Blogs from Mljet, Dalmatia, Croatia, Europe

It seems every state in the US, and every country that I visit has a wine region. Croatia is no exception, with a big plus. In fact, it is a world class connection, in the person of Miljenko "Mike" Grgic of Napa Valley fame. He left Croatia back in 1954, and became perhaps the most famous winemaker in the world when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won a blind tasting in Paris, aka the Judgment of Paris. He later established Grgic Hills Cellar in (Rutherford) Napa Valley, and is a most respected winemaker. The recent war, 1990-95 for Croatian independence wiped out most of the country's viticulture. But with great weather and geography for wine, Croatia has returned with over 100 indigenous grapes. With numerous microclimates, Vitis vinifera L (the cultivated grapevine) has found the exact ... read more

After visiting countries around the world, not much can cause culture shock to me. But the experts say to be prepared when visiting Croatia. Croatia is a blend of at least four distinct cultures, with the Illyrian movement the most significant. Croatia is the origin of the cravat, or the precursor to what we know today as the modern necktie, though few wear them anymore. The first order of business is to register with the police within 48 hours of arrival, unless I am booked into a hotel or group tour. I am booked into both, with the first night in Split, then my cycle and cruise down the Dalmatian Coast. All tourists must pay a daily tourist tax, including Croatians staying away from their place of permanent residence! This applies to those staying in private ... read more

The island of Mljet is about 1h30 ferry away from Dubrovnik. At this time of the year there is not so many option concerning the schedule. So, in order to have time to enjoy the National Park, we decided to spend one night on the island. The ferry took us to Polace, where we rented bikes to go to the main Lake. It is rather a steep ascent but I managed on low gear so I guess everyone can also manage. The descent on the other side is easier! But steep to climb on the way back. However, views from the top are stunning. Our B&B was in Babin kucé and turned out to be a perfect location to explore from. On our first afternoon, we took the small boat from Pristaniste to the small island ... read more

On Sunday morning, we got up early and left our camping at 7AM to get to Croatia. We were just in time, with only half an hour waiting at the borders where we could see the lines grow longer and longer. When we passed them, entering Croatia, our estimation was that people entering Montenegro would have to wait 2 hours in the queue to exist Croatia and at least 2 more hours to enter Montenegro... So we were pretty lucky with our half hour of delay. Thanks to this, we made it just in time to the ferry in Prapratno to get to Mljet. On our way we passed but Dubrovnik and it looked lovely but everyone we met told us better not to stop there since the tourists there are excruciating. Mljet is an island ... read more

A stop on Mljet for a trip to the Mljet National Park in Pomena to see the two salt water lakes. A quick stop to take a dip and venture into the monastery on a small island at the larger lake. You can't swim in view of the monastery but there were some great spots on the back of the island to cool off. ? The scenary wherever we've ventured this trip has just been amazing. The locals have been great and always helpful when you're looking for the way to go or a good place to eat. We found a great restaurant around the harbor from the ship that had amazing food! So glad I like lobster! ... read more