Chances are that most of us, when we think of
Croatia, still associate it with what has been described as one of the
bloodiest conflicts since the end of WWII. I don’t profess to understand it in
detail, but essentially it was a war of independence, in which many Croats
sought independence from Yugoslavia. It occurred
between 1991-1995 and although deemed a success, it undoubtedly took a heavy
toll on the country- it’s architecture, people, economy and society in general,
and the scars, both physical and psychological, have yet to fully heal.
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| Approach to Split, Croatia |
So
that’s the heavy stuff out of the way. Despite its recent bloody history,
Croatia has some rich offerings which will please even the most serious of
doubters, whether traveller or tourist. It sits on the beautiful Adriatic coast
with its crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches bleached by the
sun. Perfect for the sun worshipper but also for the water babies and adrenaline junkies. If you’re into Island hopping, sailing, diving, sunbathing,
hillwalking, history and culture, I’d lay a bet that you’ll find something in
Croatia to satisfy the heart, soul and mind.
If it’s food and wine you’re after then Croatia
has plenty on offer. This is a country whose shifting
borders and neighbouring influences on religion, food and art is clearly
reflected in the choice of food and wine on offer. You’ll find pasta, dumplings, black truffles
and goulash on the same menu, with a choice of regional wines to wash it all
down.
A ‘bookish world cup’ feature
wouldn’t be complete without a mention of a) the Croatian football team and b) arts
and literature.
So, the football team- well
they’re quite good so I’m told and are ranked 17 in the FIFA ranking position. Even I’ve heard of Luka Modric but that’s
probably more to do with my boy’s addiction to FIFA on the x-box. I won’t say
anymore about the football as I really don’t know much more and my knowledge
from here on in is courtesy of Google and Wiki!
Famous Croats in the arts include Oscar Nemon,
a sculptor who escaped to England just ahead of the 2nd World War. I
mention him because he sculpted many famous politicians including Winston
Churchill, Harold MacMillan and Maggie Thatcher. Churchill’s statue is located
in the House of Commons and many MPs rub it for luck!
In literature, sadly I haven’t heard of many of
those listed, however I have heard of Slavenka Drakulic, journalist and
novelist whose works include, As
If I Am Not There and They
Would Never Hurt A Fly, a book which is based on her own
experiences and reflections of overseeing the prosecution of those responsible
for serious crimes committed during the Yugoslav wars at the Hague. Her novel, Frida's Bed,
is the one I am most familiar with though. It is based on a biography of a
Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, a fascinating insight into such an influential
figure.
A
mention of famous Croats wouldn’t be complete though without a nod and a wink
to Goran Višnjić, who played the lovely and deeply
troubled Dr Luka Kovac in ER, back in the day when I was a dedicated fan. Obviously
he’s known for so much more than this, but like George Clooney, it’s a cross he
has to bear.
Others include Goran Ivanisevic, famous Tennis
player and Wimbledon champ, Tomo Miličević, lead guitarist with Thirty
Seconds to Mars, 2Cellos, two Croatian classically trained cellists who play
contemporary music ranging from Nirvana to The Jacksons (you should watch this
YouTube clip, it’s awesome, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS826PwLHdQ), and
lastly, who would have thought it, but Adrian Chiles, British TV presenter.
He’s half Croatian on his mother’s side which creates a real dilemma for him
when Croatia and England play football, which takes us nicely back to the
beautiful game. Good luck Croatia!
What a great look at all aspects of Croatian culture, and I'm impressed at just how many names I recognised from this list. Thank you so much Kirsten Naim for this post.
Author Bio
I live in
Scotland with my husband, two young children and the usual array of pets that
seem to accompany small children. I studied science at Edinburgh University
when dungarees were in fashion and Dexy’s Midnight Runners could still cut it
with the young ones. I really should have studied Art and English and blames my
guidance teacher for poor advice!
A Sorry Affair
is my debut novel, set in Edinburgh, inspired by a prosecco-fuelled
conversation I overheard on a train! It follows the lives of Mack, Jen and
Abbi. Mack and Jen have the perfect relationship, until Mack meets Abbi. His
feelings for Jen remain the same, but for some inexplicable reason he is drawn
to Abbi and before he knows it, he’s in too deep. Abbi has no idea that Jen
exists, let alone that she and Mack are engaged.
The story is
initially told from Abbi’s point of view. What is it like to be the other
woman? Can you really have an affair without knowing it?
It has been
described as A beautiful story of pain and sadness as the
‘perfect’ engagement unravels: a tale of the unwitting downward spiral
and destruction of a perfect relationship: emotional and full of suspense.
One more thing-
I write in secret. No-one knows I write or that I have had a book published,
not even my husband or family!
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