" Buza" On The Top Of Dabrovnik

Recently,I was lucky enough to walk the interior of the Castle in Dabrovnik's historic 'Old Town'. The abundance of cafes and coffee shops seemed endless and the walking made me work up a thirst for a beverage. I following the arrows of the hand carved wooden 'Cold Refreshments'sign. I climbed up towards the top of the castle towards the sky and the vibrant blue water view of the Adriatic Sea.
The stone steps seemed endless, the curve of the walls of the castle were smooth yet rugged. Keep climbing! I told myself, just when I thought I would never find the oasis on top of the world, there it was; "BUZA". I thought how incredibly lucky I was to have found this beautiful spot on Earth. Myself, and about 20 other thirsty patrons found paradise.I ordered the local Karlovacko beer, or pivo as they say in Croatia. I found a seat and took a deep breath, as I looked out on the most incredible view of the Adriatic and the Island of Lokrum. The little place was situated on the side of a rock ledge, little tables and chairs filled with people taking in the warm sun and the beauty of the moment.
If you ever find yourself in Dabrovnik's Old Town, you need to follow the wooden sign and climb to the top of the world and treat yourself to a cold refreshing Pivo, and take in the magical sights and the beauty of Croatia.

Croatia, Home of the Cravat

Did you know that the Cravat originated in Croatia? What is a Cravat you ask? In modern day times, we know the Cravat as a neck tie.
During the European Thirty Years War(1618-1648), the Croatian Cavalry reached all the way to Paris. What is interesting is that the Croats, as part of their traditional national costume, tied lively colored scarves around their necks. In the time of Louis XIV,this beautiful Croatian style impressed the Parisiens so much that they adopted this new fashion item worn 'a`la mani`ere croate', meaning; in the Croatian way. The history of the Cravat's entrance into the fashion of time is world renown. To think Europe and the whole civilized world was conquered by a Cravat, the symbol of culture and prestige.
I spent two days in Dabrovnik, Croatia and was awed by the beauty and the history of the area. While touring through Old Town, I stumbled upon the Croatia Tie Store, the beautiful bright colors lined up along the walls were alluring. My eyes transfixed on a beautiful shaded blue tie, I touched the cravat and felt the well made silky material between my finger tips. How much for this one I asked? the beautiful Croatian clerk relpied in a launguage I didn't understand. Perhaps, my visit to Croatia got the best of me, considering my husbands heritage is Croatian, I thought what better than a souvenir of a Croatian Tie for my Croatian husband. He is now the proud owner of a #2 of 4 authentic hand made Cravat. All for only 24,000 Kuna or approximately $480.00 USD. Yes I know, that's alot of Kuna, but the Croatian Cravat is KNOT just any tie.

The Witches of Ogulin

There is a little fairy tale town in Croatia called Ogulin. The town is small and the people are friendly. Fairy Tales are for children you say, not true say the people from Ogulin, not true!
I stayed at The Hotel Frankopan during my visit to this magical little town. The Frankopan is located in the very heart of the fairy tale town next door to the 16th century Frankopan Castle.
Ogulin grew around The Frankopan fortress-castle, which was built by the aristocratic family Frankopan. Prince Bernardin Frankopan, son of Stjepan, in his town of Modrus around 1500, issued a document to the newly built town of Ogulin, by which he marked the boundary between Modrus and Vitunj on the first geographical map of Croatia, Ogulin was called Julin Grad, linking the name of the town to the legend of Dula, who threw herself into the gorge of the River Dobra due to a broken heart.
The flow of the River Dobra ends in a canyon passing through the very center of town. The river disappears through a huge opening under the sharp cliffs. The abyss of the River Dobra got it's name from this young girl Dula. The legend dates back from the 16th century. Dula was of notible origin and her parents promised her to an elderly nobleman. However, a young handsom Captain, Milan Juraic arrived in Ogulin and stole Dulas heart. It was love at first sight! Milan was killed in battle while defending the Frankopan Castle and when Dula heard the news she couldn't bare the thought of life without Milan and threw herself into the abyss of the River Dobra. If you look closly at the rock above the abyss you can see the profile of a man looking down into the deapths. The people of Ogulin believe that this is the face of Milan gazing towards his beloved Dula. Legend says that if you listen very carefully, early in the morning you can hear Dula's spirited sobs echo from the canyon.
Dula is not the only women to have had her heart broken by a man, but she is the only one to still show her spirit in the canyon of the River Dobra.
The near by Mountain of Klek has also been inspired by folk imagination, resulting in the legend of the 'Witches of Klek'. According to the legend, in the midnight hour on stormy nights, Klek becomes the meeting place of witches,warlocks, fairies, and elves from around the world. It is said that they fly down from the mountain and storm through the village and if you listen very carefully you can hear the mighty rumpus from the mountain echo through the town of Ogulin
During my visit to this cute little town I never heard Dula's cries nor did I see any witches in flight, but I did find some spirited fun locals to visit with at The St Hubert Hotel.
My time spent in Ogulin was short, but my memories will last a lifetime. I remain in contact with a few special people from Ogulin. My last night out on the town will forever stay in my memory and I still laugh out loud today when I think about the fun that was has in the samll little town of Ogulin. KAAATSIEEE!!!

www.hotel-frankopan.hr
www.sthubert.hr