How to expand your vacation horizons on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
June 14th 2007 04:29
Although Croatia (or Hravatska, as the Croats call it) has only recently become an independent nation after being part of the Yugoslavia and subject to soviet government, it has a lot to offer as a travel spot to equal, and even exceed, more frequented western European spots. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's not a member of the E.U. (yet-- many Croats are OBSESSED with entering the E.U.-- but more on that later). The worst thing you can do when considering Croatia is to call it Eastern European and avoid it because of some "Balkan issue". And here's why:
Geography:
Croatia is located in an incredible place. Just across the adriatic from Italy, and in close southeasterly proximity to Austria/Hungary, Croatia historically was held under a variety of rules, from Roman to Venetian to Austro-Hungarian and more, and all of these have left their mark on Croatia (and Croatia has left its mark in return--it's said, for example (in Croatia), that Venice was built on Croatian stone). The architecture, food, and culture, all bear aspects of resemblence to those around them, and those aspects are blended in an incredibly unique way. Not only does the geography of Croatia allow for a history of interesting cultural exchange, but it provides an ongoing attraction with Croatia's extensive coastline. Nearly half of the country is coastal, boasting the renowned Dalmatian coast and quick boat trips to destinations across the Italian Adriatic coast as well.
People and Lifestyle:
Because Croatia has always been under the rule of some empire or another, Croats have only since the 90s really begun to enjoy true political freedom, and in both the cities and the countryside Croats are thrilled with where their country has come from and where it is going. Even as they enjoy independence, though, many Croats are extremely interested in becoming members of the E.U.-- throughout Croatia, the E.U. flag is hung alongside the Croatian flag, and people tend to consider themselves Western European (rather than Central European, which they are geographically, or Eastern European, which they are frequently considered by others) and as having historically protected the rest of Western Europe from the Ottoman Turks. Therefore a lot of Croats don't accept the rest of Western Europe keeping them out of the E.U. and consider it only a matter of time, though obviously accession to the E.U., in Croatia as in any country, is not an entirely beneficial concept and subject to a lot of debate. While Croatia is economically weaker than most of the member countries, countries weaker than Croatia have already been admitted (just as countries farther east have been admitted, though being Eastern European doesn't officially keep countries out of the E.U., it just effectively makes it more difficult for them to get in). There has been some talk of forming an economic union similar to that of the E.U. among the Balkan states, but most would rather hold out hope of joining the E.U.-- it's a complicated issue that involves a lot of economic freedoms and sacrifices, but the point is that you can easily learn more if you go there! And any country where the citizens love to talk about the political and economic systems is a great place to learn something from your travel experience.
But don't worry-- if you're hanging out with Croats, you don't have to spend ALL your time learning. Almost all Croats have their regular homes and then what they call their summer homes-- a little house in the country where they grow their grapes and make their wine. Croats, as a rule, drink wine constantly, and most families make their own. When you go to Croatia, have a drink with some Croats and let them know that you appreciate their wine (and their liquor, rakija) and they will definitely appreciate it. And bring some home, too-- I recently saw a bottle of wine that I bought for $12 in Croatia for sale for $80 here in the U.S.! They're also known for their chocolate, although some varieties of Croatian chocolate have a very distinct flavor (almost like licorice I think), so it may or may not be what you're expecting.
History:
Croatia has an incredibly interesting history, both politically and culturally. If you're interested in post-soviet governments, it's the place to see it in action, and if you're interested in talking to people who once lived in soviet government and now live in democracy, it's the place to find them. I'm not saying you should only go to Croatia if you're an anti-socialist or something, but what I am saying is that it's history provides a really cool environment for seeing different systems interacting and changing, and that the varied history of Croatia always shows when looking at current politics and culture, and it's just not the same as visiting a place where national identity has always been basically aligned with history and politics. Of course you don't have to be a history or politics buff to appreciate Croatia-- but you might become one by the time you leave.
Overall, Croats are friendly and exciting as a rule-- they are fabulous people who are extremely invested in their country and way of life. If you have a chance to travel here, be respectful of what Croats value and help preserve the history and geography of Croatia for their kids and your own. Because Croatia has always been a popular tourist spot in Europe, but in the 90s got a bad reputation as part of a "Balkan problem", the tourism bureau is putting a lot into large scale mass tourism ventures-- big hotels and big attractions-- and this can easily turn out a bad move for a country like Croatia. Mass tourism runs resources dry and attracts visitors who exploit cheap goods and vendors who sell cheap imports. Look for smaller ventures when in Croatia and try to shop among local sellers of locally made goods. And try to see as many different parts of Croatia as you can-- Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Zadar are three complete different cities, and every town is unique (including the many islands), so whatever you do on your trip to Croatia, don't spend it all in one place!
Croat girl walking in vineyard
Croatia is located in an incredible place. Just across the adriatic from Italy, and in close southeasterly proximity to Austria/Hungary, Croatia historically was held under a variety of rules, from Roman to Venetian to Austro-Hungarian and more, and all of these have left their mark on Croatia (and Croatia has left its mark in return--it's said, for example (in Croatia), that Venice was built on Croatian stone). The architecture, food, and culture, all bear aspects of resemblence to those around them, and those aspects are blended in an incredibly unique way. Not only does the geography of Croatia allow for a history of interesting cultural exchange, but it provides an ongoing attraction with Croatia's extensive coastline. Nearly half of the country is coastal, boasting the renowned Dalmatian coast and quick boat trips to destinations across the Italian Adriatic coast as well.
People and Lifestyle:
Because Croatia has always been under the rule of some empire or another, Croats have only since the 90s really begun to enjoy true political freedom, and in both the cities and the countryside Croats are thrilled with where their country has come from and where it is going. Even as they enjoy independence, though, many Croats are extremely interested in becoming members of the E.U.-- throughout Croatia, the E.U. flag is hung alongside the Croatian flag, and people tend to consider themselves Western European (rather than Central European, which they are geographically, or Eastern European, which they are frequently considered by others) and as having historically protected the rest of Western Europe from the Ottoman Turks. Therefore a lot of Croats don't accept the rest of Western Europe keeping them out of the E.U. and consider it only a matter of time, though obviously accession to the E.U., in Croatia as in any country, is not an entirely beneficial concept and subject to a lot of debate. While Croatia is economically weaker than most of the member countries, countries weaker than Croatia have already been admitted (just as countries farther east have been admitted, though being Eastern European doesn't officially keep countries out of the E.U., it just effectively makes it more difficult for them to get in). There has been some talk of forming an economic union similar to that of the E.U. among the Balkan states, but most would rather hold out hope of joining the E.U.-- it's a complicated issue that involves a lot of economic freedoms and sacrifices, but the point is that you can easily learn more if you go there! And any country where the citizens love to talk about the political and economic systems is a great place to learn something from your travel experience.
But don't worry-- if you're hanging out with Croats, you don't have to spend ALL your time learning. Almost all Croats have their regular homes and then what they call their summer homes-- a little house in the country where they grow their grapes and make their wine. Croats, as a rule, drink wine constantly, and most families make their own. When you go to Croatia, have a drink with some Croats and let them know that you appreciate their wine (and their liquor, rakija) and they will definitely appreciate it. And bring some home, too-- I recently saw a bottle of wine that I bought for $12 in Croatia for sale for $80 here in the U.S.! They're also known for their chocolate, although some varieties of Croatian chocolate have a very distinct flavor (almost like licorice I think), so it may or may not be what you're expecting.
These Croatian waterfalls are so beautiful, they're a world heritage site!
History:
Croatia has an incredibly interesting history, both politically and culturally. If you're interested in post-soviet governments, it's the place to see it in action, and if you're interested in talking to people who once lived in soviet government and now live in democracy, it's the place to find them. I'm not saying you should only go to Croatia if you're an anti-socialist or something, but what I am saying is that it's history provides a really cool environment for seeing different systems interacting and changing, and that the varied history of Croatia always shows when looking at current politics and culture, and it's just not the same as visiting a place where national identity has always been basically aligned with history and politics. Of course you don't have to be a history or politics buff to appreciate Croatia-- but you might become one by the time you leave.
Overall, Croats are friendly and exciting as a rule-- they are fabulous people who are extremely invested in their country and way of life. If you have a chance to travel here, be respectful of what Croats value and help preserve the history and geography of Croatia for their kids and your own. Because Croatia has always been a popular tourist spot in Europe, but in the 90s got a bad reputation as part of a "Balkan problem", the tourism bureau is putting a lot into large scale mass tourism ventures-- big hotels and big attractions-- and this can easily turn out a bad move for a country like Croatia. Mass tourism runs resources dry and attracts visitors who exploit cheap goods and vendors who sell cheap imports. Look for smaller ventures when in Croatia and try to shop among local sellers of locally made goods. And try to see as many different parts of Croatia as you can-- Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Zadar are three complete different cities, and every town is unique (including the many islands), so whatever you do on your trip to Croatia, don't spend it all in one place!
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Comment by D. Armenta
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great post.
Comment by Antonia
1. Croatia was never a part of USSR, where did you find that information?
2. Croatian politicians are obsessed with entering the EU, not common people - most of the people believe it wouldn't bring us any good.
3. "Croats, as a rule, drink wine constantly"???!!!?!? Who can say such a thing? What does it mean - that Croats are drunks??! No, the wine is just a part of our Mediterranian culture, like in Italy or Greece.
Regards,
Antonia
Comment by Lesley
SO sorry about the USSR typo!!! I've corrected the information so now everyone will know that Croatia was a Yugoslavian country, not soviet. VERY sorry about that.
It was just my experience while in Croatia that everyone wanted to talk about politics-- and not so much that everyone wants to be in the EU, but that everyone wants to discuss the issue (whether or not being in the EU would be a good thing). Anyway, I modified some of that language so hopefully that sounds a little less one-sided.
I do NOT mean to say that Croats are drunks at all--simply exactly what you said, that wine is a part of the Mediterranian culture. I didn't mean for anyone to get the sense that I was pointing this out as a negative thing-- I absolutely love Croatian wine and love the fact that so many people have summer houses where they make their own family wine. I think this is fascinating and I really enjoyed meeting people in the rural areas who were so eager to show me how they made their wine and share a drink with me.