Yes, there was a referendum and Croats have been asked if they wish to join European union. As widely reported, 66% of those who voted said yes, we want to join EU. That first impression is implying that after almost a century Croatian people decided to leave behind memory of a traumatic 20th century union experiment in the south of Europe, as well as 20 years of independence, just to join the European union. Some will go that far and say, Croats will join the European union they were not part of since 1918, whatever the reasons.

But, once one looks closely at the numbers you will find out that only 44% of Croats voted on this referendum. 15% of all Croats were against and only 29% of all Croats were for joining the European Union.

What does, or does NOT think the majority, 56% of Croats?

Whatever the reason, how did majority of Croats forget what they were fighting for only 17 years after the aggression on Croatia and the War of independence ended, and had brought to them democracy and freedom to vote? How is possible that democratic vote became so unimportant to Croatian people after such a short time span or after they got the right to vote in 1990, after 72 years of one or another kind of a dictatorship, and why?

Roof of St. Marc, Zagreb, depicting the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Savonia, and Zagreb

Should we look at the problem in the leadership, people who ran the country in the past 17 years since the War of independence ended?

Who are the people Croats are voting for in the past 17 years? By looking at their names, chances are slim to non when voting to find the name of a politician who hadn’t been in some kind of a political position during the communist era, no matter the party she or he is in now. Is it possible that Croats had enough of this people, their empty promises, failed attempts at job creation and corruption that reminds them of those old days prior to 1990 when those same people predominantly followed orders from Belgrade, communist doctrine and were running socialist economy, from 1945 until its final collapse in 1989.

Most important question that arises is – How did they succeed to get majority of Croats, who were for EU just two decades ago in such a large numbers, to, not only not to care about EU but, it looks like, they no longer care about future of Croatia as well, at least 56% of those old enough to vote but didn’t, and 15% who said NO to EU?

Are the Croatian politicians only ones to blame?

A lot happened since first democratic elections in the Spring of 1990 and 2012 referendum, in some instances of a great importance to the Croatian people. Croats may felt that EU, and in some cases rest of the World, have turned their back on them and have made unjust decisions, some of them very recently.

What external reasons got to 71% of Croats?

What decisions EU, World and International community have made in the past 22 years that majority of Croats may not like?

First and obvious one is arms embargo on Croatia during the War of independence while under aggression by one of the largest armies in Europe at the time.

Second could easily be, most recently, EU member Slovenia’s blockade of EU talks until Croatia puts aside the Law of the Sea Convention so through the arbitrage Slovenia gets a chance to get part of the northern Adriatic sea that otherwise they can’t get or does not belong to them in any way they put it.

Third one may be most important to the Croatian people. ICTY prosecution of defenders of Croatia that ended finally with a jail sentence in 2011 for Croatian top generals, as well statement that military action named Storm’95 (Oluja ’95), that finally ended 5 years of aggression and occupation of 35% of Croatian territory, where from around 400.000 Croatian people were forcefully expelled and 15.000 killed, is a “criminal enterprise“. This is the case, while, one can clearly see that action Storm’95 brought the peace to Croatia but also played an important part that brought the end to a 4 year long war against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Forth?

Let’s be realistic, who else on Earth would except this decision by ICTY as just by looking what enemy has done to Croatian people from 1990-95? Croatian army brought the freedom in 1995 to its land and people full 50 years after most of EU countries gained their freedom. All was done in a few days of a military action that has produced a minimal casualties on enemy side and without a need to attack the aggressor country or to bombarded it into a submission, as the rest of the world does in some cases, even in that region.

Closer look at democracy in action

Important decision is based on a democratic vote on referendum.
Most of those who voted got their way – something 56% of Croats can learn from.

But, question remains, 56% of population that did not vote plus 15% who voted NO are the large majority of eligible voters of population in this case, but, as it looks like, only 29% of population is enough to decide the future of a country, in democracy?

Is there a place in democracy for words like those made by Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vesna Pušić, who publicly said, few days before the referendum, “vote yes or there will be no retirement check next month”?

Let’s hope, lesson learned!

More photos from Croatia…

First written document with name Samobor on it dates to year 1242… Read more →

In the Samobor photo gallery are also featured among others, King Tomislav Square today, St. Anastasia Catholic Church, King Tomislav Square and how it looked in 1997, Trg (Square) Matice Hrvatske, Hotel “Lavica” (Liones), Museum Samobor (Livadic mansion) and the Samobor castle:

Hope you too will enjoy your stay in Samobor as much we do on every occasion we can.

Samobor on our short video…

Bon Voyage!

First written document with name Samobor on it dates to year 1242 on which King Bela IV granted to Samobor status of free town.

Samobor and hills surrounding it have always been attractive 20min. away destination for inhabitants of Zagreb who are seeking evening or weekend refuge from busy life in the capital. Samobor today will welcome visitors to numerous restaurants and cafes.

Samobor hills attract hikers to climb numerous peaks stretching all the way to the Zumberak mountain.

Samobor castle

Valleys curved in foothills with creeks disturbing quietness of the forest along with numerous birds are leading to attractive culinary destinations along with those in Samobor where Croatian continental culinary specialties can be tasted; fresh water trout, “cesnjofka” sausages, “kremshinte” cake… – did I mention how good pizzas they make, not only in Samobor but in all of Croatia!?

• Samobor photo gallery…
• Samobor on video…

Bon Voyage!

Archive: Street sounds HD video collection
Camera: Canon T2i / 550D by kB
Recorded: July 2010
Video editing: 2010 by kB
Length: 1.08 min.
Premiere: Sep. 2010

• More videos clips from Croatia…

Until Roman expansion in early years of A.D. (Anno Domini), on the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea lived Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae. Romans successfully conquered Illyrian lands of Dalmatia and Panonia as well as most of the Europe. Dalmatia had just become yet another Roman province for many centuries, or until collapse of Roman Empire.

Romans in Dioklecian Palace in Split, Dalmatia

Since then many rulers claimed Dalmatia, Byzantine empire right after Romans, Croats settled at that same time and ruled from there with its Kingdom, just to be followed by expansion of Hungarian crown and then Venetian Republic. Even under Napoleon rule Dalmatia had been for few years, to be replaced by Austrian crown and that lasted until 1918. Of course, twentieth century was not any different.

Rulers (and dreamers) were changing but Croats endured and modern-day Dalmatia is in the Republic of Croatia, Central-Europe. Dalmatia stretches from island of Rab and the southern part of Velebit mountain range, on the northwest coastline, to the most southeastern part of Croatia (map), Prevlaka, overlooking the Bay of Kotor.

More inland, behind all the coastal marinas, ports, towns, cities and their beaches is the hinterland called Dalmatian Zagora, place of unique natural beauty (also featured on our photographs and videos).

Dalmatian Zagora photo gallery:

How to get there?

For us, entry point to Croatia (the vacation destination) is Zagreb airport, well-connected with most of the European cities. In your case you may want to skip the continental part of the country and choose one of direct flights to the coastal airports in Pula or Rijeka, in Istria and Kvarner, or airports in Dalmatia – Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik.

Dalmatia on the Adriatic sea

Another option preferred by millions of European tourists, since Croatia is centrally located in the Europe, is to drive by car to the Adriatic coast, also bus and train. Croatia is crisscrossed by net of modern highways, in part featured on our video.

* Did you know that speed limit on the Croatian highways is 130km/h (80mi).

Cities like Split have ferry connection to many of the Adriatic islands as well as to city of Ancona in Italy, on the west coast of the Adriatic sea.

Our short intro to Dalmatia and its more than 1000 Islands along the Croatian (map) coastline we here present with few travel notes, a lot of photos and few videos shoot since 1997.

Non of our post content is ever final and that goes for this one too. New material is added often.

Intro to Dalmatia photo gallery:

More photos from Dalmatia…

After landing in Zagreb (video) we do spend week or two in and around the city rediscovering its old and discovering its new, while in the same time enjoying delicious continental dishes or Mediterranean specialties available in the restaurants, or found in the local fresh food markets. In the same time we are also exploring surrounding towns, like Samobor (travel notes), and Zagroje region (photos) before we get on the road for the coast.

Dalmatia and Islands

Largest cities on the Dalmatian coast are Split (photos), Zadar, Sibenik and Dubrovnik (photos). All of them are marvelous historic jewels just as countless smaller towns, to mention few, Nin, Biograd na moru, Pakostane, Pirovac, Skradin, Trogir, Omis, Brela, Baska Voda, Makarska, Ploce, Cavtat, etc.

Among the many islands along the coast, most of them are not inhabited, with Kornati islands (one of the Croatian national parks) being sailors dream come true. Island of Pag, via bridge connected to the mainland with its Moon like landscape may just surprise you with its world over know cheese. Other Islands, including Rab, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and peninsula Peljesac will also offer you spectacular gift created by Sun, scarce earth covered with white stone and generations of hands who created some of the greatest grape-varieties on Earth.

On the road

As already mentioned, 380km of highway cutting through extraordinary nature (watch video; Split – Zagreb, 2005 highway drive) brings us just under four hours to Split and since our destination was Brela on Makarska riviera we added extra 1/2 hour to our trip.

After first visit to Skradin and National Park Krka in 2009, Bill Gates recommends it

Dobro došli / Welcome!

Right there, in between crystal clear sea and Biokovo mountain is seated beautiful Makarska riviera (video). Town Makarska is the biggest on Riviera among tens of smaller tourist places that are very popular among European tourists. Some other larger towns on riviera are Baska Voda, Brela – photos and video, Podgora, Tucepi, Zivogosce, etc.

Almost every town has its own marina, many hotels and private accommodations, villas for rent, many restaurants, which will serve you with well-known sea food specialties as well as with regional cuisine like prosciutto and delicious local cheese served with great local wines (once you are at it you may also try some of the south-European specialties like burek and ćevapčići (close relative to Kebab).

Some of the islands are just a stone trow away from the coast, with many local tour operators offering a day trip to explore Islands of Brac, Hvar and others (photos). On some of the boats grilled fish is prepared and served for lunch with local wine and just before the meal drink called rakia – snaps or grappa (fragrant grape brandy with around 40% of alcohol).

Boat excursion to the Islands of Hvar and Brac returning back to Brela

Brela travel notes, photos and video…

By staying on mainland or one of the Islands you’ll most likely find relaxing atmosphere and enjoy your stay on the beach, but there is plenty of opportunities to explore and be active. If climbing Mount Biokovo would be to much of an effort then you may be for some white water rafting on the Cetina river, rent-a-boat, jet-ski, go boat paragliding, etc. If you wake up to a cloudy day and northern wind called Bura then you should definitely visit some of the neighboring towns, try new local dish maybe, or visit a museum. If ancient Romans could conquer it all 2000 years ago then visit to Split shouldn’t be that hard from Makarska riviera in our case. It’s well worth it to park your car in Split, on the Riva, and walk the streets of once fortified retirement palace build by Roman emperor Diocletian, few kilometers from, then Roman settlement of Solona.

More Croatia in travel notes, on photos and video…

Just outside of Split you can travel in to Middle Ages by visiting fortification of Klis. No matter where you choose to spend you vacation in Dalmatia or on the Adriatic islands, every city or town could be pleasant surprise, so do not be afraid to pick a guide [+] or ask locals where to go and explore.

Never enough…

Once we have reached Makarska Riviera how could we resist and not to continue all the way to Dubrovnik, on the same Magistrala road with even more spectacular view (also featured on our Dubrovnik video) passing through river Neretva delta and its many fruit plantations that include oranges.

Dubrovnik is on the south of Dalmatia in the Republic of Croatia. In the background is Lokrum island

Dubrovnik (photos) has been called many times Mediterranean jewel and there are thousands of years of history that will confirm this statement. Cultural events are held on open air throughout the summer months. We were impressed as many before us with the beauty and hospitality of the city and it’s citizens.

Since 19th century Istria, Dalmatian coast and the Adriatic Islands have been one of the favorite destinations for European tourists, and today are visited by millions of tourists every year including those from Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland & others.

If you decide to see more than Croatia and take some of many Mediterranean cruises you’ll most likely stop for a day visit in Dubrovnik, or Island of Korcula, maybe Split or some other pleasant surprise for first time visitor.

Hope you’ll enjoy it as much we did, and if you wonder what’s cooking in the Croatian kitchen…

All the regions of Croatia will introduce you to a blend of Central-European and Mediterranean culture, cuisine and hospitality.

City of Sveta Nedelja is located on the southern bank of Sava river, in between Zagreb, capital city of Croatia and city of Samobor (travel notes). City had grown in last few decades when many new families and small businesses found their home here. It’s close proximity to Zagreb, connected with by highway beside few alternative roads, makes it preferable home making location surrounded by beautiful nature and fields growing grain and fresh produce that can be purchased on local food market in Samobor.

Photo gallery features images from Sveta Nedelja center, Strmec and Novaki:

† Church of the Holy Trinity dominates center of the city, along with one of the schools, medical center and on the main Ante Starčević square, post office and city council offices.

Quoted words in the front of Church of the Holy Trinity in Sveta Nedelja:

Year of construction: 1768 – 1786
Architecture: The church is a significant example of the late Baroque style. This is a single native structure with a rectangular layout, with an apse termination and side bell tower on the main facade.
Interior: The dome is vaulted and its interior is decorated with ornamented stucco mouldings. The church inventory includes the main altar dating back to 1811, the side altar with the stone statue of the Sorrowful Mother of God – Pieta from the 17th century, the pulpit and organ from the year 1800.
Distinctiveness: The Sveta Nedelja parish was first mentioned in 1334, and the parish church was described in 1501 as Gothic structure which has suffered over time. The parish priest in this church from 1760 to 1787 was Mihalj Šilobod Bolšić, writer of first Croatian arithmetic book.

Few useful links on Sveta Nedelja:

• TZ Sveta Nedelja
• Hotel Tina (in English too)

More from Croatia…

Beside already well known coastal belt stretching along the blue Adriatic sea, Dalmatia and Croatia’s thousand Islands, here you’ll also come across places that may be off beaten path for majority of tourist heading to their favorite beach on the coast.

Croatia has an amazing coastline along the Adriatic sea.

Throughout WorldThroughNews.com you can Discover Croatia on photos, video, travel notes or simply by following next links:

• Brela
• Dalmatia
• Dubrovnik
• Knin fortress
• Krka canyon…
• Fortifications and Castles in Croatia 1, 2
• Makarska riviera
• Samobor
• Split – Diocletian’s Palace
• Sveta Nedelja
• Zagorje
• Zagreb (Gradec, Kaptol, Zrinjevac, Jarun, Mirogoj…)
• Zagreb in summer on local lakes and swimming pools

All the regions of Croatia will introduce you to a blend of Central-European and Mediterranean culture, cuisine and hospitality.

Once you end up on the Croatian side of the Adriatic bevanda is no longer any drink…

Historic locations with architecture and archeological findings stretching back for thousands of years if not blend in today’s cities can be found in most amazing places surrounded by pristine beauty of the nature.

Croatian gastronomic dishes stretch from continental central-European to Mediterranean flavors of Istria and Dalmatia

Every region of Croatia has its own distinct culinary specialties. Despite of differences a lot of dishes is prepared all across the country, sometimes in slight variations. Answer to that can be found in different cultural and political powers influencing different parts of Croatia throughout the history.

Collection of high resolution, large format, ready to print photographs featuring Croatia in our online store “/Photography“:

High resolution photographs of Croatia

Hope you’ll enjoy it as much we did!

History is teaching us that at the turn of 4th century Roman emperor Diocletian has had build this palace he retired to, just four kilometers away from Salona, then the main city of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Diocletian’s palace is located in the center of Split, on the waterfront. Throughout the centuries got incorporated into what become Split who is for many tourists final destination as well as transition hub connected to the rest of the World via air, ferry, train, bus and highway.

Diocletian’s palace, just as Salona, another great archeological site in today’s Split, is must see when spending your vacation in some of the towns or islands near by Split. Excuse yourself from the beach and walk the streets, if not those of Split then any neighboring town and you wont regret.

Diocletian’s palace and Splitska riva on photography:

Palace itself is surrounded by numerous restaurants from which terrace’s you can hear at any time sounds of couple of dozens different languages while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine mixed with local flavors.
Right there you’ll find entrance into Diocletian’s palace, first its substructure with countless rooms showcasing different artifacts, and then, once you find your way out, stairs will lead you up and out on the streets of the palace where you too can walk the same streets Romans did 1600 years ago.

More from Dalmatia… or elsewhere in Croatia…

Brela beach.

For many who come here from around the Europe, some as pilgrims every year for many decades now, this is the place where all of the problems of everyday life will disperse in the light breeze, with sounds of crickets and under the crystal clear waves of the Adriatic sea.

Oleander flowers on Brela beach, southern Dalmatia on the Adriatic sea.

Someone may say “location, location, location” and that may be right as already described but we have to add to it Islands of Brac and Hvar (photos) who are daily provoking you to take a day trip with one of the organized tours (blue boat featured on one of our photos), then just south on the same beach, lively town of Baska Voda with it’s own charms and of course Makarska (all featured on our video) as the largest center on the riviera.

Just north from Brela is city of Omis and Split as the largest Dalmatian city dating back to the Roman empire with well preserved Diocletian’s Palace (photo gallery), charming people and restaurants for every taste. Split, beside being connect with rest of the Europe via modern highway (our video clip taped in 2005) and by air, also has direct ferry connection to many of Croatian islands as well as to Ancona on the other side of Adriatic, in Italy.

Photo gallery:

Previously featured Brela photos and video:

• Brela video (2005/2006)
• Brela photo gallery (2005/2006)

More photos, video and travel notes from Croatia…

I just hope that you’ll enjoy it as we did during our, so far, four vacations in Brela!

Photo gallery is featuring images of fortification and view from the fortress on the city of Knin located in Dalmatian Zagora in Croatia.

Photo gallery:

After one day in Knin, city left impression of live urban area inhabited by proud sons and daughters of Dmitar Zvonimir, They today, just as He 1000 years ago are among those Croats who, at the end of 20th century were placing Croatia on the map of Europe, once again.

More Fortifications and Castles in Croatia…