closed till further notice

Hi all of you interested followers around the world.

As you may have noticed I almost didn't add any new posts here.

For those who thought Svinisce disappeared from the earth,
don't worry, 

it's still here, just five minutes behind Omis.

To be precise, it's still driving along the Cetina towards restaurant Kastil Slanica on your left, and a little further,
up the mountain road on your right.

Left, right, left, right, left, right goes the winding road up towards Podaspilje, and continues straight till a blue sign Modris.

There you turn right, into an even smaller road, and after a couple of mnutes you're in our hidden valley.

So any of you who wants to see where I wrote those previous 393 pages about Svinisce, it's HERE !!!

Yes indeed, 393 pages, stories, pictures, mostly about this tiny village.

I had a lot of fun creating them, and so did you, reading it all.

But, times change, and I discovered Facebook gives me the same pleasure, and enough ways to share information and fun.

So if you like to follow my/our life in Dalmatia, I gladly invite you to become friends with me on Facebook.

Click here to follow me.

To all of you now crying over your computer, don't worry, I might add some pages here too, but when, what or how,
I don't guarantee anything.

All I can advice is to come to Dalmatia, and follow some of my steps.

Don't just stay at the beach, get out,
and go discover all the things I shared with you.

It made me a most happy person, and I hope you will be too.

Thanks, and see you some day.

enjoy the sun but stay safe.

Dalmatia is fantastic.

A very pleasant climate and a stunning coast.

Lot's of sunshine and numerous places to enjoy it at the Adriatic.

Lot's of beaches, like in Omis, Makarska, Split or Trogir, 

and if there's no sandy beach, any flat peace of rock invites you to relax in the sun between diving into the cleanest, clearest, móst beautiful sea.

Careful however, as sunny weather can also be risky weather if you are not aware of it.

Not to frighten you, but better safe than sorry, check after summer if there are any skin defects that need medical attention.

Of course you use sun protection, especially for kids.

To make things easy, here's a simple way to do a basic check yourself.

And if in doubt, ALWAYS see your docter.

JA VOLIM OMIS (sada)

Page copied from Slobodna Dalmacija.

(click picture to enlarge)

And people remembered:

Omiš, Tuesday, December 9, 2014

"Mozes lagati neke ljude svo vrijeme,

mozes lagati sve ljude neko vrijeme,

li ne mozes lagati sve ljude svo vrijeme !"

Thomas Jefferson.

Biokovo, a year round beauty

(click to enlarge)

Text and picture from:

www.biokovo.eu

Biokovo (nature park) is the largest and highest mountain in Dalmatia (Croatia).

It rises vertically from the Adriatic Coast to height of 1762 m. 

Because of it’s geographical position, 

Biokovo is a mountain that has continental as well as Mediterranean climate, 

so various plant species of both worlds meet and live next to each other. 

There are lot of caves and pits around Biokovo and very often one can meet wild mouflons, wild goats as well as various bird species, wild boars, wolves, snakes, foxes, etc.

Some migrating bears seem to have been spotted, but that's still not confirmed.

The views from Biokovo are spectacular, on the clear day one can see a number of Dalmatian islands as well as large part of Dalmatian coast to the south, and to the north, towns of Vrgorac and Imotski and their surrounding villages.

Sometimes, on exceptionally clear days, 

it’s even possible to see Monte Gargano's peak in Italy, more than 200 km away.

The coastal town of Makarska, that lies on the very south edge of Biokovo is seen from Biokovo as an amazing bay with tiny little houses placed in the rows around it.

The nature park Biokovo dominating above Makarska Riviera, 

is the good destination for botanists as well as walkers and cyclists. 

The beauty of Biokovo has always attracted explorers and visitors 

and you are likely to be thrilled too. 

There are over thirty marked trails leading up the mountain on the seaward side 

and eight on the landward side. 

On your way up, you will pass ancient villages on the foothills of the magnificent rocky mountain: Gornja Brela, Topici, Bast, Veliko Brdo, Makar, Kotisina, Gornje Tucepi, 

Gornja Podgora and Gornje Igrane on the seaward side, and Kozica, Rascane, Zupa, Biokovsko Selo, Rastovac, Zagvozd and Zadvarje on the north side of the mountainrange. 

A main hiking trail transverses the mountain - 

the Biokovo Mountain Trail with its twenty control points. 

However, one should not forget that Biokovo deserves full respect 

and therefore should be well prepared for the ascent. 

The weather conditions can change in a moment, no surface water !!! is to be found 

and any deviation from the marked trail entails some risk. 

Hiking boots, backpack, spare clothing, raincoat, drinking water, 

some food and a good map of the Park are items you will surely need. 

Climbing the steepest ascent in Croatian mountains at dawn, 

you will be surprised to learn that the people of Biokovo once used the same trails to carry hay and potatoes or drive their livestock to pasture. 

And before freezers existed, ice from deep inside the northern caves was harvested 

and transported down to the coast.

Biokovo is a mountain that one can visit either by car or bicycle as well as on foot from various parts of Adriatic coast and Makarska Riviera.

Best is to go early, as temperatures on the coastal slopes can get pretty high.

Still, Biokovo is a year round spectacular experience, 

especially when leaving the main road.

I'll be back next spring

Some of you may think "where's the news".

Some others may think "what's up".

No big deal, but I was in hospital with a serious pneumonia,

my camera is out of order (so, no pictures), 

the weather still a bit "refreshing,"

and a trillion things to do in our house.

All in all enough reasons to say:

"I'll be back next spring".

feeding fish...............hélp !!!!!!!

Scrolling for some details about a route from Split to Prozor-Rama,

(which I found).

I also stumbled over this truly amazing picture.

Not sure you'll find this fish nor the bird, you'll be surprised about all other natural beauty.

I can tell you a trip into Bosnia-Herzegovina is absolutely worth a day (or even more).

Reason I was looking for some details is that this trip also for me is a treat, and it's always worth it to discover hidden gems.
Which there are, in for instance Grabovice !!

Driving inland, towards ánd crossing the border (no big deal), brings me to a completely different scenery, as B.Herzegovina ís different,
ánd absolutely véry beautifull.

It's hard to explain hów beautifull, but do like I did, scroll the website below, and plan a trip crossing the border, and you'll understand why I frequently drive it.

Many details, in English, can be found at:

http://www.stazagospisinjskoj.eu/index.php/en/

shit happens, even in Dalmatia

So there I was, lying in a Dalmatian hospital in Split.
As that was the only safe place for me, having a severe pneumonia.

Being a bit ignorant ánd stubborn, I ignored all signs my body was giving me, so after a week or so with "minor" inconveniences and a rising temperature, the point of no return was reached.
Whatever you may think of nice, pleasantly warm Dalmatia,
a body temperature of 40 C. is a bit high indeed.

So there I went, from first aid (hitno pomoc) to hospital (bolnica),
with all care and medication one can wish for.

I've seen more doctors, nurses, assistant nurses and additional staff at, over and even under my bed these two weeks,
 than in all of my previous life.
(The "under"-part was the daily cleaning job, 
keeping the room as sterile as possible).

To tell you in short, doctors and specialists in Splits hospital are excellent, as are the nurses.
Most of them even speak some (or even some more) English or German, so don't worry you loose the wrong leg.
(Which is a blessing for a Dutchman in a Croatian hospital).

But even thán, communicating under "less common" conditions,
ánd the lack of experience in foreign hospitals, is prone to lead to some miscommunications.
Which I must admit, did happen, however it was only at the point that I thought I was declared fit to leave the hospital,
and (thought I) understood the procedures.
Wróng, as this still is Croatia, with loads of (necessairy ???) paperwork.

So I hope I did not offend some doctors with my typical "let's gó" Dutch behaviour, as they did cure my illness in a highly professional way, while I sneaked out of hospital in a somewhat less Croatian style.
(As when I heard I was cured and fit to leave I did not have the patience to wait another uncertain amount of time
for the traditional truckload of paper).

Understanding or misunderstanding, I was extrémely happy to be home in Svinisce again, healthy as an (old) horse,
thanks to all medical staff in KBC Split.
And that pile of paper, it seems I have to pick it up as soon as possible, which I will do of course.

So should you, as shit happens to others too, land in hospital here,
be absolutely sure you get all necessairy high standard medical care.

And a load of paper as a bonus :-)

old picture, new year

Leaving an old year behind, heading for a new one.

Whatever you may think, 2014 was a year to remember, 

and in another 365 days also 2015 is history.

Let's wish 2015 is worth to remember, 

as good things are worth it.

PS.

On the picture a woman and a vehicle to never forget.

Happy New Year.

(Brigitte Bardot and a Solex).

it's not as white as usual in December

We did not get a White Christmas, and even today, with heavy snow inland, only Mosor Mountains are white.

Which is a good thing, as looking at it is much better than being in it.

And we know what it feels like to be isolated in a winter wonderland.

These days everybody is talking about climate change.

Warmer or even colder is a matter of how scientists look at it.

I am convinced there ís a change happening,
only I am not sure whát change.

Last summer was pretty wet, after a mild winter.

Result: grapes and olives had a lot of problems from bugs.

Result: very poor crops.

Result: high prices.

Prognosis were warning for dangerous weather conditions,
with heavy snow.

Thank heaven we only had lots of rain last night,

but Mosor Mountains are all white, and no doubt Biokovo will be the same, only with a lót more snow higher up.

Sorry but no actual pictures yet, as my camera is having a problem.

The clever one however can find them on the internet :-)

Now let's hope the climate ís changing,

cause winter is nice, but spring in Dalmatia is gréat.

It's Christmas again, the 2014th and counting.

(Please click to enlarge).

Yes folks, it's the 2014th Christmas.

And however not a church going person myself, 

for so many people round the world it's a magic moment.

A good moment to reflect, and to count your blessings.

Also a fine moment to join around the table,

as that's where family members and friends meet.

A nice smelling Christmas tree, some presents perhaps,

a couple of carols, and a special dinner.

It might even snow, but please not to much this time :-)

A new year already knocking on the door,

the longest night already passed,

and before you know it,  it's springtime again.

All of it seems to come and go, just like that.

Don't take it all for granted, these áre precious moments.

Wish you a white, warm, peaceful Christmas.

so my wife asked for a húge tree

Ok honey, now where to put it ?

Just a couple of days, but better now than to late;

Merry Christmas everybody.

ok, I lost................(and I am an idiot now too).

 A lot of work, tired as hell, prepare and have dinner (yes I cook too),

and than lay back watching tv.

Forget it !

As we smoke, but don't smoke in the living room, I get myself a cup of coffee and a smoke, and sit where I can sit,
drink, write ánd smoke at the same time.

What's that with writing people, who either smoke or drink.

Góód question, but sorry, no answer this time.
(Don't worry, I am a modest drinker.)

Anyway, here I am, and if searching well,
you might find me on Facebook now.

It took me a lot of time before I shared that "basic need", but I did.

So ok, I lost, and now I am one of the billions of idiots on FB.

See below for some statistics.

The good thing of FB is that we offer nearly 7.000 people a job.

(And bring in a lot of money).

Do I become friends with everybody, the blunt answer is NO !

But as I don't allow comments on my blog, and only some of you discovered my email address (in the header of my blog, you silly goats), you can now (try to) connect to me through FB.

During winter the chance of communicating with me is (slightly) bigger,

as soon as spring starts, I have other obligations, hobbies, jobs, so by than I ignore anything that spoils the fun of living here.

(Including sharing with you some details about the hidden secrets of Dalmatia.)

By than I might even erase my entire FB-appearance.

In the meantime, I'll (try to) avoid watching TV.

And than FB is a reasonable alternative.
But ónly thán.

so you think you've seen it all............

So you think you've seen it all,

than think again, till you've seen Modris.

If looking for noise, sorry, we haven't.

And if looking for skyscrapers or jammed highways, sorry again.

Even when looking for gold, oil, diamonds, big money, sorry, so sorry.

But......

....if looking for clean air, silence, good people, pure nature, quality food, and a most beautiful, or better, a fántástic view, 

well.......thán come to Modris !

But..., but how far is it than ?

Góód question, it isn't far at áll.

Leave Zagreb, head for Split, continue to Omis, turn left over the bridge, follow the Cetina towards Kucice, but....turn right the very first road, up the mountain and continue till......

.....till you see a blue sign with Modris on it.

Turn right and again you continue, it's not that far anymore.

It's not a highway, so slow down a bit to let other cars pass.

And there you are, so stop, get out, turn around and look.

I said lóók, because than you see what makes Modris unique.

An open view, from left to right.

From Omiska Dinara on the left to Mosor Mountains far right.

Now you understand.

Now you knów why people living here néver ever leave.

And why those who left during the industrial revolution are returning.

Don't worry, we've got water, electricity, internet, and móst of all, we've got life, real life, traditional but modern life.

People here produce their own olive oil, wine, meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables and potatoes, and if anything else is needed, well.....

...it's five (!!!!) minutes down again, to the impressive Cetina Canyon, 

another five to the Adriatic Sea and shops in Omis, 

and half an hour to Split.

So come and experience Modris, so at last you can say:

"I've seen it all".

PS.

Listen to: Hotel California

Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
"Relax", said the night man
"We are programmed to receive.
You can check out any time you like,
But you can never leave".

So, coming from Holland, having been to many countries, 
including the USA, I can and dó say I've seen it all, 
but Modris beats them all, by fár.
And I will néver leave :-)

the day after

After bád news always comes góód news.

I was reading about an initiative to combine growing vegetables with producing energy.

And since I desperately needed some positive news,
I continued reading, and hope you do likewise.

Hope you do too, as we all need some good news sometimes.

click here: the GÓÓD news story from Slatine.

(Use Google Translate to get the idea)

The principle is simple,

you build a glasshouse to grow vegetables, 

and at the same time use the roof space to produce electricity.

To say it in simple words, that's a win/win/win situation.

(Vegetables, electricity, less pollution.)

My compliments to those people in Slatine.

Yes Omis, there is always góód news in Croatia too.

And remember December 9, 2014

nó politics on my blog

I promised myself nót to blog about politics.

So I WÓN'T !

But, dear people of Omis, dó remember this day, December 9, 2014.

A famous president of the United States of America once said:

"For I can assure you that we love our country,
not for what it was, 
though it has always been great,
not for what it is, 
though of this we are deeply proud,
but for what it someday can, 
and through the efforts of all,
someday will be".

John F. Kennedy, February 13, 1961.



Omiš, Tuesday, December 9, 2014

it's gonne be a white, white............tomorrow

The good thing of living here (ten minutes from Omis, thirty from Split and fortyfive from Biokovo ),

is that one does not have to dream of a white Christmas.

The reason is simple, as even though temperatures at the coast may be mild to those palm trees and coffee sipping locals and visitors (and they are the clever ones !), 

at the very same moment snow is changing Biokovo's summit
into winter wonder land.

As shown in the picture, at the top, called Sveti Jure, there is already enough snow to create a winter dream.

To bad I still haven't time to go myself, maybe this weekend, but as soon as I can I'll definitely give it a try.

As this is one of the reasons I love it here, combining clear blue Adriatic ánd  freezing cold white winter weather on Biokovo.

And before you think I'll drive all the way up, nope, I don't, as my car is a two wheel Opel, and I don't want to wait till spring to get it back.

As now it's a bit of snow, but that may change from hour to hour, and thán you wish you'd not even thought of driving to the very top.

So if I inspired you, and you are in the position to go up the mountain, don't play roulette as weather may change véry rapidly there !!!!
biokovo blizzard

Ask someone with a four wheel jeep with proper tires, snow chains and some good old rakija in case nothing helped you going down again.

And besides, Biokovo is stunning everywhere, so come and go,
up, up and away.

Ahhh, before I forget, I usually finish such a trip having an espresso and some delicious !!! cake at Kavana Romana in Makarska.

Some guys have all the luck :-)

Dear Santa, can I get this book, please......

To comfort you straight away, this book is also available in English.

It's than called:

Excursions from Split-the Split Riviera and Hinterland.

( isbn 978-953-7527-26-6 )

I bought it in a friendly bookstore on Vocni Trg in Split,
which is a couple of steps from the Riva.

Price 70 kuna.

That's for the "technical" information, now let's tell you why I simply hád to have it, even before Santa was coming to town.

It does exáctly what it should, it takes you away from Split, into the surroundings and into the Dalmatian Hinterland (Dalmatinska Zagora).

And before you think "oh dear", all of these trips take you less than an hour, and no, you don't have to take your Bentley out of the garage,
as they are all doable by bus.

What makes it so damned interesting, is that it takes you to many places tourists hardly know, but shóuld know !

Let's pick one page (104) where Radosic is shown.

Just 30 kilometres from Split, behind Mount Kozjak,
 you're in the middle of typical inland Dalmatia.

The book describes a variety of nice hikes, the remains of an Illyrian hill fortress, and a couple more things like caves and pits, cisterns and of course plenty of  unspoiled nature.

The area is designated as high value landscape and historic entity.

But most of all, it's famous for it's yearly BIKIJADE.

On the last Sunday of May the Countryside Olympics and Bull Duels are held, and believe me, if you want to experience Inland Dalmatia, thát's the day ! 

Look here: Bikijade Radosic

Should you not be here on this specific day, don't worry, as during summer in many villages are held Countryside Olympics.

Even better, any other day is a perfect day, as than you'll experience the ultimate feeling of Inland Dalmatia.

Quiet, pure, natural, with mány abandoned villages,
showing life never was easy here, but always unique.

And I, or you, guided by this fantastic little book, can get a perfect impression of  what Dalmacija really is about.

Still plenty of time to relax at the Adriatic, and enjoy a great holiday.

Cheers, Zivio, Zivila, Zivali, to life !

PS.

Other than those horrible bull fights in Spain, no bull gets hurts, perhaps an ego here or there.

Potravlje pottery, the way it was made for ages.

(click to enlarge)

Potravlje, the blue dot on the map, 

hides one of the many hardly known secrets of Inland Dalmatia.

As here, near the town of Sinj, Cetina River and Lake Perusko, 

an ancient pottery technique has survived for ages.

Still a couple of craftsmen produce lids and pots the traditional way.

Not machine powered, but pure craftsmanship, hand shaped and decorated, which makes each example unique.

One might even have it's own text on it.

But be aware the spelling is correctly understood :-) 

(click to enlarge)

Click for short videos on Youtube (bóth highly interesting):

stone age pottery

traditional handmade pottery

As seen on the picture there is a variety of shapes, one shape however needs special attention, as it's used to make the most appreciated dish called peka.

With meat, poultry or octopus plus potatoes, onions and peppers, it's a great traditional dish, grilled under such a lid, prepared on a traditional wood fire.

I tried to make it myself a couple of times, but believe me, to get and keep the right temperature ain't that easy. 

Better order it (in time) in one of the many traditional konoba's (traditional restaurants) where they know how to prepare it.

(Also the same lid is used to bake a traditional bread).

And once you've tasted this dish, 

you might want to buy your own peka lid.

If so, Potravlje is the place to go.

And since you are there (about half an hour from Split), drive to Perusko Lake, Sinj, Cetina River or Dinara Mountains.

If you have a bit more time, drive to Trilj, and than towards Grab, where a unique watermill is absolutely worth a visit.

Won't tell you more, but the place is AMAZING !

And íf you bought yourself a lid, 

get some of the flour this mill has been milling for centuries. 

You'll be tasting a bread like you've never ever tasted before in your life.

Yes, first you'll have to learn how to bake it.

But aren't we all willing to learn.

Dalmatia, gó and discóver Inland Dalmatia !

Today I "stumbled" over an éxcellent new promotion video showing Inland Dalmatia.
In about three minutes you get an impression why I/we love it here.

I took this picture from Google Maps to give you an idea of the possibilities, all of it very reachable by car, motor, bus or bike.
(Walking might take a bit longer than one hour)

With Split in the South Centre of it all and at the Adriatic coast,
it takes you LESS than an HOUR to discover the inland.

But why use many words this time, as there is now a great video:
Clicke here:

Inland Dalmatia

And remember, it's just a couple of examples,
a couple of the mány hidden gems of Dalmatia's inland.
Perfectly combinable with a beach holiday at the Adriatic,
and the ultimate way to get the real feeling of Dalmatia.

One warning !
Once you discover what we've already discovered,
you might end like we did, living in it, ten minutes from the Adriatic,
with áll the very best of both worlds.

Not a bad idea, if not the bést idea ever.

Indonesian food in Svinisce, huh.........yes indeed

(Picture from: https://www.facebook.com/makanindonesia).

Yes indeed, sometimes we enjoy Indonesian food here in Svinisce.

This may be weird to you, but let me explain.

First of all, I am a Dutchman (oh, but thát explains a lot :-).

No serious, that explains a LOT.

Always, when in history there are connections between some countries, there is exchange of customs, ánd food.

Croatian cuisine for instance has it's cevapcici and soparnik from Ottoman times (yes folks, they are originally Turkish dishes), the Dutch inherited Indonesian food from being colonisers of Indonesia.

(That explains also why Americans have hamburgers, imported by their German ancestors, and the Dalmatians pizza's).

Lucky Dutch, having been connected to Indonesia (and not Germany), as once you've tasted an Indonesian dinner like the one on the picture, you'll understand (and want more).

My mother (100% Amsterdam) was a fine home cook, and from her we all learned and love good food.

Her cooking skills even motivated me to become a professional cook.

And by coincidence there were some other connections to Indonesian dinners, but than this page gets to long.

I was (and still am) cooking every day, and love to create food.

And there we go, as Croatia is extremely rich of excellent ingredients.

Fish, meat, fruits, poultry, vegetables and even a lot of spices are excellent, and crying to be become a great dish.

So they become great dishes, every day something different, always tasty, and always at least an hour or more preparing it, 

as cooking takes time, unless you love micro waves :-(

(Lucky me, hating micro waves, being retired, with plenty of time).

Indonesian food however, especially like in the picture, takes a lót of time, even up to two days, so I only do that for good friends, 

and mind you, not tó often.

IF....however I do, it's always D-licious !

The only (minor) problem is that a lot of ingredients and spices are not available in Croatian supermarkets, so once in a while I make a list of missing stuff, and organise some sort of "transport" from Holland.

(Things are slowly changing however, as Konzum's big supermarket in Split today sells coconut milk, soy sauce, fresh ginger and more of those goodies, and I grow my own lemon grass).

Still, a lot of these dishes can be prepared from available ingredients, and believe me, once you dig in you wish for more and more often.

And that's my only problem, as when I start eating Indonesian food, 

I simply can't stop.

Okay, those two days in the kitchen are another problem, 

but that's all for the good cause.

And hospitality happens to be a shared Dalmatian/Dutch virtue.

Selamat makan, or in other words, dobar tek.

PS.

Anywhere on the web you can find recipes, 

for instance of "sate" or "satay", a grilled delicacy.

Having a "rostil" (a charcoal grill every Dalmatian has), good meat (pig, goat or chicken), garlic, ginger, red chilly peppers and soy sauce in any good supermarket, makes a perfect introduction to a great kitchen.

-

Slice the meat in cubes, marinate it in a mix of it all, 

put it in the fridge for hours or a night.

Than put a couple of cubes on every skewer, 

and grill them for a couple of minutes.

!!! Careful, any sweet (and dark soy sauce is) burns easily !!!

Dip it in a sauce made of peanut butter*), dark soy, lemon juice, garlic and water, and serve with some cucumber, 

bread, rice or french fries.

AND......a nice cold beer of course !

*) Nót the sweet, flavoured, creamy American peanut butter however, 

but genuine Dutch "pindakaas" from Calvé.