A Croatian Christmas

This past winter break (it is now interterm) I went with my family to my mom's 'homeland', Croatia. I have heard stories about how my mom came over to America from (former) Yugoslavia when she was 9 years old...on a freight boat...blah blah blah. ANYWAYS. After years of stories of her youth, we finally took a family vacation to Croatia to see the sites and meet up with some extended family.

Croatia is located on the Adriatic Coast also called the Dalmatian Coast, across from the Italian 'boot'. It is a series of small and large costal towns that caputre the essence of the european lifestyle. Every meal we had was at least six courses and took up to four hours each--much different from the fast food and 30 minute meals here in the states. All the locals were very warm and welcoming and had a layed-back approach to living.

Ever since 1991, when Croatia finished the war against the Serbians, Croatia has been crowned the 'Jewel of the Adriatic' and has become a huge tourist spot. The crystal clear water is seen as the brightest blue from the moon, and world renowned beaches and wildlife. My family and I went to six different cities in Croatia some with clear. sunny skies on the beach, to the inland captial, Zagreb, at a chilly -10 degrees. Overall it was truly a great experience, and I cant wait to go back this summer!

Split, Croatia.

Dubrovnic, Croatia with the family.

Zagreb, Croatia.