A new day and a new country!

Overnight following a face check by Croatia customs and immigration ( yes that is me), we left Hungary and sailed into Croatia. This part of Croatia has had a history of being annexed or invaded by other countries. The most recent conflict was in 1991 when Croatia wanted independence from Yugoslavia and Serbia felt that it should remain as part of it. Both Serbia and Croatia have minorities of the others people. Families had intermarried , each culture and language was respected . Unfortunately this was not respected by the ruling political groups and  Croatia was attacked. Osijek , the city we visited, was not occupied but many of its buildings bear the scars of bullets and bombing. There are still land mines in the surrounding areas.

Originally a fortress city in a star shape, most of the wall has now been removed.The buildings in the old city are Baroque….a very decorative style with wide decorative doorways . We visited two churches ,both Catholic but one Francescan and the other Jesuit. Both were very decorative. The  Francescan Church had a pulpit in which the priest just seemed to appear. Very impressive for people in the 1300’s ( there was a hidden door)

Outside the walls, the architecture becomes Art Nouveau with more floral motifs used as decoration. We went further out into a rural area to visit a fisherman’s home. Traditionally in Croatia,you are welcomed with brandy made from plums,cherries or walnuts. Just a little mind ,as there is much to do today and no sleeping on the bus allowed. The houses were built long and thin as in the period of Austrian/ Hungarian rule, you were taxed according to the number of windows facing the street. Again gardens were at the back to grow food for the family. We were offered delicacies of the region and told of a celebration where wooden masks surrounded by wool are worn. Our host was funny and was certainly an entrepreneur ,offering both information and stuff to buy.

Lunch was soup with dumpling like noodles, a flattened meat pattie served with rice and gerkins and cake. This was presented in a local house . The host then explained where the food came from a offered an insight into their lifestyle and past. I was intrigued that the youngest child was expected to stay with the parents. The extended family was then available to care for both children and elderly parents. Our hostess was open about her past and that of her friends. At present ,her unmarried son lives with her as he ,like so many people in Croatia,can not find work. 

Local children from a scout group came to practice their English and show us their version of tag.

The streets were lined with Linden trees. The flowers are used for tea and add a strong perfume to the air. In the rural area , there are wildflowers but gardens often have ornaments made from sticks or grass.  There are heaps more photos but they don’t want you to see them….shy or just slow uploads , so as I am now in Serbia’s city of Belgrade,it is time for you to start today’s programme.