Capelj
Capelj, owner of Vranci Opals in Coober Pedy and a Croatian immigrant, became a drinking buddy of mine and stunned me by presenting me with a gift of a prehistoric cockle shell his mates had mined out, which they decuded to gift to me and he then carved especially for me, revealing it to be beautifully opalised inside. Thanks to Roger Vanajek, Capelj and their mate whose name I sadly forget for this amazing present and for their excellent beermanship and friendship while I stayed in their town. I'll never forget them. Capelj's opal jewellery was also the most stunning and naturally set stuff in town, I have to admit. He does it all himself. I heart Croatians!
Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name... ... read more 
