I just got back from Croatia and it was unlike any place I've been so far! As I'd been told, Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country, full of gorgeous islands, crystal-clear waters, and lots of interesting history.
In many ways, Croatia is one of the most untouched places I've been. The old town of Dubrovnik is amazingly clean - the stone streets literally seemed to shine! The buildings are all made of similar stone and the shutters are all painted the same shade of green. This, combined with the red brick roofs, create a very magical appearance. At times, Emily and I felt like we were in the backdrop to an old Shakespearean play! The jagged coastlines, 1,000+ islands, and rolling hills just added to this feeling.
Old Town of Dubrovnik, as seen from the city walls
On our way to the Elaphiti Islands
As picturesque as the city and landscape was, it was equally clear that the people and country have had some rough times. Huge battles centuries ago, a devastating earthquake in the 1600s, and the very recent war that led to Croatian independence clearly had an impact that is still felt today. It was fascinating to me to be in place that had a type of history I'd never experienced before.
We also took a day road trip to Montenegro, which was fantastic. Crossing a border by car was a first-time experience for both of us - one which we loved! Being asked if we were transporting anything, having our passports checked, all while playing "Born in the USA" was pretty amazing! We stopped in a few small towns and were definitely the only tourists there. The people, as our Croatian driver said, are a bit "wild." When you're a country of only 300,000 inhabitants, I guess that's to be expected. The huge mountains, clear waters, and old stone churches and buildings were so beautiful - without a doubt, Montenegro is one of the most naturally beautiful places I've ever been.
From the top of Perast, a small town in the Bay of Kotor
It was the last big European adventure for Emily and I, for a little while at least, as she heads off to Brazil this summer. Although this trip was quite different than our time in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina/Chile, it was as memorable as ever. Great conversation, lots of reflecting on the past 10 years, and many, many laughs. I've again been reminded of how lucky I am to be living in Europe and able to travel so easily to so many different places. And to do so with such great friends as well!
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