CROATIA: Bumper Rise in Tourist Arrivals

2005-08-15 11:44:11

Croatia expects tourism revenues to rise up to 10 percent this year compared to 2004 to record levels, the state secretary for tourism said this week. The country relies heavily on the tourist industry to fill the state coffers and cover a foreign trade gap which last year amounted to $8.6 billion.

'The tourist industry is showing record results, and we expect to earn some six billion euros ($7.42 billion) in that sector this year. It is a rise of 10 percent which is far above our projections of two percent growth this year,' Zdenko Micic said in an interview.

In the first seven months of 2005, eight percent more people visited Croatia than in the same period a year ago. Micic said there was a substantial rise in the number of visitors from Scandinavian and Benelux countries, France, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Holidaymakers in Croatia have in recent years mostly been from Germany, Austria, Slovenia and other central European countries.

Last year Croatian tourism earned 5.4 billion euros. The country suffered a huge decline in tourism revenues in early 1990s when it fought a four-year independence war.

It has been gradually recovering ever since but its main problems remain a lack of accommodation capacity and a relatively short season which is mostly based around three summer months. Micic said Croatia would now focus on tackling those weak points. 'We see that interest for spending holidays in Croatia outside the regular summer season is rising each year. In order to take advantage of that trend we’ll have to keep the tourist offer alive also outside the summer months,' Micic said.

While praising the maritime landscape, foreign tourists often complain about the lack of entertainment facilities on the Croatian coast. Another frequent objection is an insufficient number of luxury hotels to meet the demands of well-off guests. 'We’re well aware of accommodation problems in Croatia. Hence, we plan to tackle it in two ways in the coming years. We have to revitalize hoteliers which do not run businesses properly and in that context complete the sale of those still in state hands,' Micic said.

Another effort must be made to attract people willing to engage in the tourist industry as greenfield investors, he added.

http://www.seeurope.net/en/Story.php?StoryID=56315&LangID=1

Zeljko Covic of Pliva in International Herald tribune

Spotlight: A juggler of science and commerce
By Carter Dougherty International Herald Tribune

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2005


ZAGREB, Croatia Working out of a non-descript office building, huddling
with staff in a conference room adorned with mementos of his company's
initial public offering, Zeljko Covic looks every bit the part of a
modern businessman. As chief executive of Pliva, one of the top
pharmaceutical companies in Eastern Europe, he is. So it is perhaps
unsurprising that he turns visibly uncomfortable when speaking about his
brief foray into Croatian politics in the early 1990s. "In business,
you deal with concrete stuff," Covic said in an interview. "In politics,
you are dealing with perceptions and feelings - the soft issues. I feel
much more comfortable in business." Heading a company with roughly
5,500 employees and 2004 profit of $129 million on sales of $1.1
billion, Covic does not compete in the league of the pharmaceutical
giants like Novartis, Merck or Bayer. But he is part of what he likes to
call "the international pharmaceutical community," executives who juggle
science and commerce to produce innovation and profit. Like many of
those top players, Covic, 52, got his start on the scientific side,
thanks to what he calls "his youthful fascination with biology and
chemistry." A native of Zagreb, Covic earned a degree in biotechnology
in 1978, when Croatia was still a part of Yugoslavia, but enjoyed some
economic freedom under the country's "self-managing socialism." His work
at Pliva began in 1980, where he rose from scientist to senior
management in less than a decade. As the Cold War ended, Covic plunged
into the politics of the new era, becoming Zagreb's top economic
official in 1991, and later an adviser to Croatia's vice president.
Protestations to the contrary, other Zagreb businessmen point out, Covic
had enough of a feel for politics to get appointed chief executive of
Pliva, then still state-owned, in 1993. Ultimately, the political nose
he plays down meshed well with business imperatives. Covic took Pliva
public in 1996, even securing a listing in London that became a keystone
of the company's financial credibility. The move insulated the company
from the corrupt, cronyistic politics of then-president Franjo Tudjman.
For much of the 1990s, Covic recalls, Pliva bobbed along the turbulent
waters of Balkan politics, unable to plan effectively for the future but
not suffering badly thanks to the royalties from an antibiotic,
azithromycin, that it had developed. At one point, with the war 30
kilometers, or 18.5 miles, away from Zagreb, Pliva was still shipping
goods to the United States under old contracts. "We couldn't negotiate
any long-term business relationships," Covic said. Those times ended in
1999, when Tudjman died and Croatia began its opening to Europe. Having
already bought a Polish company in 1997, Covic spearheaded acquisitions
in the Czech Republic, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain over four
years. Most daringly, in 2002 Pliva entered the most competitive
pharmaceutical market in the world with the acquisition of Sidmak
Laboratories in New Jersey. Pliva then filled out its portfolio by
purchasing the rights from an American company to Sanctura, a medication
for overactive bladders, and hiring a sales force in the United States -
a move that generated much criticism from stock analysts. Betting that
its sales force could sell the drug to specialists in the United States
at a relatively low cost, Covic quickly ran afoul of two giants,
GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis, who marshaled their enormous resources to
sell competing products directly to doctors, and rapidly boxed out the
upstart Croatian company. "They were marketing a drug that was old in
Europe, and it was probably predictable that huge competitors would rush
in," said Katalin Dani, an analyst with CAIB Securities in Budapest.
Grimly conceding the venture had failed, Pliva sold Sanctura to an
American company in July - a move investors rewarded by pushing up the
share price. "There were other opportunities to better generate value
for shareholders," Covic said. Divesting itself of Sanctura, a patented
pharmaceutical, became part of a broader revamp of the company that
coincided with the expiration of the patent on azithromycin. In May,
Pliva announced it was leaving the proprietary pharmaceutical business
entirely to become a generic producer - a major step for a company whose
roots lie in a research laboratory established in 1935. Indeed, Covic
concedes that tough competition is forming in the generics industry that
Pliva is taking on. Acquisitions by Novartis briefly made Hexal the
largest generic manufacturer in the world, before being overtaken by
Teva of Israel, which announced plans to purchase Miami-based Ivax in
July. Whatever its troubles, Pliva remains the standout example of
successful post-Communist business in the tiny Croatian market, as even
critics like Dani concede.
 

Exploring Croatia's overlooked islands
 

Travels With Lonely Planet
By Jeanne Oliver

Vis' picturesque port evokes the Croatian island's pristine appeal. (Wayne Walton/Lonely Planet Images )

With 1,185 islands to choose from, you would think that visitors to Croatia might spread out a little. Instead, famous islands like Hvar, Korcula and Brac can sag under the summer crowds, while on other equally beautiful islands, Croatia's unique Mediterranean culture flourishes in peace. On three of my favorites - Vis, Pag and Cres islands - the calendar revolves around wine and olive harvests, sheepÂshearing, fishing and festivals. Built under Venetian rule, the centuries-old villages are enchanting, and you can laze away the day on a host of beaches.

Vis: Until 1989, a visit to Vis island was as desirable as a visit to boot camp. In fact, it was a visit to boot camp. Vis was an army base in former Yugoslavia and off-limits to civilians. When the army pulled out, Croatians discovered that the lack of tourism on their "forbidden island" had left the natural splendor intact. The low, rolling hills sprout vineyards, pines and a cornucopia of wild herbs. The pristine offshore waters teem with fish, attracting fishers, scuba divers and snorkelers. Pebbly beaches stretch out from the island's two port towns, Vis town and Komiza, which contain remnants of the island's fascinating history.
After exploring the Roman baths and Greek cemetery in Vis and the Venetian churches in Komiza, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto on nearby Bisevo island. If you compare it to the Blue Grotto on Capri, islanders will quickly inform you that their grotto is bluer and better in every way.
Getting there: Fly to Zagreb and then connect with a flight or drive to the coastal city of Split. Daily car ferries connect Vis with Split (the trip takes two hours) all year, and there's a daily fast boat running between Split and Vis from June-October.
Where to stay: Hotel Paula (call 011-385-21-711-362; http:// www.paula-hotel.htnet.hr; doubles $100) in Vis town is a small, family-run hotel with artfully decorated rooms.
Where to eat: In Vis town, Villa Kaliopa (011-385-21-711-755) serves scrumptious local dishes in the verdant gardens of a 19th-century mansion. In Komiza, Konoba Jastozera (011-385-21-713-859) specializes in lobster, but all the seafood is superb.

Pag: Say "Pag island" to any Croatian, and the first response is likely to be "cheese" - as in the pungent, salty sheep cheese for which the island is renowned. Barren, rocky and nearly devoid of trees, Pag's landscape contrasts sharply with its festive and artistic culture. Along the white-stone streets of Pag town, black-clad women sit on stools, working the delicate "Pag lace" that is as prized as the cheese. On national holidays, Carnival or any other excuse for a party, everyone heads to the town square to dance the "kolo," sing old Pag tunes and drink the local Sutica wine. To the north, Novalja offers strictly 21st-century nightlife with a cluster of beach bars, cafĂŠs and discos that has become a magnet for young revelers. Quiet pleasures are also abundant. The coastline curves around two protected bays where shallow waters lap at nearly deserted sandy beaches.

To recuperate from the sun and fun, you can even arrange to immerse yourself in special healing mud just outside Pag town. Getting there: Fly to Zagreb and drive to the coastal city of Zadar. From there, it's an easy drive across the causeway connecting Pag with the mainland. Where to stay and eat: The Hotel Biser (call 011-385-23-611-333; http://www.hotel-biser .com; doubles $77) is across the bay from Pag town and only a short walk to the beach. Hotel Tony (011-385-23-611-370; http:// www.hotel-tony.com; doubles $60) is a homey hotel-restaurant on a quiet cove that serves delicious food.

Cres: The principal inhabitants of Cres (pronounced "Tsres”) island are sheep, the shepherds who tend them and the rare griffon vultures that feed on their carcasses. With a 10-foot wing span, these birds shouldn't be too hard to spot as they swoop down Cres' eastern cliffs. The west side of this 40-mile-long island has a wealth of hidden coves, most notably idyllic Valun at the bottom of towering hills. Pine and oak forests carpet the northern part of the island right up to the edge of Cres town, the island's capital. A scattering of Italian Renaissance structures recalls the days when this tranquil port was an important hub of the Venetian empire. Tiny Osor, with a population of 80, is a 15th-century jewel on the island's southern tip. Original sculpture adorns the restored streets, and Osor's summer Musical Evenings feature the finest classical musicians.
Getting there: In July and August you can fly to Venice and take the Saturday boat to Mali Losinj, the island immediately south of Cres. It's then an easy drive across the bridge to Cres. Otherwise, fly to Zagreb and drive to Brestova on the Istrian coast, where there are frequent car ferries to Porozina on Cres island.
Where to stay: There are more campgrounds on the island than hotels. In Cres town, the only hotel is the modest Hotel Kimen (call 011-385-51-571-161; http://www.hotel-kimen .com; doubles $113).
Where to eat: In addition to a full array of fish and seafood, look for highly prized Cres lamb on the menu at Belona Gostionica (011-385-51-571-203).

---
Jeanne Oliver wrote the first three editions of Lonely Planet's Croatia guidebook. "Travels With Lonely Planet" is coordinated by Global Travel Editor Don George. E-mail him at
don.george@lonelyplanet.com .

http://www.sltrib.com/travel/ci_2920327

Op-ed

Jeanne Oliver's page is www.croatiatraveller.com

Her email is: jeanne@croatiatraveller.com

Shower her with compliments. She may become an honorary Croatian.

Nenad Bach

Bucks sign Kukoc to 1-year deal

BY CHARLES F. GARDNER
Posted on Fri, Aug. 05, 2005
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


MILWAUKEE - (KRT) - Toni Kukoc will indeed be back with the Milwaukee Bucks next season.

The 6-foot-11 forward will begin his fourth season with the Bucks next fall, after being signed to a one-year deal on Friday. The 36-year-old free agent had attracted interest from other National Basketball Association teams, including the Chicago Bulls and league champion San Antonio Spurs.

"I think it's great for our team moving into next season," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. "He has tremendous basketball knowledge. "He likes Milwaukee and he likes the fans. This is really where he wants to be."

The signing of Kukoc to a contract worth nearly $2 million makes it highly unlikely that the Bucks will match the Atlanta Hawks' four-year, $16 million offer sheet to restricted free agent Zaza Pachulia.

The Hawks signed the 6-11 Pachulia on Wednesday. The Bucks have seven days to match the offer or lose the 21-year-old to Atlanta. It is expected that the Bucks will sign free-agent forward Bobby Simmons on Monday and guard Michael Redd and center Dan Gadzuric later in the week. Simmons, named the NBA's most improved player last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, has agreed to a five-year, $47 million deal. Redd has agreed to a six-year contract worth more than $90 million and Gadzuric has agreed to a six-year, $36 million deal.

Since joining the Bucks for the 2002-03 season, Kukoc has averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 189 regular-season games. n"He's thrilled," said Kukoc's Chicago-based agent, Herb Rudoy. "He had the opportunity to go to five or six teams. From the beginning, he told me to get it done with Milwaukee."

Earlier this summer, Rudoy expressed doubts that Kukoc would be able to return to the Bucks because of their off-season spending on other free agents. But Rudoy continued to have a dialogue with Harris, and it eventually led Kukoc back to Milwaukee. "I think he loves the reception he gets from the fans," Rudoy said. "That was a big part of his decision to stay there. And he feels he could be a great mentor to some of their young kids.

"Toni is a basketball genius; he really understands the game." Kukoc, who lives with his family in Highland Park, Ill., has worked closely with the other Bucks big men, including Gadzuric and
Pachulia. Now he will have an opportunity to work with the top pick in the June NBA draft, 7-1 Andrew Bogut.

Kukoc is a native of Split, Croatia, and the 20-year-old Bogut is a native of Australia and of Croatian descent.
"Andrew has a high respect for him," Harris said. "Certainly Toni will be a great learning tool and a great person he can lean on. I know Andrew will be a sponge, and Toni has always been great with our big guys.

"His wealth of knowledge about basketball is important for the young team we have."

Kukoc was limited to 53 games last season by a hip injury, and he averaged a career-low 5.6 points in 20.7 minutes per game. But when he was healthy, the Bucks' bench was more productive and the team was more successful.

It is expected that Kukoc will play at both forward spots. He will be used with Joe Smith and Simmons at the power forward spot, and will mix in with Simmons and Desmond Mason at small forward.

"He'll be a forward," Harris said. "It's all about matchups, and he will do whatever it takes to get himself on the floor. He just wants to win." Rudoy said Kukoc was excited about the Bucks' off-season moves, adding Simmons, retaining Gadzuric and Redd and drafting Bogut. "He likes playing with Redd," Rudoy said. "He thinks Redd is terrific."

Kukoc was a second-round draft choice of the Bulls in 1990 and played on three NBA championship teams in Chicago (in 1996, '97 and '98). Before coming to the NBA, Kukoc played in the former Yugoslavia and Italy, winning three European championships and three European player-of-the-year awards.

Rudoy declined to speculate on whether the upcoming season, Kukoc's 13th in the NBA, would be his last.

"He's going to take it one year at a time," Rudoy said. "He decided he just wants to see how the year goes. He didn't want anybody to be tied into that (a longer contract)."

Š 2005, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Visit JSOnline, the Journal Sentinel's World Wide Web site, at http://www.jsonline.com

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/12316309.htm

Andrew Bogut

Croatian Pride

Click here for Andrew Bogot Interview 6/08/05 -NBA Draft Pick Andrew Bogut

Click here for Andrew Bogot Interview 2  6/30/05 - #1 NBA Draft Pick Andrew Bogut

Op-ed
We are grateful to Steve “The Homer” True , WISN, Tomislav Kuzmanovic (who brought this to you) and Andrew Bogut, our Croatian pride.

Email Homer at thehomer@inet-pc.com  and shower him with good wishes and thank him personaly for the radio interviews. He is becoming an honorary Croatian.

Nenad Bach


Steve “The Homer” True

Steve “The Homer” True is the host of “The World’s Greatest Sports Talk Show”, heard from 6pm-8:00pm weeknights on News/Talk 1130 WISN. He is called “The Homer” because he roots for the home team. However, just because he roots for the home team does not mean that he supports all decisions made by local teams. Thus, the First Rule of Homerism is- “I am a Homer, but I am not an idiot”.

Homer is a legend in his own mind, having made radio stops in Alliance, Nebraska; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Madison, Wisconsin; before arriving at News/Talk 1130 WISN in November of 1989.

The Homer played tennis at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. By his own admission, he is the worst athlete to ever be a Badger letter winner.
 

Source: http://www.newstalk1130.com/homer_bio.html

Mathematical Conferences in 2005

Upon the request of Nenad Bach, I am submitting a short
report about several international mathematical
conferences organized this year, where I had the privilege to
participate. Of course, there were many more math
conferences in general, I will mention just a few of them.

1. Functional Analysis IX
http://www.math.hr/~congress/Dubrovnik05/
(if you are interested, see the photos)
about 70 participants

This is international congress organized biannually in
Croatia, in the city of Dubrovnik, in June, for a week
or so. Its strong international reputation is clear from the
names of participants. I will try to introduce some of them, enclosing the
titles of their talks (which, very probably will not tell you anything):

David Vogan (M.I.T., USA): Branching laws for
representations of real reductive groups.
This is one of the best specialist of today in the
field of Representation theory of groups, truly a
great privilege to have such a star
on the conference. He has very fruitful collaboration
with Croatian mathematicians, and it is indeed a great
thing for young scientists to have
opportunity to listen to him, and discuss with him.
Prof. Vogan even organized once a walk to the hill of
Srdj above the City, with amazing view
to Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. The fortress
on the top of Srdj still has visible traces of
Greater-Serbian aggression. And Professor Vogan had a
math seminar there, without blackboard or paper.

Corrine Blonde (Univ. Denis Diderot - Paris 7,
France): Tadi'c's philosophy and propagation of
types. The title of her talk is indeed amazing. Namely, Marko
Tadic is outstanding Croatian mathematician working at
the Mathematics Department of
the University of Zagreb. I really did not expect that
a mathematician from Paris will come to Dubrovnik to
deliver a talk about Tadic's philosophy.
By the way, the lecture was mathematics, not
philosophy (a famous
French mathematician Henry Lebesgue said around 1920
that "if you are working in mathematics then there is
no need to do philosophy - philosophers also share
this opinion")

Guy Henniart (Universite Paris-Sud and CNRS, France):
Representations of GL(2), old and new.
Also one of outstanding, internationally known
mathematicians at the conference (for the first time
in Croatia).Known for his work related to the famous Langlands
theory.

Gilles Pisier (Univ. Pierre et Marie Curie, France &
Texas A&M Univ., USA).
A very well known French mathematician. Member of the
editorial board of Bulletin des Sciences
Mathematiques,
founded in 1870, one of the most prestigious in France
(two Croatian mathematicians recently published a
rather long paper there,
dr. Vesna Zupanovic and the author of these lines,
both working in Zagreb)

Dragan Milicic (University of Utah, USA) Is "hard
duality" really hard?
Outstanding Croatian mathematician working in the USA,
studied mathematics in Zagreb, where he also defended
his PhD and started his
academic career. Member of the Editorial board of the
Electronic Research Announcements in Representation
Theory (published by the American Math. Society),
and also member of the Croatian math. journal Glasnik
matematicki.

I want to add a few words about
Harry I. Miller (University of Sarajevo), who lives in
Sarajevo for more than 30 years continuously,
including the years of the Greater-Serbian aggression.
Extremely interesting person, born in Chicago, where
he obtained his PhD in Math, started his academic
scientific career, and after having fallen in love
with dr. Naza Tanjevic (died a few years ago), continued
his life and scientific work in Sarajevo. Their
daughter is also a mathematician.
I remember Harry when he had a lecture (in English) at
the Math. seminar in Zagreb in 1996, when I was a
student. There was a huge audience, among them a
Russian
mathematician Shostak (then guest of prof. Mardesic in
Zagreb for one year). Shostak asked a question after
the talk, which Harry was not able to understand.
Shostak repeated his question twice, but in vain.
There was a moment of very unpleasant silence, when
somebody in the audience remarked -
"This was a true Soviet - American dialog". There was
a burst of laughter which completely changed the
atmosphere.

Goran Muic
(Department of Mathematics, University of Zagreb,
Zagreb) Construction of generalized Steinberg
representations for reductive p-adic groups.
This is one of the best young Croatian mathematicians
today, a student of professor Tadic. Professor Muic is
a frequent guest with his lectures in
Paris, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, etc.

Professor Tadic is one of the youngest members of the
Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

During the conference we had nice excursion with a
boat to the Elafit islands near the City. It was a
great day, I will not forget how professor Murali Rao
(USA, Gainsville, but born in India) enjoyed the
excursion, beautiful plants, with his daughter.
Professor Rao is a member of the organizing committee
of the conference besides Damir Bakic, Davor Butkovic, Hrvoje Kraljevic,
Goran Peskir, Hrvoje Sikic and Marko Tadic.
Unfortunately, the meal on the boat was bad, we all
had problems with stomach during the next day at the
conference (Harry said - I had TRCKALICA the whole
night).

The conference this time was held in the building of
the University of Dubrovnik, indeed very nice, with
interesting entering hall where you can sit
by a small sailing-boat.

2. Almost simultaneously, another international math
conference on Mathematical Chemistry was organized in
the Hotel Lero where we also stayed. The hotel staff was excellent,
and the meals were indeed very good. Here I do not
intend to describe the City itself,
it is unforgettable experience for me any time I come
to visit it, see

www.croatianhistory.net/etf/et111.html

3. The main international congressional event in
Dubrovnik this year was probably the conference on
Industrial Electronics, held under the auspicies of IEEE, and local organizer
was Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
from Zagreb (I also work in this institution). It had more than
300 participants and about 60 of them from Croatia, if I remember well.
For more information see

http://www.isie2005.org/

During my stay in Dubrovnik I learned that the City is
much older than people think. Its history goes back to
Ancient Times, to at least 6th to 5th centuries BC.
The current literature operates that the City was
founded in 7th century AD. I learned this from dr.
Antun Nicetic, professor at the University of
Dubrovnik, who recently published an important monograph

Antun Nicetic: Nove spoznaje o postanku Dubrovnika, o
njegovu brodarstvu i plovidbi Svetoga Pavla,
Sveuciliste u Dubrovniku, Dubrovnik, 2005., ISBN
953-7153-02-9

This fact has to enter all tourist and school books,
since it is based on solid data, gathered during more
than 30 years of research.


I you are interested in Croatian mathematicians
working abroad, please, see
Croatian Mathematical Diaspora
www.croatianhistory.net/mat/cromath.html

4. In May there was another very successful
conference, organized by
The Department of Mathematics, University of Zagreb:
the Conference on Wavelets and Frames.
This was the second conference on recent topics in the
theory of wavelets, frames and other reproducing
function systems, which is a part of the ongoing research project
between Croatian and US researchers (the first
conference was held at Washington University in
St.Louis in March of 2004).

http://waveframe.math.hr/

The conference was held in Terme Tuhelj (near Zagreb),
in the Mihanovic palace. Indeed a nice and lovely
place. We had several outstanding guests:
Professor Guido Weiss and Mladen Victor Wickerhauser
(born in Zagreb) from Washignton University in St.
Louis. Professor Wickerhauser speaks Croatian
very good, and it was a pleasant surprise for me when
he told me that he used my TeX fonts for Croatian
Glagolitic to play with his very
young daughter.

5. In Croatia we had another conference,
Fourth Conference on Applied Mathematics and
Scientific Computing, organized by the Department of
Mathematics of the University of Zagreb, see
http://applmath05.math.hr/

6. I also want to mention the ISAAC math. conference
in Catania, Sicilia, Italy. I came there upon the
personal invitation of Professor Francesco Nicolosi,
local organizer of the conference. ISAAC is for
International Society of Analysis, its Applications,
and Computation. There were four mathematicians from
Zagreb (with their lectures and presentations), out of about
350 participants.

At the opening ceremony there was also Rector of the
University of Catania, city mayor, and others. Most of
them addressed to participants in Italian, not in
English.

It was a great surprise for me when Professor Nicolosi
invited me to be the chairman of a morning session of
the conference. It was my third visit to Catania,
three years ago I had a series of six lectures for his
students of doctoral study at Dipartimento di
Matematica. Professor Nicolosi is also the director of
the Department.

Two mathematicians asked me to convey my greetings to
professor Josip Pecaric: professor Burenkov, working
in Cardiff, GB (of the Russian origin), and professor
Siato from Japan, who is member of editorial board of
MIA (a Cro. math. scientific journal - Mathematical
Inequalities and Applications), where prof. Pecaric is
editor in chief.

In Catania I met an Armenian professor of mathematics
from Yerevan. It was a pleasant surprise for him when I
told him that the first history of Armenian people in
Europe was written by a Croat:

Josip Marinovic (1741 - 1801), was a Jesuit born in
Perast - Kotor (in Boka kotorska, annexed to
Montenegro in 1945), professor of theology in Venice.
His friendship with an Armenian banker Serpos resulted
in his interest for the history of Armenians. His
assiduous research resulted in the book "Compendio
storico...della nazione armena", published in Venice
in 1783. The book had a great success. Though it was
signed by Serpos, its true author was Marinovic. It
represents the first history of Armenians published in
Europe. It is interesting that the book had been
extended and republished by Ivan Dominik Stratico,
bishop on the Croatian island of Hvar. This book
incited European interest for Armenian people and
their culture. In particular, upon the initiative of
the Vatican, supported by Austria and Russia, in 1830
the Turkish sultan admitted very old Armenian
Christian Church and allowed Armenian Archbishopric to
be founded in Constantinople. See [Gregory Peroche],
p. 119.

From www.croatianhistory.net/etf/lat.html#marin

The white flag of Dubrovnik contains a figure of Sv.
Vlaho (St. Blais, St. Blasius, Armenian martyr from
3/4 centuries), patron of the City.

From www.croatianhistory.net/etf/et111.html

This by far is not all what is related to math
conferences where Croatian mathematicians participated
this year. Of course, there are numerous conferences in other
fields - in natural, technical and social sciences.
Also, there are many more details to be said about
aforementioned conferences, but I hope this will
suffice.

Many greetings to all readers of CROWN from Zagreb,

Darko Zubrinic
www.croatianhistory.net

Brian Gallagher & Jasna Celic

The following letter was handed this afternoon to 10
Downing Street. Photograph of the handing above.

5 August 2005

Prime Minister Tony Blair
10 Downing Street,
London,
SW1A 2AA

Dear Prime Minister

We are writing to you on behalf of ourselves and
concerned members of the Croatian community in London
as well as friends of our community.

We are concerned over the indictment of Croatian
General Ante Gotovina and other Croatian Generals by
the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former
Yugoslavia in the Hague as well as British policy
towards Croatia. Today is the tenth anniversary of the
commencement of Croatia’s Operation Storm, effectively
controlled by the United States in 1995, which
liberated large amounts of territory and was
instrumental in saving Bosnia-Herzegovina. It
stopped Slobodan Milosevic, Radovan Karadzic and Ratko
Mladic and brought about the Dayton Peace Accords.

As you are aware, the British government has prevented
Croatia from starting negotiations to join the
European Union due to Croatia failing to hand over
General Gotovina. However, no evidence has been made
public suggesting that the Croatian Government is
deliberately not trying to find General Gotovina.

We wish to bring to your attention a number of
troubling aspects of the indictment against General
Gotovina. As is evident from the indictment, the
Tribunal is characterising Operation Storm as a
criminal enterprise.

Firstly, the Tribunal itself has contradicted the
charges against General Gotovina in their evidence at
the Milosevic trial. In particular, we refer to Peter
Galbraith’s testimony for the prosecutors in which he
explicitly stated that no ethnic cleansing took place
- charges that are at the heart of the indictment. If
the ICTY prosecutors are unconvinced by their own
charges, why should anyone else be?

Furthermore, it is well known that Operation Storm was
in effect controlled by the United States in order to
stop the Greater Serbia project and to bring peace.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was in Srebrenica
recently as part of the commemoration of the atrocity
that occurred there ten years ago. He spoke of the
failure of the international community. It is worth
noting that the UN safe haven of Bihac in
Bosnia-Herzegovina was besieged was by Serbian forces;
had it fallen a Srebrenica style massacre would have
followed. Operation Storm saved Bihac from that fate.
Without the Croatian action, thousands would have
perished at Bihac.

President Bill Clinton in his autobiography points out
that the United States had authorised a private
military company to improve and train the Croatian
military. He points out that he was “rooting” for the
Croats during Operation Storm and quotes a Western
diplomat as saying that the United States used Croatia
as a proxy. As the ICTY is saying that a criminal
enterprise took place, it would also be appearing to
suggest that President Clinton “rooted” for that. This
is not true, and I am sure you would agree that
President Clinton acted properly to save the lives of
thousands and to bring a terrible war to an end. His
actions should not be smeared by the ICTY.

There are many other concerns regarding the
indictments, such as the fact that Croat General
Blaskic was convicted of many crimes he did not
commit, as his appeal showed. This does not inspire
confidence in the ability of ICTY judges to throw out
bad indictments such as the Gotovina one. Further,
there are concerns over the use by the ICTY of
questionable evidence from Serbian officials who took
part in the occupation of Croatia.

Characterising the liberation of Croatia and
Bosnia-Herzegovina as a criminal act could well lead
to territorial claims against Croatia by Greater
Serbia proponents. The charges against Operation
Storm, if they are upheld by a court that has already
made serious mistakes in the past, could lead to
instability in the region.

For that reason, and the other concerns over the
Operation Storm indictments, we believe the United
Kingdom should press for a review of these charges
with a view to dropping them. We also believe that
the United Kingdom should drop its objections to
Croatia joining the EU for the same reasons; the
indictment of General Gotovina cannot be considered
reliable.

Further information is available from us should you
want it. We hope you take our concerns seriously.

In closing, we recommend Croatia to you personally as
a holiday destination. Dubrovnik, Istria and Dalmatia
are considered some of the most beautiful parts of
Europe, indeed the world. We are sure you would enjoy
visiting Croatia with your family.

Yours sincerely

Brian Gallagher
Jasna Celic
Marko Krznaric

Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time

92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each
morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably coiffed and shaved
perfectly applied, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing
home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move
necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the
nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.

"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.

"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my
room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I
arrange my mind. I already decided to love it "It's a decision I make
every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed
recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer
work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day
and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my
life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank
account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I
am still depositing."
Remember the five simple
rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
 

Book review “Inlaid Pearl” Stacie G. Vesolich

By Katarina Tepesh

Tamburica lovers will appreciate a new book, “Inlaid Pearl,” a true story of three generations family, originally escaping hate and violence in the Balkans. Eventually settling in Ohio, they became famous tamburica players known as “Ljubica’s or Libby.” Among hundreds of performances, the highlight was performing at the Inaugural Ball of President Jimmy Carter.

The most precious heirloom, a mandolin adorned with inlaid mother-of-pearl butterflies from the old country, is called “Inlaid Pearl.”

“Inlaid Pearl” is written with much affection in a truthful manner by author Stacie Vesolich. She is a graduate of internationally acclaimed Duquesne University Tamburitzans, along with her husband Steve. Peppered with hilarious humor, such as remarks, “Strong like bull, these Balkan women!” Some of us can identify with the complexity of the English syntax which still baffles many of us speaking with thick accents. Not to mention conjugating verbs. The author chronicles family tragedies and how they dealt with pain, “Life is about living, not only dying.”

Ljubica, whose name means love, is a big part of “Inlaid Pearl”. For example, on cold days, Mama gave Ljubica two hot potatoes to put in each of her coat pockets, thus keeping her hands warm as she walked to school. Ljubica was academically smart as well as athletic, but her father totally opposed any college opportunities. “Vat you need this college for?” he questioned. “You gonna get married – have babies – be a good zena (wife). That’s vat girl must do. Don’t talk no more of this college. I no hear nut-ting more of this.”

Despite obstacles, Ljubica becomes affectionately known as ‘gazdarica’ or big boss in her tamburica orchestra. Among many songs performed, there is also the popular Croatian song “Fala,” as well as remembrances of the Croatian women, wearing muslin skirts delicately embroidered with red and white flowers, which seemed to be flying through the air in a circle dance, called the kolo.

Published by Xulon Press www.xulonpress.com

PBS Program on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

A number of years ago I persuaded Rick Steves to tape a program on both
Slovenia and Croatia and he did. Rudy Maxa just aired a program on
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on PBS two weeks ago and it is awesome! You
can read about the program and order the tape or DVD below.

Judy Feldworth

CROATIA'S DALMATIAN COAST

Limpid, calm waters …. rock bound coves …..and shimmering stone cities – Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is Europe’s less traveled Riviera. Ancient stone towns, renaissance palaces and romantic fortresses dot the landscape. Rocky islands --some inhabited, others wild sanctuaries, beckon across the placid sea. Fresh seafood and wine liven up the cuisine. All that and a sunny climate make Dalmatia a prime Mediterranean destination.
Dalmatia is the coastal region of Croatia with a history of its own. This beautiful and strategic region has been fought over for centuries by the Romans, Venetians, Hungarians, Turks and French. Dalmatia’s more powerful neighbors took what they wanted and kept the populace in poverty. Yet through their ingenuity and independent spirit, the coastal people managed to flourish in the 15th and 16th centuries, boasting a huge merchant fleet. In the early 1990’s a devastating civil war rocked the region. Today, only the mismatched roof tiles recall that war, and tourism has returned full force. Tough, resilient, poetic and proud, Dalmatia today is thriving, and the visitor will find modern facilities, great food and warm, welcoming people.

There’s something mysterious and exotic about the Dalmatian coast. You truly feel as though you have stumbled back in time amid all the turrets, towers and ancient ruins. Add to that the sun, the surf, the solitude and you having the makings of a perfect holiday.

TIP: Visit www.croatia.hr (Croatian National Tourist Board) for a quick lay of the land. For extensive photo galleries of Croatia, www.photocroatia.com's your place.



DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik. Named a World Heritage site for its beauty and cultural significance, this walled medieval gem once reigned as the most powerful city in the southern Adriatic.

The most dramatic and romantic way to know Dubrovnik is to circumnavigate the city walls, taking in views of the town … the tiles roofs ….and the clear blue sea.

The Greeks, Romans and Slavic people all populated this coast. Dubrovnik passed hands many times, but in the 15th and 16th centuries, the city remained fairly independent through the payment of tributes and shrewd alliances. Known as the City State Ragusa, Dubrovnik commanded the third largest merchant fleet in the world. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the city walls stretch for one and a half miles and are as high as 80 feet in some places.

TIP: For more on Dubrovnik as a major tourist destination, read Time Europe Magazine's article from the series Secret Capitals at www.time.com.



STRADUN TO THE HARBOR
The limestone main street, Stradun, polished by centuries of passersby, marches straight through Stari Grad, Dubrovnik’s beautifully preserved old quarter. The city enforces strict rules about upkeep of homes – and signage for shops is limited to a discreet name on the lantern above the door.

At the far end of the Stradun a gate leads to the picturesque harbor. Here, women sell traditional handicrafts and ships come and go into the walled inlet. In the 16th century, Dubrovnik’s sea trade reached its zenith and boats regularly sailed from here to the far corners of the globe. Today enormous cruise ships often loom in the harbor and the streets midday suddenly overflow with tourists.

TIP: For a list of monthly events in Dubrovnik, including performances by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra on the Stradun, go to web.tzdubrovnik.hr.



FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
Roman Catholicism is the religion of the Croat; the Serbs belong to the Eastern Orthodox church. Neighboring Serbia differs culturally as well – influenced by the eastern Roman empire, whereas the west dominated in Dalmatia. Catholicism flourished here, as Popes promoted the building of monasteries and churches. In Dubrovnik’s 14th century Franciscan Monastery, you can wander through lovely cloisters where animal and human heads adorn the dual columns.

Preserved within the monastery is the pharmacy, established in 1391, and one of the oldest in Europe. The monks concocted cures from plant roots and bark and extracted poison from snakes for anti-venom.

TIP: Interested in historical Dubrovnik? You can find a list of churches, palaces, fortresses, and monuments at www.dubrovnik-online.com.



GRAND PALACE HOTEL
Most of Dubrovnik’s hotels are located outside of the old town. At the newly renovated Grand Palace Hotel, every room commands a stunning view of the sea.

Here swimming pools nearly merge with the sea and there’s an open air restaurant where you can gaze out and plan your route to the islands.

TIP: Treat yourself to a stay at www.dubrovnikpalace.hr.



THE ISLAND OF LOKRUM
If you crave a beach break, you can grab a water taxi to the wooded island Lokrum, just 10 minutes away.

In fact, for the best beaches, it’s a good tip to get out of the major towns and take water taxis to nearby islands.

Water taxis ferry people to and from the island and take about 10 minutes. You can also sign up for cruises to various islands for picnics or nature walks. The shore of the island is rocky, with built in ladders to help swimmers down into the sea. A side benefit of the trip is the chance to see Dubrovnik as have so many centuries of invaders, traders, and pirates.

TIP: A regular boat service runs every half hour to Lokrum. You'll find the details at the bottom of the page dubrovnik.laus.hr. For a line on boat charters, check out this short list.



ISLAND HOPPING
The Dalmatian coast can be explored entirely by boat. Ferries run to all the major towns and cities. Or you can rent a sailboat or yacht and design your own itinerary. With over 1100 islands and countless private coves, this gorgeous archipelago is a boater’s paradise.

Croatia today evokes Greece a couple of decades ago --- a vast number of islands set in the cleanest water of the Mediterranean, unspoiled and inexpensive. With a boat the possibilities are endless – un-crowded waters, …well-equipped marinas …and countless private isles you can make your own for an afternoon. For the moment, Croatia manages to balance tourism with unspoiled beauty.

TIP: July and August are busy months, so plan your ferry route early. The Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija runs the majority of routes in the country. You'll find them at www.jadrolinija.hr. For more ferry companies in Croatia as well as information about sailing holidays, be sure to visit www.visit-croatia.co.uk.



THE VILLAGE OF STON
A great excursion from Dubrovnik takes in Penninsula then we island hop to stunning Korcula.

Little more than an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, I came upon a walled town that once provided the Ragusa Republic with riches.

In 1333 when the wall around Ston was completed it was the 2nd largest fortification after the Great Wall of China.

The republic of Ragusa built walls around the town of Ston to protect the saltworks, a series of shallow pools in the bay where salt is still collected today. All the residents of this tiny town were required to harvest salt by hand. Two witnesses had to observe any sale of salt to prevent fraud.

TIP: You'll find more about Ston at www.croatia.hr.



THE VILLAGE OF MALI STON
Next door to Ston, the little fishing village Mali Ston offers the best seafood in Croatia. Oyster and mussel beds dot the bay at Mali Ston. The picturesque walled town formed another important fortification along the Ragusa republic’s northern defenses. Today, the town restaurants serve up all kinds of fish, mussels and Croatia’s best oysters.

Seafood is the coastal staple here in Croatia. Even Italy imports Croatian fish because they say the seafood is better along the rocky coastline on this side of the Adriatic.

Mali Ston is quintessential Croatia – a gentle fishing village lost in time.

TIP: Find out more about Mali Ston at www.croatia.hr. If you'd like to know a great place to relax and taste the region's cuisine, visit the restaurant Rudy visits in this show: Vila Koruna.

TIP: There's a great website for the Peljesac Penninsula on which you'll find lots of info on the towns, plenty of maps, and pictures.



THE GRGICH WINERY
The Peljesac Penninsula also produces some of Croatia’s finest wines.

The grapes in the overgrown vineyards here ripen and sweeten in the sun reflecting off of the sea. At the Grgich winery east meets west. Owner Mike Grgich was born in Croatia but he took his winemaking skills to California to produce world class Zinfandel and Chardonnay. After Croatia gained its independence, Grgich returned to start a small winery. Grgich claims the Plavac Mali grape grown here is a cousin of the Californian Zinfandel. The estate produces a red Plavac Mali and white Posip wines.

TIP: Want to find the winery? Here's the address. If you want to know more about Croatian wines and winemakers, as well as where to find them, www.hrvatska-vina.com's the the place for you. If that's not enough, check out www.chiff.com as well.

TIP: If you find those fancy Croatian wine labels tough to read, www.hr will clear up any confusion in a hurry.

TIP: Finally, Mike Grgich has been producing wines at the Grgich Hills vineyards, in the heart of California's Napa Valley, since 1977. Be sure to visit the Grgich Hills website for the great story of how Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition.



KORCULA
The Peljesac Penninsula offers sandy beaches and pleasant towns, but the real gem lies across the water from the town of Orebic.

The car ferry at Orebic carries passengers 2 miles across to the island of Korcula and to the stunning town for which the island is named.

Perhaps the most romantic of all the Croatian walled beauties, Korcula makes a spectacular first impression.

The town took its present form from the 13th to 15th centuries. The streets curve to form a leaf-like grid to minimize the effects of a strong northeast wind and to maximize cool breezes from the west. Grey stone houses, red tiled roofs, fortress walls and a splash of green palm trees --- Korcula town makes an idyllic island retreat.

Korcula claims adventurer Marco Polo as their native son. Many experts agree Marco Polo came from Croatia, but from which town, no one is certain. Yet it was surely in these waters off of Korcula in 1298, that a battle raged between Venice and Genoa and Marco Polo was captured. Later, in a Genoa prison he recounted his travels to a fellow inmate who wrote them down.

For swimming, touring, stopping at towns or monasteries, a boat trip from the island makes for a great adventure. On my trip I hit a sudden squall and caught Korcula looking quite dramatic.

The Venetian influence in Korcula is manifested in lacy architecture. From the 10th century, Venice controlled much of Dalmatia for some 800 years.

Korcula’s main cathedral, St Marks, features expert carvings in its pale limestone, some by 15th century artisans from Italy. Limestone quarries on the island provided Dubrovnik with stone and master carvers from the republic taught Korcula artisans their craft.

TIP: The town of Korcula is also well known for its dramatic sword dance, Moreska. Find out the story of this fascinating dance, as well as where to find others in Croatia, at www.korculainfo.com.

TIP: For a great 3D map of Korcula town, including ferry locations, check out www.korculainfo.com. When you've had your fill of the town, hop a catamaran up the coast to Split. Here's the schedule.



THE CITY OF SPLIT
With a car, you can explore other towns and beaches on the island. You can even search the internet or travel agencies for vacation homes to rent in a private cove along this gorgeous coastline.

Back on the mainland, we tour the ancient city of Spilt and its neighbor, little Trogir, then hop a ferry to one last island, Hvar.

Croatia’s second largest city, Split began as a Roman Palace and today a jumble of centuries exist within its glorious shell.

Split sprang from a Roman emperor’s desire to retire to the peaceful, secluded Dalmatian paradise where he was born. The year was 295, and after years of trying to whip the empire in shape and ruthlessly persecuting Christians, the emperor Diocletian opted out.

He built a colossal palace – over a million square feet of apartments, temples, barracks and baths. The largest private residence in the ancient world, Dioletian’s retreat survives in remarkably good shape.

The peristyle or open square with its granite columns once served as the public meeting place and grand entranceway to the imperial quarters. Diocletian spared no expense, importing what were even to him ancient black granite sphinxes from Egypt that date all the way from the 15th century BC.

The mausoleum of Diocletian later became a Christian church – St Dominus. The principal structure and the dome, which was once covered in gold – date from Diocletian’s day. Baroque chapels, 3rd century Corinthian columns, and 13th century walnut and oak doors make for a dazzling hotchpotch of styles.

To get a sense of the vastness of the palace, take a trip below to the unadorned underground where the layout of the rooms mirrors the palace rooms that once stood above.

TIP: For interesting detail on the palace, take a look at the on-line article from the Australian National University.



SPLIT ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Just outside the city center, the evocative Split Archeological Museum, takes us back to Diocletian’s roots. Here in a lovely courtyard you can wander among sarcophagi from ancient town Salona, where Diocletian was born.

Enchanting mosaics and eerily life like tomb sculptures are jumbled together in a way that makes you feel you are discovering them for the first time. The city of Salona or Solin was located four miles northeast of Split. A great Roman city in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Salona was the capitol of Dalmatia. In Diocletian’s time the city had a population of 60,000 and many splendid buildings. The tombs often depict couples and the realistic portraits demonstrate great sculptural command.

The most remarkable piece in the collection: a glowing tomb illustrating the Greek story of Phaedra, who falls in love with her stepson and then kills herself. The tomb was buried with the relief side protected by a building, thus the remarkable preservation.

TIP: Find Croatian museums on the internet, go to www.mdc.hr.



CROATIAN NECKTIES
In 1635, a group of Croatian mercenaries arrived in Paris to lend aid to King Louis XIII. The French were immediately struck by the soldier’s silk scarves which they tied loosely around their necks. The fashion caught fire. The French called the scarf la croat which later turned into la cravate, and thus the modern necktie was born.

Croatian neckties are made of silk and handcrafted. The designs reflect the mingling of east and west – a touch of the exotic mingled with a classic design.

(soundbite) I think it says buy this tie in ancient Croatian … buy this tie… buy this tie .. buy this tie

TIP: Boutique Croata has many locations in Croatia. Visit their homepage for address and phone info. There, you can also order neckties to your heart's content.



THE MESTROVIC MUSEUM
For something completely different and more modern in Split, the Mestrovic Gallery houses a collection of sculpture by Ivan Mestrovic. The artist was born on the coast in 1883. An illiterate Shepard boy, Mestrovic began attracting attention with his wood carvings and was soon apprenticed to a stone carver in Split. His work went on to receive international acclaim. Mestrovic’s sculptures are influenced by Greek classical art and inspired by religion and Croatian nationalism. His fluid lines and swooning bodies are sensual, poignant and powerful.

TIP: The museum hosts many fascinating "virtual walks" of the collection, as well as the grounds, at www.mdc.hr.



TROGIR
Nestled on a small island, the little town of Trogir is a car free open air museum with splendid 13th to 15th century buildings on display.

An hour’s drive north of Split, romantic Trogir makes a nice day trip. The narrow streets of the town reverberate with history. First the Greeks settled here, then the Romans established an important port. In the 10th century, Venice and Hungary warred for possession of the Dalmatian coast and Trogir sided with the Hungarians in exchange for a degree of independence. Art and architecture flourished. In the 15th century Venice finally took over the town and added its own distinctive style.

Here, as elsewhere in Croatian towns, economic and comfortable accommodations can be had by renting local apartments. Travel agents and the internet are great resources.

Trogir’s gloriously faded stone streets are some of the narrowest and most evocative in Croatia. The town was also named a World Heritage site.

TIP: You'll find an excellent on-line city guide of Trogir and the surrounding area at www.trogir-online.com. Also, for a quick tour of the city, visit www.e-trogir.com and select the site links along the right side of your screen.



HVAR
A long day trip from Split or an ideal getaway for a few days our last island stop awaits.

We’re docking at another spectacular island, Hvar. Pirates once cruised these waters until the Venetians drove them out in the 13th century, then the town flourished.

The Venetian legacy of fine carving and renaissance palaces graces Hvar town, the most beautiful town on the island. In the 15th century, Hvar grew quite wealthy, as all Venetian boats stopped here en route to and from Venice. Today the island town attracts wealthy European vacationers.

A pleasant afternoon can be had strolling along the waterfront and shopping for lavender products. Lavender grows in profusion on the hillsides and you can purchase the perfumed herb in many forms.

A long seaside walkway hugs the shore and meanders past rocky coves and small beaches. At the end of the promenade, a 15th century Franciscan Monastery stands watch over a sleepy cove. Here too, water taxis ferry people to islands for swimming or exploring. Some vacation rentals on the island include a boat for guests.

Sweet views can be had from the Fortress Spanjol, a fortified medieval castle built to defend against attacks from all the invaders who coveted these shores.

TIP: There's quite a wealth of information on-line if you're getting ready to visit this getaway, or even if you just want to know more. Our top three picks: www.hvar.hr, www.hvar-travel.com, and www.sunnyhvar.com. The ferry schedules alone from various locations along the Dalmatian coast are especially helpful.



VISIT CROATIA
Croatia captivates. With its translucent waters,…. secluded islands,…. and walled towns: …no wonder people have battled for this land for centuries. Countless travelers who have ventured here for a quick stop have found themselves abandoning their plans and staying longer in this enchanted land.

Here on an island forgotten by time, there is nothing to do but enjoy some fresh local seafood and wine and watch the sun set over the blue coves of the Mediterranean. From Paradise Found, I’m Rudy Maxa on the Dalmatian coast.

TIP: The Croatian Embassy in London provides a helpful "mini guide." Take advantage of this handy travel resource by visiting croatia.embassyhomepage.com. Next to the waterfalls picture, click on create a mini guide and check just the type of information you'd like to include in the guide. When you're done, click on "create mini guide" at the bottom of the page. Print the result for your convenience, or you can send it along to a friend.

http://www.smarttravels.tv/SmartTravels/europe/tips%20&%20links/Croatias_Dalmatian_Coast.htm