Yugoslavia: Croatia

Having visited Slovenia and northern Croatia last year, I've been anxious to explore more of this region.    Generally I am closing in on my personal travel map exploring as many countries and cultures within Europe that I can.  While it's become sort of a bucket list item for me to visit each of the 50 countries that compose the great continent of Europe it's not really just a check list, but rather a cultural and historical scavenger hunt.  With each place I visit I am able to put more pieces of the cultural and historical map together.  As I experience the rich layers of history of each place I visit through its architecture, food, cultural and religious practises I am constantly discovering connections both to its own history and also how it relates to places that surround it.  Making these discoveries and putting together these cultural and historical maps in my mind and heart is a huge thrill for me.  And as I do so I have a much greater understanding and appreciation for the modern day cultures these countries host, and the current issues they face.  Living and traveling abroad has forever changed my world view.  On this trip I felt my world view expanding and stretching in ways I hadn't experienced before.

We visited three countries on our journey, Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Montenegro.  Without a doubt the war of the 1990's (which through our travels we've learned has a variety of names depending on who you ask) leading to the breakup of Yugoslavia was evident throughout our tour.  In a way it was thematic of this trip, although not intentionally.  War remnants in a variety of forms remain ever-present in this region.  War relics did not dominate our travels, however, and we saw many wonderful and beautiful places that stand triumphant in the post war era.

Dubrovnik was our first stop, a great (most sunny) kick-off to our great Yugoslavian road trip.  We stayed here for three days, which is more than enough time to see Dubrovnik and beyond.  It allowed for lazy mornings and leisurely gelato-filled afternoon passagiatas.  Dubrovnik is dubbed the pearl of the Adriatic for good reason; it's gorgeous and compact.

 A quick zip up the mountain in a cable car brings you to these views . . .

 Views off the backside are just as impressive!

 The Imperial Fortress recycled from its original use against French oppression during the Napoleonic era was used again to defend heavily bombed Dubrovnik during the 1990's war.  It stands as a symbol of resolute defence of the city.

 Picture perfect old town . .

 A gorgeous stroll up along the city walls . . .

 Everyone needs a "rooftop orange" jumper!

 Hilarious family timer shot, Trevon caught mid-sneeze!

These rooftops give a certain perspective on the impact of the war here.  The brown more faded rooftops are those that went unscathed, whereas the bright orange roof tiles are new replacements of those bombed out in the war.  Not many old roofs remain.  Dubrovnik made relatively quick work in post-war repairs, unlike many other affected areas still struggling to rebuild.  

 Photo cred: timer

 So much gelato, we lost count!

 Best seafood at this quaint restaurant on this charming square, so good we ate here thrice!

 Always a good idea for a playground stop!

 On each trip a scavenger hunt is usually born, never planned ahead but always a fun addition to our explorations.  This time we counted cats, 175 of them through all three countries in 10 days!

 A drive up and down the coast exploring some of the Dalmatian coastline.

 We stumbled upon this incredible Adriatic lido.  Trevon was the only brave enough to attempt the cool April waters.

 On our final night in Dubrovnik we took a sunset boat ride out of Dubrovnik harbour.

Next up Bosnia . . .