

get out to discover new places in our area.

Most of the time we're rather lazy, driving around, 

having a chat about how terrible life is in this horrible part of Croatia.

(Just kidding, but that's our common joke).

Whenever we see something, we stop the car and get going, 

yes even on foot.

I rather travel (super-) light, so I leave my camera in the car, 

and Robert is the donkey :-)

Besides, mine is a simple Powershot G3, his is a sophisticated picture machine with more buttons than my shirt.

So he drags the tools, I just walk and talk, as knowledge of stone formations, plants and herbs are my part of the "work" (see this, smell that, try these), his job is to take pictures of it all.

And after another trip into paradise, as that's what it is, he sends me a couple of pictures, to which I write a page on this blog.

Not being connected to anything or anybody (except my wife) I once in a while mention Robert is the guy to contact if you, visiting Dalmatia,are looking for details or some professional guidance.

The reasons are quite simple, I am not for rent, sale, use, and contacting me to be of help is wasted time.

I am not available, I am free after enough years of obligations, appointments and deadlines.

(Reason why I don't have a watch, cellphone or agenda).

But you, my dearest readers, you might want to follow our footsteps and are desperately looking for some professional service.

Well, lucky you, as Robert is the owner of MALIMLIN , a tourist agency like so many in Omis, bút.... it's his pride and joy to offer the very best value for money.

Don't they all do that, you may ask ?

No, they don't, at least not all of them, the bastards :-)

Knowing Robert however, he loves Dalmatia as much as I do, and does an excellent job, being apartments, car rental or the commonly asked excursions to all those special places.

But, and thát really makes his service special, he can offer you tailor made trips, in which whenever he has the time, takes you to wherever you like or he suggests you after a friendly chat.

And that's why I sometimes (according to my wife many times) mention MALIMLIN, which by the way means small windmill.

As however we live in Dalmatia, we're Dutch as Dutch can be.

Which means we eat tulip bulbs, walk on wooden shoes, 

and put a finger in every dyke :-)

So to end this "no good for nothing" page, do like Robert and I, get out into Dalmatia behind the coastal mountains, experience how f@cking special it is, but don't ask me for service, as thán you'd better contact Robert, the guy of MALIMLIN .

As I prefer to be what I am, FREE at last !

PS.

Click on the picture and have a closer look, 

as this typical Dutch windmill is either laughing or hungry.

CNN (not the Croatian National Network :-)

(click to enlarge)

Having my last coffee of the day, I almost always sit behind my pc.

One of the things I do is check a couple of websites to find information about how to keep my vegetables alive and kicking under our hot sun, in dry heavy soil (clay, stones).

Before you (try to) ask me, they are fine :-)

I seeded a wide variety of tomatoes, peppers, salads, herbs and other vegetables, and óne (yes 1) potato.

This potato needs a bit of extra info.

I stole it from Biokovo :-(

Reason is that those Biokovo potatoes seem to be véry special.

Well to tell you the truth, they are not, as I did my research and discovered there are two varieties growing on tiny patches of workable soil on that harsh mountain.

Perhaps these harsh conditions create special potatoes, but I am gonna find out, as I stole one, and planted it in my secret vegetable garden.

In fact, all I seed, grow, plant and harvest is just a hobby, partly to eat the very best I can "produce", but also because I want to see the results, and if possible, reproduce and share with our friends.

So perhaps some day our neighbours will be producing "biokovo potatoes" here, depending on my experimental results.

But enough about my green experiments, as I want to share an item I discovered on the internet.

I stumbled over a page where CNN wrote about twenty (20) places you must see in Croatia.

All of them magnificent indeed, but most of them known to the world already.

I checked all twenty of them, but did not see anything on Svinisce or Omis or the Cetina River.

Come on CNN, what a horrible error, as this tip should be no less than # 21 on your list.

Ok, can't blame CNN, as their information came from the Croatian National Tourist Board.

Well than, CNTB, next time do a better job, as # 21 is no doubt as great as all other splendid twenty tips, if not even greater.

So you, dear reader of this blog, better add # 21 to your list, as Svinisce is special, as are Omis and the entire Cetina River.

As once you start to explore this gem, including an "expedition" into the Dalmatinska Zagora (the hinterland), you'll understand why I shared this item with you.
See those other twenty on www.cnn.com.

PS.

Recently the EU granted a giant sum of money (240.000.000 euros !!!) to start up a cross border project, in order to revitalize and  open up this magnificent region.

So don't wait, as you can already explore and experience this area, worth every penny invested in it, but already open and vital to people like me and you.

And believe me (as usual), you won't regret it, and it's for FREE !!!

visit Omis

There's a new kid on the block in Omis.

His name is www.visit-omis.com.

People who follow my "no good for nothing" pages, 

know I always try to add some interesting details, so you decide to make Omis (and surroundings !!) your choice to spend your holidays.

Much to my surprise a new website showed up, using the gap the official tourist website still didn't fill.

I wont go into details about that old fashioned tz.website,
just want to say:
"WAKE UP TZ " as season 2014 has started !

Ok, back to "visit Omis" as I love fresh initiatives that present and promote the many opportunities Omis has to offer.

And that's a lot more than "just" the old centre or the large sandy, kids friendly beach.

I truly and strongly believe Omis has the bést possibilities to become thé place to go.

Ok, there are no discotheques, and still I am looking for a restaurant that does nót serve pizza's.

Ah, and being negative for once, a walk along the Cetina is close to a death wish, as your every step is shared with passing cars.

(Do contact me for a simple, inexpensive solution, creating a basic, 

yet pleasant footpath from Omis to let's say Kastil Slanica). 

But apart from these small flaws, Omis has it áll.

And with áll I do mean ALL.

Give me óne place where there is such a beach, such a canyon, such charming town centre, so much magnificent nature and so many active sports (even for lazy people like me).

Give me óne place close to Split, Trogir, Makarska, Salona, even Dubrovnik, with highway and airport near  enough,
but not disturbing your well deserved peace.

Give me, to continue, óne place with Mosor, Omiska Dinara, Biokovo, even Krka and so much more within reach.

And to finish this list, as a bonus you get the Dalmatinska Zagora, with móre hidden gems than many people will ever discover.
Dó make that trip, keeping the Cetina on your léft. following the entire river from end to beginning, stopping in Blato, Trilj, Grab, Sinj, with a swim in Perusko Lake, perhaps even a hike on Dinara, the border mountains (with the highest peak of all Croatia), to end at the very beginning of the river in the village called Cetina
(what's in a name).
As than you'll understand our love for this specific area of Dalmatia.

In short, we left Holland to live here in Svinisce,
and we love every minute here.

Driving down takes only five minutes to reach the Cetina (delicious swimming on a hot summer's day), five more to go to Brzet's beaches and coves and our favourite restaurant Zvizdan (serving pizza's, but also some other nicely prepared food). 

And for shopping there are plenty possibilities, and if you don't like the service of Studenac (with a ridiculous empty bottle system), it takes less than half an hour to shop in either Lidl, Kaufland, the mega Konzum or even City Center One.

As soon as Studenac (great store, great offer, nice workers) decides to upgrade it's service with a decent machine to put in empty bottles I'll be the first to tell !!

Enough ! Gotovo !

I just wanted to tell there is a new website,
called www.visit-omis.com

So better have a look yourself, and once there, look at the page called www.podaspilje.com as it is one of the perfect offers for people who like to have it all.
(Peace, nature, a stunning panorama,
and still less than ten minutes from all Omis has to offer).

PS. 
I am in nó way connected to any of the offers written on this page.
I am just the piano player, so to say :-)

weather in Croatia

Sure, weather in Croatian summer is (almost) always splendid.

With seawater at around 25 C.
 and air temperature hardly ever below 30 C. 

you can call Dalmatia a sun- and summer-lover's paradise.

Than why show this picture ?

Because it's made by Aleksandar Gospic !
A nature lover, a mountain lover, 

but most of all, a gifted photographer.

If interested in how he sees Croatia, have a look at his website, 

stuffed with the most beautiful shots one can dream of.

Go and have a look:

www.aleksandargospic.com

As I am just taking simple snapshots,

you better have a look through his camera,
focussing on Dalmacija.

  Warning:   

you might fall in love, 

as that's what happens to so many people
once they have decided to visit this part of Croatia.

So don't say I didn't warn you :-)

dalmatia outdoors, so why not like this

(Picture by Vjeco Begovic on Dalmatia Outdoors.)

There are many ways to experience Dalmatia,
or should I say tó many :-)

Most people come to Dalmatia because of it's pristine seawater,
the great weather, the relaxing atmosphere, the organic food or the many islands, ancient cities, friendly people,
fairly decent prices and so much more.

An increasing lot of people however, the more active ones, have discovered Dalmatia is a paradise for active sports,
whatever you choose.

And not only at the Adriatic, but also in the Zagora (the hinterland).

Or even better, combining the two.

With so much fantastic nature, mountains, caves, rivers, lakes and meandering roads, it's impossible to say "uh well, I went there but didn't find a spot for my favourite sporting activity".

Unless you're a Formula One fan, as than we'll have to disappoint you. 

As than you'd better go to Belgium, Monaco, Germany or Dubai :-)

But even the motorised community, especially those on motor bikes, find in Dalmatia the perfect setting for trips into the country.

And believe me (why not for once), if you have only one week, you'll have to phone home you'll be staying for another couple of weeks as you never stop finding new scenic roads, marvellous panoramas, unique spots, sleepy little villages (like ours), with friendly people who are always interested in you, offering you a drink or even a meal.

Only problem still, is the (total) lack of official small camp sites, as being a nature lover, you prefer to sleep under a star sprinkled sky.

But things are changing, as while you discover Dalmatia, also Dalmatia is discovering why you choose to roll out your sleeping bag or put up your shelter for the night near that small town with that charming little restaurant, and that terrace where locals gather around their pride and joy, local wine from local wine producers.

As once you have discovered how extremely open minded, social and friendly people are in the Zagora, you're gonna come back,
so much I know, as we now live here !

And to all active people, climbers, divers, cavers, hikers,
 I'd like to add:
you ain't seen nothing yet

Do click on this line, as most girls here do have brown eyes :-)

And if in the mood for some action,
have a look on dalmatiaoutdoors for some great ideas.

Bee-Eater: Prološko Blato or Amazon Jungle ?

The Amazon Jungle may be great,
Prološko Blato however only takes a thirty minute drive :-)

Last Sunday my good friend Robert (of malimlin) and I went on one of our regular discovery trips in the area.

This time we headed for Imotski, famous for it's two stunning lakes (red- and blue lake).

But that was not our goal, as there are móre lakes there !

Each of those lakes, easy to see or well hidden, has a typical character, all of them a result of the structure of our type of rocks, called karst.

Most rain and snow disappear rapidly under the rocky surface, however disappearing may not be the proper word, as it always pops up again somewhere :-).

 Prolosko Lake (Prološko Blato) this time was our goal, as there this phenomenon of suddenly appearing water is seen at it's best. 

In fact Prolosko Lake isn't a real lake, but an accumulation of water, changing in size throughout the seasons.

We found what we were looking for, the lake was still a lake, supplying the immense surrounding agricultural land with water.

So after we took a look at the lake, we descended to scroll through the entire area, and discovered what every birdwatcher calls:
 pure delight.

!!!!!

  Bee eaters 

(Merops apiaster)
The European Bee eater to be precise.

First we saw one, than a couple and after some minutes
a whóle group of at least fifty,
including their nests, built in a sandy cliff.

Wow, whát a bird !

If you think of going to the Amazon Jungle, forgét it,
come to Imotski.

Their sound, their flight, those colours, those habits, ámázíng !!!

We saw and heard a couple of other birds,
all of them already a bonus for a fantastic day, 

but these bee eaters, they are truly thé most amazing discovery.

So if you're thinking of having a beach vacation in Dalmatia, and if you're a nature lover, do contact Robert, as apart from any other tourist service he offers (apartments, day trips, adventure), these specific discoveries are the cherries on his (ánd your cake).

He'll most gladly organise what you love to experience, being your private guide to one of the many hidden secrets of Dalmatia.

(Don't ask me, as I am retired, and véry busy).

But Robert will,  still leaving you plenty of time to get a sun burn, a hang over and some souvenirs, 

but also a Dalmatian experience you'll never forget.

PS.

As soon as possible I'll put some of our own pictures on this page.

Omis + Almissa + Telepil = Odyssey

(Picture found on Amazon.com)

Always looking for interesting details about the area we now live in,
I stumbled over an amazing theory.

The town called Omis today, where the Cetina River enters the Adriatic Sea, was called Almissa in ancient times.

Before that however, in Greek times,  it was called T(h)elepil.

And there a most remarkable theory begins.

As Zlatko Mandzuka (and other writers),
researched the myth of Odyssey's travels.

To keep things easy, I'll use the current town's name Omis.

Omis always was (and still is :-) a pirates nest.

Through history the Omis people used to benefit from the fact ships were following this coast, navigating to and from Venice.

I call it benefiting but in fact is was simple looting.

As ships passing carried valuable cargo, so why not take what you can get, still leaving enough for wealthy Venice.

Town and it's fortresses still clearly show the remains of those days, and the proud people of Omis organise a sort of historic battle every summer to commemorate those "glorious" days.

But.... deeper into history, is still the myth about Odyssey,
which cleverer people than me try to demystify.

Based on research and good thinking the myth slowly becomes
plausible theory.

As a hobby sailor I can imagine the logics of the theory:

it simple makes sense !

Sailors did not sail into the blue when they could follow the coast, and the Adriatic coast offers and offered a safe passage, with plenty of secluded harbours, and a fair amount of usable winds.

Therefore it makes sense they did not sail the Mediterranean,
but the Adriatic !

And with evidence based prove of Greeks having been on Hvar, Brac and other islands, all of them near Omis, it also makes sense Omis was a hideout when storms made navigating impossible.

Which brought some sailors into the mouth of the Cetina River, where, like I said, them Omis' pirates ruled. 

And as the theory goes, that is where Odyssey got in trouble.

Well, not being a historian, if interested you'd better buy the book and read the story.
Or even better, buy the book, and book a boat trip from the offer of foodscruise.com
as they sail you to Omis and many other historic locations.
And moreover, they won't stuff you with a pizza
or some grilled minimalistic food,
as their organic standards are truly very high.
As yes, Dalmatia is thé place to be if you prefer a healthy lifestyle.

About Omis/Almissa/Telepil,
you can see it today, much preserved in original shape, especially the landscape,
so come and see it for yourself.

As landscapes hardly ever change, it's possible to imagine what our hero saw in those ancient times.

And those pirates, oh well, today everybody is most welcome, and them pirates only make a lot of noise once a year,
in a bit of theatrical show.

So don't be afraid you will be eaten or looted like in those days,
unless you buy some souvenir,
as than you'll discover they are still after your money :-).

PS.

Much to my surprise the official Tourist Service in Omis 
seems to be unaware of this fantastic opportunity to make use of this amazing history. 

Their website still needs some "veliki bura",
as they seem to be like those old pirates:

just wait and see what treasures are passing, 
in stead of being pro active.

Wake up Telepil !
You are in a UNIQUE position, still not making proper use of it !

(And as always, if you want to comment, my email address in the header of this blog).

FIRE !!!!!!!!!!!!

(Pictured by Barbara/Baky)

Still not the typical Dalmatian spring weather, sunny and warm.

But those clouds we see daily create unique moments.

This sky was pictured two days ago at sundown.

Barbara (alias Baky),
the always active daughter of our best friends/ neighbours snapped it at it's most stunning moment.

So who cares when temperatures are (slightly) below average, 

and the Dalmatian sun (once in a while) hides behind some clouds.

I don't, as long as it gives us moments like this.

Picture taken from Svinisce, looking direction Mosor Mountains.

If interested, see this weather page (in Dutch),
showing the statistics for the next 14 days.

Dalmatian weather forecast for the next 14 days.

And keep in mind, today's weather is certain,
tomorrow is another day. 

Meteorologists are like fortune tellers,

they make you believe they tell the truth, but only heaven knóws.

PS.

Today weather is nice, fairly sunny and no rain coming.

Oh shit, just saw a giant cloud float in.

:-)

a charming diaspora story

(Sanja and Elena)

Recently I got an email from Australia.

Nothing special you may say, well read on than.

High unemployment rates (today and in history), a suppressing political climate and poor chances to make a change for the better,
made many people leave Croatia.

However these are different times,
still the unemployment is terribly high, 

specially under well educated young people.

For us, retired after making good money (working our balls of) in Holland this is paradise on earth, for all the people in the Yugoslavian/CroatianDalmatian diaspora
there was only one shocking option. 

Leave paradise.

So of they went, to all parts of the globe,
to Canada, Australia, Chile, Germany, America and many more.

Looking for better conditions, with pain in their hearts.

As you must know that each and every Croat loves (LOVES !!!) his homeland, specially those who live near the Adriatic coast.

So this email came in (thanks Peter), writing me how nice it is to follow my "no good for nothing posts".

As Peter is married to the daughter of two fine examples of people from the Croatian diaspora.

Her father and mother separately left Zagreb,
and started a new life in Australia.

By coincidence they met "hey, do I not know you from Zagreb" was the start of a romance, which was followed by having their daughter Linda, who later married Peter, the guy who sent me his email story.

And as Peter and Linda not only wasted time watching TV :-), 

they were blessed with two charming daughters,
called Sanja and Elena.

(Typical Croatian names by the way).

Just a simple feel good story, you may say.

Wish it was, as even second and third generation Croats would love to return to their homeland.

As this is heaven on earth.

Almost.

If only the possibilities were better, for them and all who live and (look for) work here.

But still the average wage is low, finding a decent job a burden,

fighting bureaucracy with all it's unnecessary blockades a horror for people with initiatives.

However....things are changing, as Croatia now is part of Europe.

Still, a bit more ACTION would be fantastic.

As this is like I wrote before:

PARADISE.

(Well ok: álmost paradise).

powerful internet (at last !!! )

One of the "problems" of living in the wild is that some things are different from what we where used to.

No, don't worry, we've got a toilet, a shower,
and even air-conditioning.

In general, all modern comfort is here too, only the internet sometimes is the well known pain in the #ss.

Our telephone connection rises to our high hidden valley through an old copper wire.

Use to having truly fast (hurry up !!!) systems in Holland,
this was a bit of a disappointment.

As internet here is a bit  like this: "i n t e r  n   e    t", including the hick ups, flaws and rumble.

So most people here use their cellphone,
and the same signal is used for internet.

Think they call it ethernet (but I am not a computer nerd).

Till recent our computer ran on older software,
not being the most up to date system so to say.

Than came the bad news, Microsoft stopped feeding the old cow.

Oh shit, that means a new system, including a new computer, as our old "washing machine" was not capable to run that modern stuff.

Well, to keep this story within your limits, we got one and another, and while I took care of our twelve different tomato varieties (still in the nursery), my lovely wife installed all this stuff I love to use.

(She does the hardware, I take care of the soft ware,
i.e. the vegetable garden and such).

So now things changed, as even that ethernet signal creeps through our new system like a hot knife through the butter.

 !!!!!!! INTERPOWERRRRR !!!!!!! 

(And all of it without steroids).

PS.

It's a small step for mankind, but was a giant step for me.

But now it's truly fun to add a couple of pages to this ongoing blog.

Which I just did, and will keep on doing.

who needs (to visit) the USA...............

................... everybody !

So yes, everybody must visit the USA (once).

And to be perfectly clear, I was there twice, and had a great time.

(Once in and around Montana, once in and around Utah).

What always impresses me, is the stunning nature there, however.....it takes a zillion of miles to get from one breath taking place to another amazing peace of creation.

And THAT is the biggest difference with Dalmatia.

Here it only takes me five minutes to reach the Cetina Canyon, thirty minutes to climb Biokovo, and about an hour to stand in freezing cold on the highest peak of Dinara.

An espresso under palm trees in Makarska, overlooking the Adriatic, followed by skiing in Bosnia after less than a two hours drive.

Again I dare to ask "who needs (to visit) the USA".

Not me, not any more, as I was there (and in England, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Norway and a couple more).

Not me, no way, as I still haven't seen it all in this part of Dalmatia, 

all of it in a circle of let's say one (yes ONE) hour's drive.

So my advise to all of you is to visit all of those countries, including the USA, followed by a visit to Dalmatia.

Thán you'll know the answer too.

.

cats.....just cats

For those who frequently read this blog this is no news.

We've got a couple of cats.

Shit happens, as I never was a cat person, but living in Dalmatia things changed.

To be honest, a lot has changed, and for the better.

These cats are a perfect example of all changes in our life.

They just happened to like us.

Living here in (almost) pure wilderness,
one day two young cats came walking in.

Guess somebody kicked them out of the car, or forgot to feed them.

Anyway, they came, and having one or two rapidly changes into more.

We take care of them, buying loads of catfood, feeding them and giving them some love and tender care.

Some of them stay, some other leave again, searching for a partner or even finding a better place to live (if there is one, as mind you, ours still is the best).

Couple of young cats came stumbling in, with a typical cats disease, so we ran to the vet and got some medicine.

First couple of days we had to gain trust, but slowly they got to understand we meant well, so medication was effectively applied and the disease conquered.

And look now, see that bundle of furry happiness.
We take care of them, and get a lot of pleasure and love in return.

The only problem now is to get them out of that seat again.   

Mind you, MY SEAT, where I sit when I have a smoke outside.

young pigs die young

Some vegetarians may want to read another story (I wrote a couple about vegetables too), the others may continue.

Any moment, any place, you'll see one of these basic grills, simple and very effective.

Perfect example is the Tuesday market in Zadvardje (not far from Omis), where there are two places that grill and serve grilled young pig meat.

The wood, not charcoal but WOOD, is what makes it even more tasty.

Smoky, no additives, just that meat and some sea salt.  

And what a delight that is, crispy, salty, tasty, melting in your mouth.

My favourite place is near the gas station (no problem, still far enough), where they grill behind the place, and chop and serve in front.

There you can buy whatever peace you like, as long as it's about one kilogram.

Takeaway or savoured at the (crowded) terrace, where automatically you get dishes, cutlery and some bread.

Want to drink, still early in the morning, fine, if not it's also ok.

But the taste, oh boy, that taste !

Simple, so simple, but oh dear, so extremely tasty !

PS.

I afraid of fatty hands, take a napkin with you :-)

Lidl Omis, hot air or at last !

(Picture "stolen" from a friendly photographer on the web).

The problem with rumours is that one does not know if it's fact or fiction.

Let's hope this rumour is a fact to happen:

Lidl is landing in Omis.

And that is great news !

As however there is plenty to choose from in Omis, 

my personal favourite for daily shopping is Lidl.

(Not for their meat however).

Regularly visiting the big Studenac supermarket,
I keep missing Lidl in Omis.

There are a couple in and around Split, one in Makarska, 

also in Sinj and Imotski, but Omis....

Main objection is the ridiculous Studenac "system"
for returning empty bottles or cans.

Recently the front of the store was redecorated, looks better than before, 

however, with a couple of empty bottles one still has to go to some shabby corner, in rain, wind or snow (and some sun of course). 

There a grumpy person counts every bottle one by one, before writing a ticket that gives one the right of a refund, back in the store.

Sounds pretty "old school communistic", and it is !!!!

As unless, unless ! the bottle is still with a cap, unless it's not clean enough, unless the print is only slightly damaged.

As than the CCCP-party secretary sends you to Siberia.

Come on Studenac, investing money in an update of the exterior is fine, 

but an up-to-date machine for returned bottles seems impossible ?

Give me Lidl, Kaufland or any other competitor, 

all of them with fully automated
 and client friendly in-store service.

I don't need your Clio sweepstake
(as I already have a nice car), 

all I want is an up-to-date store, where I enjoy bringing my money, 

and get the service any modern store today offers.

So let's hope Lidl does open that store in Omis, the sooner the better. 

As perhaps than Studenac finally understands that the fight for customers is only won by pro active competition, value for money and excellent service.

Welcome Lidl in Omis, hopefully not a bubble of hot air, but a fact !

Still for my meat however, I go to the butcher,
and for excellent bread I go to the new bakery in Omis. 

PS.

And by the way: 
some of the Studenac shopping carts have seen better days.
So be careful not to put in to much.

dalmatian hinterland, (dalmatinska zagora), so you still think "ah well"

Work still in progress, but some results already worth sharing,
so you understand why we live here in Svinisce.

The two pictures show one of our terraces and the view we are blessed to have.
And not only the view, as all we hear are birds.
No noise, no traffic (apart from one every hour or so), clean air, and the most stunning view possible.

To bad for you, we are not renting apartments, no way, but there are others who do, on likewise locations here.

So if you like what you see, still less than ten minutes by car from Adriatic, Cetina and Omis, and prefer a truly quiet, peaceful holiday close to everything (and more) but a bit hidden from the crowds, well, think it over.

Our good friend Robert of www.malimlin.com knows where to find you one of these delicious hidden treasures.

kravice waterfalls, a MUST visit !

Lucky you, as you (might) intend to spend your holidays in Dalmatia !

Sun, clear blue sea, beaches and coves, all of it fit for a perfect holiday.

And if you decide to stay in or near Omis or Makarska, or somewhere between them, lucky you are again.

Of course you're planning to do some excursions, trips, or just scrolling around in one of the many charming, historic places.

Baking in the sun, interrupted by a dive in that gorgeous sea, followed by a dinner under a star sprinkled sky, what more can one ask for.

Well, ask me, and I'll share a secret with you :-)

Cross the border !

Huh, why cross the border ?

First of all, because you can tell the jealous folks at home you've spent your holidays in both beautiful Dalmatia and Bosnia.

Yes Bosnia, BiH, or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As Bosnia is completely different and beautiful !

As there, on the road from Imotski to either Medugorje or Mostar, lies a hidden gem you simply MUST see !

The name of the town you'll pass is Ljubuski, 

and near that town is an absolute MUST SEE !!!

Do not forget to take your swim stuff, as you're going to Kravice Waterfalls.

Why ?

Because I told you so !

The trip takes you through a mostly beautiful landscape, however it's sometimes less interesting.

The whole trip takes you let's say 1.5 hours, if combining it with a visit to Medugorje (if you're a true Catholic) or Mostar (for Muslims, Catholics and Atheists) a whole day, depending on how you like to spend your day.

But don't tell me, you forgot that visit to those magnificent Kravice Waterfalls, 

as than I'll never share a secret with you again.

PS.

Not only it's a breathtaking beautiful place, where you can splash into refreshing water, it's also a nice place to have a romantic dinner.

But remember, you still have to drive back safely, so be careful when drinking, as you want to enjoy those other days on that lazy beach and not in some police station, either to pay a penalty or worse.

(Both countries are ZERO TOLERANCE on alcohol).

ONLY clean Croatian oil: OLIVE OIL

There seem to be plans to drill for oil

in the Adriatic Sea.

Read the article on Total Split

Total Split

and you will agree:

NO OIL DRILLING 

IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

The only clean Croatian oil is Olive Oil

to busy today, so back in time than

Busy, very busy, I might even say EXTREMELY busy.
So if you desperately want to read/look, click on the blue line, as I started writing this blog around 2006.
First in Dutch, but rapidly exchanged for English, as that's more universal :-)
So if you like, click here, back to 2007, or choose any year from the archive on the right side of the main page.
Also, if you prefer to write me, in stead of reading, my email address is in the top side of this very page (in which X of course is @).

But,
now winter (with hardly any cold or snow) has gone, it's time to prepare, plant, seed.
Not like our neighbours, who buy their plants ready to put in the ground.
Not me, not this Dutchman living in Svinisce.

They buy potatoes to plant, funny enough mostly from Holland, as that country is the absolute champion when it comes to creating new potatoes.
Hundreds, even thousands of varieties, many already forgotten, still a lot new types that either give bigger crops, less illnesses, better taste.

But I let them plant potatoes this year, as last couple of years I learned potatoes need a lot of work, attention, water, killing Colorado beetles, all of it to much work for the two of us, not depending on huge amounts of potatoes.
Other stuff however, from vegetables to fruits,
I seed, plant, pamper, grow, and prepare for dinner, all of it from "tons" of seeds I bought (mostly from Holland, some also from here).
Wanna see/eat chocolate brown paprika's or "weird" tomatoes, special herbs or unusual vegetables, come to Svinisce, and be my guest.

Being the cook in the house (all my life), one day we eat some good Italian pasta dish with osso bucco or a home made pizza, the next day it's a nice salad with good bread and a nice glass, or it's some Chinese or Indonesian food.
And still there are the Turkish, French, Indian and Swedish kitchen.
Cooking, as you may understand, is my favourite activity, and the amount of inspiration and ideas unlimited.

But even the cooking these days is (slightly) more basic, as I am BLOODY BUSY.

Ah, you thought Dalmatia is just laying in the sun, sipping nice wine or swimming in the Adriatic or the Cetina River, well, uhhh, it's not :-)
Anyway, not for me/us, as we're not tourists anymore.

And as we are the proud owners of more than two thousand square meters land, which has to be turned into a true paradise, full of flowers, plants and pleasant places to relax.

So, get back to history for a while,
as I am preparing our future, pleasant, easy and most enjoyable.
AND......with a bit less work and MORE time for this blog.
So click here: back to 2007

Ikarus Kurir, the plane and the man

Thanks to the website called 

www.total-inland-dalmatia.com, 

I was reading about a man and his plane.

The ever active Paul Bradbury put a short video on it, which showed a short scenic flight on YouTube, flown in the Imotski area.

What...... , a plane flying around from Imotski, 

that's NEWS !

Is that all, NO.. , as Ivan Zlatan-Rebic is flying it,

 from his private airstrip !!!

The flight already was very interesting, 

showing that rough and amazing area from above, 

the story behind it even more !

As, after a bit of research I discovered (yes, that's inland Dalmatia, always something new to discover), 

I found more and more details.

Details about the plane, details about the man, details about the location, and I love details, as they slowly uncover a tremendous story.

Let's start with the plane, called Ikarus Kurir, 

built in the mid fifties in Zemun , 

a town in what used to be Jugoslavia (SFRJ).

Only one (this one !!!) is still flyable in Croatia, the other only one is in Slovenia, flying or resting, 

I do not know yet.

Built for reconnaissance and transport of wounded soldiers, it lost it's value when helicopters were introduced in the army.

And, it would have been scrapped and lost for ever, if not saved by a retired pilot, called Ivan Zlatan-Rebic and his nephew, who's his assistent. 

With a long professional career in flying various airplanes, from crop dusters to fire fighters and passenger planes all around the world, he managed to save, restore and fly the machine.

Yesterday, I had my day off, which I use to go into the country together with my good friend Robert.

On our list were a photo visit to the beautiful lake in Ricice (near Imotski) after which we went to search for the man and his plane.

Did we find him, yes, YES, YES !!!!!

Was it a true discovery ?

!! ABSOLUTELY !!

As not only is he maintaining this lovely flying oldtimer, he is also building a second one, 3/4 size of the original, to be equipped with an equal engine, however with a turbo booster, specially built for aerobatics .

And is that all, HELL NO, as he's also building another flying device, 

which ain't a plane, nor a helicopter.

But that's another story.

So if you think Dalmatia is just a beautiful coast, 

how terribly wrong can you be !!!

Get out to look behind the coastal mountain ridge, and you'll find out yourself.

The website about Inland Dalmatia is a perfect help.

PS.

And Ivan, thanks very !!! much 

for showing us all you are inventing and doing.

You are truly amazing !

And if you think Nikola Tesla was special,

well, than you don't know Ivan Zlatan-Rebic yet.

Split goes Indonesian

Split, the biggest city in Dalmatia, I visit once in a while, but only when I need special things.

For tourists it's a "must see", for me however, 

not being a tourist, it's that big city I only visit for Bauhaus, Lidl, Konzum or Kaufland.

Of course there are many shops in Omis, our nearest town, but once every week or so I drive to Split.

The reason I don't go more often is simple, 

I don't like crowded big cities.

Next Saturday however I must (!!) go, 

as then there is the yearly food fair.

Normally I even avoid that fair (I've seen enough fairs in my professional life), but this time I MUST GO.

The reason is simple, I love good food, 

and even more, I love cooking (and know how to). 

Italian, Indian, Indonesian, Turkish, and any other kitchen that inspires me to prepare dishes I love 

(and our friends too :-).

Indonesian food however, is one of my favourites.

Because the Netherlands once "owned" Indonesia, there is a strong link to the Indonesian kitchen, as many people coming back home when Indonesia became independent, found it's way to the Dutch 

and their dishes.

Even in our navy there is a tradition to weekly prepare an Indonesian meal.

So, as there is this food fair, with next saturday a representation of Indonesian food and culture 

(dances and such), I must (!!!) go.

The focus will be on a dish called saté (satai), which is prepared of marinated meat (chicken, pork, goat), grilled on wooden sticks over a small wood fire.

The variety is immense, 

even the sauces it can be served with.

One basic ingredient however is used to marinate almost always, and that is ketjap (soy sauce), dark brown and made of fermented soy beans.

Thin like water in Japan, thick as syrup in Indonesia, and even then there are loads of differences, 

going from sweet to salty.

Properly grilled, saté is delicious, served many times with a sauce made of ketjap, peanuts, garlic and a couple of spices, including ginger.

Saté, remember that word, as I wouldn't be surprised if after the hamburger, saté is coming to Dalmatia.

It's simple, it's grilled, it's very tasty, 

and the variety goes far beyond that of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and the like.

Served with boiled rice, French fries or a slice of bread to dip in the sauce, some fresh cucumber and a king's meal is ready to take a firm bite.

With all superior ingredients we've got here, 

no doubt Dalmatia will go Indonesian.

Saté will do the trick.

Dobar tek, slamat makan, enjoy your meal.

I simply must !!! go to Split next Saturday, 

if you know what I mean.

So what did I say:

!!! SATÉ !!!

!

PS.
Was there, saw all stands, and again was a bit disappointed 
about the level of this fair.
About 50% is of the bazaar type, direct sales, one can see every week on the market in Zadvarje (tuesday's)
selling sausages and bacon, oil and cheese.

If looking for interesting presentations, 
better go to Metro in Dugopolje near Split.
At least they were on the fair with a stand full of goodies, nót for direkt sale, but to show the possibilities of creating something else for true cooks (so not for pizza heaters).

And about the saté that was served, well, to be honest, 
I prepare better !
So Sajam Gast (the name of the fair), you won't see me again.