May 2018
Croatia has been on my bucket list for many years. I wanted to make sure I did this trip exactly right because it holds a lot of special meaning to me. My mother was of Croatian descent. This is one trip I wished I would have taken with her. I think she would have enjoyed it immensely. My grandparents (on my mother’s side) were from Croatia. My grandfather immigrated through Ellis Island in January, 1921. 
He came in from Trieste, Italy on the ship named the “Argentina” which was built in 1907 by Russell & Co out of Port Glasgow, Scotland. It held 1450 passengers.
The Croatian culture has been instilled in me from a very young age. Family barbecues would not be complete with out a lamb roasting on a spit and the entire family smelling of garlic. I went to Sacred Heart Croatian Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois. Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic Church, founded by the Croatian immigrants of South Chicago in 1913. The Sunday 10am church service was spoken only in Croatian. This church built a strong foundation of community where I met life-long friends and learned how to Croatian kolo dance to Tambura music.
My favorite song was called “Sve ptičice iz gore”…
Aside from my Croatian heritage, there is so much about this country that has drawn me to it for many years. I will be covering a lot of ground in the next few weeks learning, experiencing, and enjoying all there is to see, do, and taste along the way.
I’m going to travel the country from North to South; starting in the capital city of Zagreb. Here’s a high level itinerary of the areas I’ll be exploring:
- Istria Region (Rovinj) – Known for its truffles, wines, and olive oils
- Plitviče National Park – One of the country’s oldest and largest National Parks
- Split – This is a major city that is nearby where my family still resides in Kaštela Novi
- Hvar – One of the 1000+ beautiful islands of Croatia
- Dubrovnik – The very famous walled city and Old Town; a UNESCO World Heritage Site
I hope you will follow me along my journey.
Nice blog entry. I hope Croatia is everything you’re hoping for and much more! Your Croatian upbringing sounds fab.
Travel safely and have an amazing journey!
Thanks Don! Yes, I had a great childhood and am so thankful for the neighborhood I grew up in. It was like one giant family.
Awesome blog! Great Adventure with special meaning.
Do you still have family there that you can connect with?
Yes. My mother’s cousin lives near Split. I am hoping to meet up with her while I am in the area.
Have an exciting and safe journey, Caryn. Look forward to traveling with you vicariously through your blog posts.
Thanks Bill. It’s been a great trip so far.
Thanks for sharing your journey to Croatia with us. Sounds like you have planedan amazing trip!
Thanks. It’s going to be great!
Hope your adventure is amazing
Thanks. It’s going to be great!
So far it has been amazing.
This is great! I can’t wait to “travel” with you!!
Enjoy the journey!
Thank you for your thoughtful itinerary. I look forward to this trip as a virtual travel companion. Live life. Enjoy the sweetness.
Thanks! It’s going to be a great trip. You can be my virtual travel companion!
Nice! After all these years I still learn more from and about you.
Fun! I feel the same about you. Always learning….