Split, Croatia – July 30th, 2009.

After a pretty dreadful breakfast, that consisted of stale bread and tuna paste (seriously nothing else) and a lukewarm coffee, I leave for the bus station with Sarah. We both decide to get some decent food at the supermarket before buying our tickets.

My bus leaves pretty much straight away, so I bid farewell (totally tear worthy – not really) to Sarah and hop onto the bus. However, the bus is fairly packed and I score the last seat.

The bus ride is ridiculous. Packed to the brim. We still stop to pick up people. Who don’t have a seat and end up standing for the journey. I feel pity for them, if it wasnt for the jerk next to me thinking he deserves the ballspace of a porn star. My journey is spent trying to get room for myself from this swesty dick next to me.

On arrival at split, I hop off and am bombarded with cute nannas offering me a room. However, I already have a bed at the Adriatic Hostel. Which has an ideal location, next to a supermarket and the local markets.

I don’t do much else with the day but sleep. Then watch some sports (swimming world champs) and drink beer. Not to mention my awesome spag bol I cooked up and made fuckers jealous with. We drink beer and play some drinking games before setting off for the nightlife of Split.

We head to this little bar behind the main square of Split. We drink a few pints, before splitting (pun intended of course) to the club via the pekara (bakery). The club is right on the waterfront, is cheap as and has an amazing amount of hot croatian woman. It goes beer, shot, beer, shot….repeat for quite some time. Add in some cheesy dance moves and its good.

At about 5am the lights come up and we start to make the trek home. We end up walking along the beach, when we get the swell idea to go for a swim. I get a shock at how salty the water is. But there is a good 20 people enjoying an early morning dip. Its not long til people start taking off their undies and its a skinny dip time.

We try to warm up by tucking into some savoury goods at the pekara (thank you for being open so late or early) and stumble back to the hostel as the sun starts to hit the sky.

We get to the hostel, and see a group of about 10 people at the bottom of the stairs to the hostel. They couldnt get in, ouch, and we crashing out the front and waiting for someone to come home.

Plitvice Lakes National Park – July 28th, 2009.

Waking up early is not exactly great, and I don’t think my Argentinian room mates are impressed with me. But I have to be up early, have to be at the bus station at about 8, otherwise I won’t get to see why I originally come to Zadar for.

I go and grab a coffee from the shop and update my journal for a bit whilst waiting for Sarah to meet me to go to the bus station. We clamber onto the bus, and plug in the iPod and fall asleep. Its a two hour bus ride to the magnificent Plitvice National Park.

We get stopped about an hour and a half into the journey at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere. Its a good time for a quick ‘relief’ stop. I get a bit weirded out by the numerous stuffed bears and other animals. Its not til after relieving myself that Sarah motions me to out the back of the gas station.

Out the back of the station, are two fenced in areas. One has a few deer in them. The other has a 2 big brown bears roaming around and a little baby cub. Definitely weirdest truck stop I’ve been too, but something surreal.

Its not long til we are dropped off at the Entrance to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. And its a short walk from the bus stop through some gardens to the entrance. A small fee gurantees us entry and transport around the park (if we are to see it all, we really do need the transport). And we look at the map to discuss what route we should take. We eventually decide on the K walk (I think, from memory) which lasts about 5-7 hours. We need to do it in 5 otherwise we’re camping out here with not much more than the clothes on our back.

We hang and wait for the train to pick us up. In reality it is a tractor pulling people around. It makes the hike up to the top of the Park bearable. And its not long til we get there.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is really a bunch of lakes, waterfalls and rivers that are an outstanding bit of nature. The lakes have this rather turqoise blue shade to it. The area was actually taken over by the serbs during the hostile period in the early 90’s and its pretty unsafe to walk away from the marked paths as there are landmines still around.

The beauty of this place is unmatched, it really is amazing. Its something that is completely unexpected – you hear of it and its beauty – and sometimes your let down a bit by all the talk about a place. Then you get here and witness it and your blown away.

We make our way along the top lakes, which are massive expanses of water, with some stunning falls. Before having lunch waiting for the boat to take us over the biggest lake here and down to the most popular part of the park.

The next part is really spectacular. Its a tiny gorge, filled with tiny turqoise lakes, and waterfalls. The beauty is there, but its sort of overwhelmed with tourists.

We go check out the Veliki Slap (english translation Big Waterfall) as its the biggest fall here, before making our way up to the ridge and wandering back and witnessing the lakes from above, truly magnificent.

We get to the ‘train’ stop and wait whilst having a good old fashioned ice cream – it is that hot the ice cream melts before I can even open the package. And then have a kip whilst waiting for the bus back to Zadar.

Upon arrival at Zadar, we grab some turkey breasts and wraps and head back to the hostel with a few beers and have some dinner. Its here were we hear the ‘dreadful contiki conversation’. To keep this g-rated, well lets just say it involved his sister, getting married, and not wanting her husband to find out she wasn’t a virgin. Yes Restitching the hymen. Ouch. But to top it off, he said it in a ocker tone and as loud as physically possible.

We decide to bolt and go for a walk along the beach, where we find a pier to sit on and just let the night flow by for a bit. We head back and plan to go to the bus stop together. Its off to Split tomorrow.

Suti 
Trag od krede
Ne tice me se 
Trosi i uzivaj 
Normalno
Cesto 
Lepoglava  Magazin feat. Miroslav Skoro & Djordje Novkovic 
Slatko, ljuto, kiselo  
Kad bi bio blizu  
Da li znas da te ne volim

NECU SE VRATITI 4,02 
DOSLO VRIJEME… 3,20  
MAFIJA 3,42 
BUBI,BUBI 3,32  
ALELUJA 2,52  
UBIJA ME,UBIJA 3,23  
SOK 3,06 MAGAZIN 
PLAKAT CU SUTRA 3,05  
SVEJEDNO JE 3,20 
MADONA

Koma  
Car  
Zadnja epizoda
E, moj anđele 
Neću plakat’ namjerno
Dama
Vino iz Makedonije
Čija sam kad tvoja nisam
Dva bora 
Teško je umrijeti sretan

Kilde: Bortført.no / Nyheter

Da Evas sønn ble bortført nektet politiet å motta anmeldelsen. Hun fikk ingen hjelp. Verdifull tid gikk tapt og hun bestemte seg for å leie inn eksperthjelp fra ABP World Group.

Gutten hadde blitt bortført til Mitrovica i Kosovo av barnefar og Eva ønsket hjelp med å lokalisere og bringe ham hjem.

Det ble sendt et 3 manns team ifra ABP til Kosovo. Byrået har kontaktnettverk i de fleste land i verden, og det gjelder også Balkan. De har og taktiske team som ved behov kan hente ut barnet fysisk fra bortførers oppholdssted.

Huset der barnet befant seg ble lokalisert, samt møter med lokale maktpersoner med beslutningsansvar ble avholdt, slik som politisjefer, ministre, Department of Justice i Pristina med flere.

Martin Waage fra ABP hadde via kontakter ordnet seg med en høyerestående polititjenestemann som guide og “døråpner”. Ambassadøren, Sverre Johan Kvaale, og hans medarbeidere forklarte om hva de kunne assistere med og hva som var deres begrensninger, men påpekte at de var mer enn velvillige til å gjøre hva som kunne gjøres fra deres side.

For å gjøre en lang historie kort: Evas sønn ble returnert to måneder etter at Waage hadde fått oppdraget. Saken løste seg med fredlige midler.

Hvert år blir om lag 50 norske barn bortført til utlandet. Myndighetene viser liten vilje og handlekraft til å få returnert norske barn. Norske myndigheter klarer ikke å få til samme resultat som Martin Waage fra ABP – ganske enkelt fordi de ikke prioriterer disse barna.

Vi ser gang på gang at myndighetene gir foreldre urealistiske forventninger om sjansene til å få tilbake barna med rettslige midler. Foreldre henvises til lange, kostbare, og som oftest, håpløse rettsprosser i utlandet. Vi ønsker å gjøre noe aktivt slik at flere bortførte barn returneres til Norge og at det blir mindre attraktivt å bortføre norske barn.

Bortført-fondet skal gjøre foreldre i stand til å kjøpe inn tjenester fra spesialister i sikkerhetsoppdrag, som skal lokalisere og tilbakeføre bortførte barn til Norge.

Vil du hjelpe? Besøk Bortført.no

I make my way to the youth hostel in Zadar, and just my luck there is only one. On exiting the bus and going to the hostel, I realise its a YHA hostel, and then met with a Contiki bus. I literally just go “Oh fuck!”. If you know me, you will know my displeasure for ‘bus/coach tours’ of Europe. Especially those aimed at 18-35. And the name Contiki. The next night I will hear the worst story by a dickhead traveller on one of these tours – and it pretty much sums up why I hate them.

Anyway, seeing as I cannot check in to 1pm I dump my bags and go explore Zadar. I get off the bus, and see a supermarket and grab some breakky – yoghurt and chocolate milk! Score. So I scoff my food whilst walking down to the harbour. And across the bridge to the Old Town.

Roman Forum, Zadar.

I make my way down to the Town Square, before heading down to the Riveria. Where I stumble upon what is called the sea organ, which is actually an organ that is played by the movements of the ocean and the sounds are unbelieveable. There is also the Sun Clock next to it but thats pretty boring, except for the massive boat next to it. I end up lazing on the step next to the sea organ and reading a book, before drifting off to catch some sleepy zzzz’s.

Sea Organ, Zadar.

I head back through the town and back to the hostel, via the shop for some lunch (trusty baguette with salami and cheese). I check into my room, and sit outside and eat my food.

Its getting a little bit on the hot side, so I go off to the local beach and go for a swim. And I am not really used to it, because unlike in Spain/Portugal the beaches here are rocks and pebbles. Bloody torturous on your feet. Its great once you get out in the water, but the trek down to the water is terrible.

After a swim, I make my way to the town again, and grab a few beers. On my way down to the harbour I see some Croatian Crooner belting out a song for a music video….looks as gay as Smithers.

Croatian music video shoot...weird.

I go and sit by the sea organ and watch the sun go down and people watch. It is by far one of the prettier and relaxing sunsets I have witnessed.

Sunset over Zadar.Chilling with a beer.

Sunset Dive.

On the way back to the hostel, I run into a group of breakdancers – they are an overbundane of these guys in Europe. And also a pretty good water polo game.

Night time water polo on the Zadar Riveria.

Back at the hostel I run into a girl named Sarah, who is also making plans to go to Plitvice Lakes National Parks tomorrow. So we organise to meet up fairly early in the morning and head there together.

I have a few quiet beers at the hostel garden, mainly due to the massive amount of kids nearby and doss pretty early.

A team of British architects was hired to build the first ever revolving hotel in the world. The revolving luxury hotel will be in Croatia and it boasts of giving different views to their clientele every morning and every evening.
The architects of Studio RHE based in London will spearhead the £70 million project. It is expected to be completed by of 2012 according to a press release.

The idea of the revolving hotel solves the dream of the owners to give their guests a different view of the sea and the island of Solta in Croatia. The engineering of the structure will derive its DNA from the shipyards of Split. The rotating portion of the hotel will be a 200 feet high 3-storey section which houses about 50 of their suites. The rooms will rotate 1.3 times everyday from their turntable middle concealed by a manmade lake.

The guests will be welcomed in a static hub which is about 72 feet across. The guests will then be led to an elevator which will take them to a walkway going to their accommodation on the rotating section.

According to the chief architect, Hywel Evans, the movement of the structure will be very slow and smooth that the guests staying in the spinning section will not be able to notice it. Aside from the rotating hotel, the development will give way to a new marina, yacht club, villas, and guest pavilions.

The project was commissioned by the Croatian company The Profectus Group.

In case you are thinking of purchasing the new global version of Amazon’s Kindle for Christmas, be aware that there are still quite a few places that the global version will NOT work.  I was disappointed to find that the new version still will not work in my country.

Apparently the new global version will only work in SOME countries.   I thought it would be helpful to most expats to have a complete list of which countries it will, or will not work in (below).

It’s also interesting to note the PATTERN of groups of countries where the Kindle doesn’t work–some countries probably lack satellite coverage or delivery systems, while others probably don’t WANT readers to be able to download whatever they want by satellite.

STARRED (*) countries marked below indicate that Kindle needs to be ordered from a SPECIAL PAGE on the Amazon site.

The Global Kindle version DOES work in (as of Dec. 2009):

Aland Islands, Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia*, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Boznia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldovia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozembique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Réunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,  Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands – British, Virgin Islands – U.S.,  Wallis and Futuna, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Global Kindle version does NOT work in (as of Dec. 2009) the following countries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Antarctica, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Chad, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Gambia, Guinea, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea – Democratic People’s Republic of, Korea – Republic of, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco (including the Western Sahara), New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Pitcairn, Qatar, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands, Sudan, Svalbard and Jan Mayan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uzbekistan,  Yemen.

Nature and Animal Conservation

 

     Preserving species and their habitats is important for ecosystems to self-sustain themselves. Yet, the pressures to destroy habitat for logging, illegal hunting, and other challenges are making conservation a struggle.

Visit : http://www.globalissues.org/article/1…

 What is Biodiversity ?

 

    The variety of life on Earth, its biological diversity is commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species, the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth.

   

    Appropriate conservation and sustainable development strategies attempt to recognize this as being integral to any approach. Almost all cultures have in some way or form recognized the importance that nature, and its biological diversity has had upon them and the need to maintain it. Yet, power, greed and politics have affected the precarious balance.

Does it really matter if there arent so many species?

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play.

For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops; greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms; and healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters.

And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to preserve the diversity in wildlife.

Who Cares?

  Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops; greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms; and healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters.

And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to preserve the diversity in wildlife.

Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions

It is feared that human activity is causing massive extinctions. From various animal species, forests and the ecosystems that forests support, marine life. The costs associated with deteriorating or vanishing ecosystems will be high. However, sustainable development and consumption would help avert ecological problems.

 

  

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The white ribbon has become the symbol for the day.

Click on the picture to join the Community

When you think of Croatia what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s communism and the fight for independence that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others who have the inside scoop, it’s images of romantic white sand beaches along the Dalmatian Coast or the national parks and mountain landscapes that are unmatched anywhere in the world. But, did you know that Croatia is quickly becoming known as the world’s hottest extreme adventure destinations for snowboarders?

In fact, snow-loving adrenaline junkies from all around the globe are discovering that Croatia is home to some of the best boarding available, everything from the fluffiest powder to the gnarliest jumps and natural terrain parks for freeriding fun!

Croatia is a hidden gem – both when it comes to its amazing real estate market and its relatively unknown status as a snowboarding and skiing destination. But, those in the know are boarding planes, trains, and automobiles (dogsleds are optional) to get to one of the premiere snowboarding locales in all the world. They’re keeping their mouths shut – sometimes not even telling their closest snowboarding cronies – because the pristine mountains of Croatia are just that delicious!

With a relatively low mountain altitude throughout the country, there are only a few destinations that you should concern yourself with. The following three locations are known worldwide by a select few as the best of the best in Croatian downhill for boarders.

Bjelolasica

Yes it’s definitely a mouthful, but once you arrive, you won’t care if you don’t know how to say it or spell it because it’s a boarder’s ultimate dream. Home of the Croatian Olympic Centre, Bjelolasica is as good as place as any to strap on your board and point yourself downhill. Readily accessible from all regions of Croatia, this center of winter mountain activity is a staple in the Croatian landscape. Ironically, the Croatian ski team – which calls this mountain home – actually practice in Austria. But, don’t let this discourage you – it just means that you’ll have more space to practice your powder-filled descents.

Sljeme

Sljeme found in Zagreb is located on the northern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. Home of world cup events for skiing, it’s a relatively unknown (equals great opportunity for you to cut your own line) in the snowboarding world. In the world-class resort, Sljeme offers you all the amenities you’ve come expect but is paired with a genuine Croatian hospitality that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Whether on the mountain or in the lodge, this will definitely be an experience you’ll never forget.

Velika
Head to Velika if you’re into spicy sausage or off-the-beaten path snowboarding. With a love wine and fish, locals around Papuk Mountain can not only feed you well, but will point you to a great snow-filled vacation. Definitely not the biggest of mountains you’ll ever board – truth be told, none of the Croatian mountains are equipped to shock you with sheer size – this is definitely one of the most quaint and pristine that you’ll find anywhere in Europe. Remove all the glitz and glam you find throughout the Alps and replace it with a feeling of warmth and a slower pace of life and then you’ll start to appreciate the magic of Velika and all the Croatian winter boarding destinations.

So, if you’re headed to Croatia, take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Adriatic Sea or the beauty of the hinterlands. Take in the remarkable national parks and infectious warmth of the quaint towns and local folks. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But, when you’ve had your fill of these more placid experiences, grab your board, head up to the mountains, and – even if you don’t do it yourself – check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are loving the newest cold spot to tear it up, Croatia!

Bled, Slovenia – July 26th, 2009.

Up pretty early by my standards, we leave at 9 for Canyoning, and I grab some breakfast – big tub of yoghurt – and wait for the girls at their hostel. They seem to have had a pretty big night after I left – with some picking up slovenian men and going for a midnight dip in the lake. Georgie is still drunk and does a ‘Ashley’ jig from Cesky.

Doing the 'Ashley' Jig.

We hop in the car, and head out of town.  Before being called back as someone was left behind. We go to our guides crib and pick up our equipment which consisted of running shoes, booties, wetsuits and helmets. Piling into the car, we get driven out into the hills of the surrounding mountains, and end up between Bohinj and Bled at a canyon site.

We are told to put ALL of our stuff in the wetsuit and place them on like a backpack – see pic for details. And hike up about 20 minutes to the top of the canyon. Where our guide tells everyone to immediatly go to the toilet, as not to piss our wetties. Its a bit of a struggle getting on the wetsuits for most people but before you know it, the guides giving us all the info we need before setting off down the river.

Our wettie backpacks.

We climbed down into the canyon and were told to sit on the edge of this little pool – where the guide immediatly splashed us with ice cold water. Which was a good idea as we were just about to do our first dive into icy cold water.

The next few hours were spent traversing, sliding, jumping and climbing through a picturesqe canyon in Slovenia. And I must admit it was one of the most funnest activities I have done. Certainly an awesome experience. And plan to do it again, but at a higher degree of difficulty.

The gangs all here. After our canyoning trip.

We go back to the hostel, where we cook up some yummy omelletes before I say goodbye to the girls and head off to the train station to go to Ljubljana and then a train to Zagreb. Before getting on a night train to Zadar.

This would have to be one of the worst, but certainly one of the memorable train rides I have taken. The first train to Zagreb was fine – it was an Austrian train so it was modern and up to date. However, at Zagreb – where I got a quick snap – and a feed. Before getting onto the next train.

The train to Zadar was an old fashion rattler, it had compartments and I’d managed to score one by myself for a while, til some friendly Germans joined myself in the carriage with an iPod dock and speakers. Thinking I’m gonna have a pretty good trip, the ticket conductor gets on board and tells me I have to go to a different carriage as this one will be seperated and going to Split, where as I’m going to Zadar.

Zagreb Station....not much going here.

So I head to the rear carriages as told, and I have a look at all the compartments. There is one with room – an old lady, a dog and a daughter (I presume) – and ask them if I can take a seat. Only to be rudely told “Seats taken” in a forrest gump kind of stupor. Fair enough. So I dump my back in the aisle and watch as the country side goes by in darkness with a twinkly of light.

I go to get comfy leaning up against my bag in the aisle, before the friendly Austrian girl who caught the train with me from Ljubljana comes up to me and says she has a spot for me in her compartment. Sweet.

The compartment is rather small, cramped and has 4 people. We all sort of spread out, and weave around each other as best as possible whilst trying to sleep. It was basically human tetris.

Its not long til we’re all drifting off to the rattle of the train carriage.

Are you ready to retire? With the real estate market in a full-blown meltdown, the U.S. on the verge of a recession, and the stock market tumbling, it is not a fun time to consider retiring. In fact, many potential retirees have to extend their working years later and later just so they can scrape by. It just doesn’t seem fair.

What happened to living the good life in your “golden years”? Where did your dreams of finally relaxing after years of hard work vanish? Do you worry about how you’ll ever make ends meet?

If you are feeling the pinch and punch of this “uncomfortable” time in U.S. history, you are certainly not alone. Countless thousands of individuals in their late 50s, 60s, and even 70s, both those already retired as well as those ready to retire, are being faced with the prospect of having to keep working or even return to the workforce just to get by. Once respectable nest eggs and savings are quickly diminishing with the fall of the stock market, and with rapidly falling house prices, the money many expected they’d make on their home sale, just isn’t going to pay out.

Dreams of retiring to such domestic hotspots as Florida, Arizona, or California just aren’t feasible any more. But, don’t fret; more and more Americans are realizing there is an alternative. More and more retirees are pulling up their roots and beginning one of the biggest, most exciting adventures of their lifetimes – they’re choosing to invest in one of the world’s best-kept retirement secrets: Croatia!

Though Croatia is commonly seen as a repressed eastern European country filled with drab colors and an oppressive government, the wealth, recovery, and beauty of the land is in­comparable to that of any other country in all of Europe. Filled with gorgeous coasts, mountains, and hinterlands, as well as countless island paradises you ever will see, Croatia is truly a sight to see.

In fact, many Americans have already made the decision to see it and call Croatia home, and that’s in addition to thousands of English-speaking expatriates from around the world who make Croatia one of the most desirable locations to retire.

There’s never been a better time to live and invest in Croatia. With the recent inflation in most of the world’s beach resort locations, comparatively prices are incredibly affordable in Croatia. The entire country is booming with life in its newfound independence and retirees are scooping up cream of the crop properties at seriously discounted prices. Add to that the fact that all of Europe is readily accessible from this hidden gem and the reasons to retire to Croatia keep getting better and better.

With unmatched beauty from the Dalmatian Coast, Istria, Slavonia, and throughout the countless islands, as well up into the mountains and hinterlands – Croatia is a never-ending retiree dream with activities, culture, easily accessible destinations and more for the young at heart who are looking for the best place in the world to spend their golden years.

Once reserved for the world’s elite and most savvy investors, Croatian real estate investing is quickly becoming the best way for retirees to find their own seventh heaven and begin living the lives they always dreamed were possible. If you’ve ever dreamed of living, investing, or retiring to your very own private paradise, don’t miss the opportunity to start living the good life you deserve in Croatia.

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots in the world to buy property. Foreigners are finally realizing what the locals have known all along – the stunning seascapes, breathtaking country scenery, and comparatively low prices to other similar destinations offered in this delightful country are unmatched anywhere.

Now, as it embraces its decade of independence, real estate has never been more desirable and investors, retirees, and the adventurous are all seeking their chance to own a piece of this once-hidden European gem.

However, with the best locations and prices getting scooped up at a startling rate, the temptation for many is to rush in and buy, buy, buy. And, while it’s true that those who wait are going to miss the opportunity to acquire inexpensive and beautiful property, those that rush in too quickly and without the right preparation are going to get burned! When you try to live or invest in Croatia without having the inside scoop, your dream paradise can quickly turn into a full-blown nightmare!

With something for everyone – from its beaches that rival those in Italy, France, and Hawaii to its glorious mountains and quaint towns – Croatia is a great place to start your dream life. But, it’s so very important to make sure you equip yourself with the latest information, strategies, and techniques to make sure your investment in a new life pays off. Specifically, you’ll want to avoid some of the most common pitfalls of the Croatian real estate market. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 3 things you must do if you want to find your paradise in Croatia.

1. Find a Real Estate Agent
When buying real estate in any foreign country, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a local real estate agent. This is true in Croatia. There are three criteria you must verify to make sure you have the best realtor working for you:

* Make sure that the agency you use has an available agent that speaks your na­tive language. Miscommunication can lead to very bad deals.

* Find an agency that has a large database of material for you to look through. You want to be able to see pictures, learn the property’s history, and find out all the minor details that could affect your choice.

* Use an agent that will help you by offering an in-house lawyer or a highly recom­mended one (more on this in a moment). When it comes to the legalities of buying a property under Croatian law, you want to make sure that you follow all the rules. Choose not to do so at your own risk.
When following these three criteria and using your commonsense, you’ll definitely find a qualified realtor for your needs.

2. Find a Real Estate Attorney
It is highly recommended that you enlist the help of a local reputable real estate attorney. They should have little difficulty tracing the history of the property you wish to buy. Also, there are some important legal considerations indigenous to Croatia that you should know about before making any deals with the locals. A realtor can help save you a lot of time, energy, and legal fees. Only an established attorney has the resources to determine whether or not your property has a clear title. Failure to do so will result in legal battles, not something that makes your piece of paradise all that heavenly!

3. Find Power in Knowledge & Title Insurance
It is important for you to realize that the Croatian real estate market is not as simple as that in the U.S. – this can be good or bad for investors or both. The good news is that those with the insider information can still get amazing deals. The bad news is that confusing areas of real estate transactions, particularly title clarity, gives rise to disputes over the proper ownership of many properties. Attempting to purchase some of these could truly open a can of worms that you just don’t want to deal with.

This is why it’s imperative that you purchase title insurance when you buy property in Croatia. Knowing that the seller is truly the registered owner of the property and legally allowed to sell is something many Americans overlook, but more and more real estate scams arise with people selling property that doesn’t actually belong to them. It’s outrageous, but you can easily understand how a great price, a language barrier, and other factors can lead to foreigners jumping on a deal that “sounds too good to be true.” But, rest easy, both your realtor and attorney should be well-versed in the process involved. The peace of mind you’ll gain when you know that the property you’ve bought is really and truly yours is going to be priceless.

When it comes to avoiding real estate pitfalls in Croatia, the three tips above are really just the tip of the iceberg. Again, the Croatian market is hotter than ever. Take the time necessary to educate yourself, then jump in to one of the most exciting adventures and rewarding experiences of your life – owning property in this European gem.

You’re strolling along white sand beaches, your toes digging into the warmth. Sunshine is sparkling off whitecaps on the crystal blue as you splash in the sea. Perhaps another cocktail? A seaside concert? Dinner at a 4-star restaurant? Wow, surely you must be vacationing along the famed Amalfi Coast in Italy, or along the luxurious French Mediterranean, or maybe even one of the tropical Hawaiian Islands, right? Wrong!

You’re in Croatia!

That’s right – this once war-torn country that just recently won its final independence is quickly becoming known as one of the best beach vacation destinations in the world.

That’s right – this once poor eastern European country hidden under years of oppression is now being revealed as the seaside gem that cannot be missed for the jet set and suburban traveler alike.

With some of the most well-known world vacation beaches being overrun by crowds, exorbitant prices, and tourist traps on every corner, the time to find a new sandy retreat is desperately needed. Acclaimed as being more hospitable, more beautiful, and more affordable than almost any other coastal destination, Croatia offers a lot of everything for any beach lover. Let’s take a look at the three best Croatian regions within which to dip your toes into the Adriatic.

Istria

If you have never been to Croatia, there is no better place to start than Istria. Located in western Croatia, Istria’s coastline stretches on for miles and is dotted with numerous gorgeous beaches, bays, and quaint villages that will magically transport you to a better time. Bordering Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, Croatia is like a European smorgasbord of culture, cuisine, and cool sea breezes!

Because Istria was held by Italy before World War II, you will find colorful Italian traditions and culture around every corner. Whether you want to eat authentic Italian truffles, stay in a beautiful palazzo, or simply feel like you are in Italy for a fraction of the price, Istria the place for you.

If you want a break from sunbathing on the beach or one of the countless offshore island paradises, Istria is filled with incredible historical and cultural attractions. Whether you want to take a tour of the medieval architecture in Pazin or take in a concert in Groznjan, Istria is the place to be (and, if you don’t ever want to leave, lucky for you, there’s never been a better time to buy real estate in Istria either). It’s hard to imagine any more romantic destination than Istria, but – believe it or not – you can find just that in nearby Dalmatia.

Dalmatia

One of my all-time favorite regions of Croatia is the Dalmatian Coast. Located in the southern part of the country, Dalmatia is reminiscent of the most dramatic spots along the French or Italian Riviera – but without nearly as many tourists as either of these locations (or of Istria either).

The first thing you’ll notice in this region is the water. It’s the clearest, most sparkling blue you’ll find anywhere in the world. The entire coast – all its islands, coves, and beaches – seem to glow with an enchanted feel.

Again, if you’re looking for a sightseeing break, historical cities like Sibenik, Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split, along with the nearby spectacular mountain ranges like Biokovo and Velebit, are just a hop, skip, and jump away. With its renowned national parks as well as the Krka rapids, the Kornati archipelago, and the Mljet
Islands, you may just have to move here to take it all in.

After you finish your day – whether soaking in the sun or taking in the sights, you’ll be happy to know that Dalmatia loves the Italian tradition of the midday siesta. So even if you become exhausted after your daily Dalmatian adventures, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to take things slowly and learn what rest and relaxation really means.

Kvarner

In northern Croatia you’ll find the Kvarner Gulf. With mild weather, exotic beaches, and amazing islands, this is one of the most popular regions along the coast – made even more enjoyable because the ideal climate makes a visit enjoyable at any time of the year.

Spilling over with quiet seaside cities and breathtaking scenery, Kvarner is the ideal place for a vacation or for peaceful living. For those seeking a more laid back trip, Kvarner was custom made for you – relaxed, easygoing, and everything at your pace.

Plus, with limitless activities to fill your day or sandy beaches where you simply lay back and relax, Kvarner has a little bit of something for everything. However, if you choose to sightsee, there is no better daytrip than the short trip across the bridge to the beautiful island Krk, or to view the one-of-a-kind architecture in the heart of Rijeka.

***

As you can see, Croatia – this hidden gem that’s tucked away along the Adriatic Sea – is just waiting for you. Don’t delay – the time to see Croatia, to tuck your toes into its coastal sands, and to sip on a romantic cocktail as the sun sets over the sea is right now. Take advantage of favorable prices, small crowds, and untouched pristine coastlines that are guaranteed to be more beautiful than anything you could imagine.

SUZE BISERNE 3,31
MINUT’SRCA TVOG 4,21 
NEBO BOJE MOJE LJUBAVI 4,17  
GOTOVA STVAR 4,12 
SAMO NAVIKA 4,10 
GRANA ZIMZELENA 3,32 
O,NE O,NE 4,25 
DUSA JUZNJACKA 4,32

Ora che i risultati sono stati resi pubblici, possiamo anche svelare i voti dati dall’Italia nell’edizione appena conclusasi:

(12) Germany – Cassandra Steen feat. Adel Tawil – Stadt

(10) New Zealand – Kidz In Space – Downtime

(8) Malaysia – Stacy – Pakai buang

(7) Australia – Sarah Blasko – We Won’t Run

(6) Spain – David Bisbal feat. Pixie Lott – Sufrirás

(5) France – Eiffel – A tout moment la rue

(4) Canada – Tegan and Sara – Hell

(3) Israel – Knob – Make U Love Me

(2) Estonia – Shanon – Läbi pisarate

(1) Croatia – Bojan Jambrošić – Preko ruba vremena

Gutljaj vina    
Ginem   
Briga me    
Na svijetu sve    
Glas  Magazin  
idi i ne budi ljude  
Luna    
Na sve svete    
Opijum  
Briga me (instrumental)

With Ljiljana Nikolovska

About an hour from Split up a glorious winding road that hugs the coast (once past the commercial part of Kastela), is Primosten, a jewel of town perched on its own peninsula, surrounded by the Adriatic.

A few minutes off the highway and you’re smack in the middle of town.  Now, without the tourists, the parking is easy but it’s clear that during the summer, this place is a magnet.  The old town begins at the end of circular drive that ends with an arched stone entryway–as if you are coming into the private driveway of some magnificent villa.

As you walk through, there is a square and a warren of small narrow streets that spiral in different directions.  Just walk to your left and find yourself on a stone footpath that leads you to the water.  From here you can literally walk completely around the entire peninsula, passing in front of small old stone houses, villas, apartments, et.–all of whom use this narrow lane to get to their residences.

Every 50 meters or so the town fathers have put benches so you can just stop, sit and gaze out at the open Adriatic. The only place I’ve seen that reminds of me such a completely non-commercial, waterfront meandering path is the bicycle and walking path along the Intercoastal in Palm Beach, Florida.

The sheer lack of any commerce walking along this path, looking down at the translucent sea and wonderful rocky shoreline, is magical.  Taking one of the narrow lanes that bi-sects the path brings you back into the center where there are lots of restaurants and shops.

We stopped at the Gracin honey shop to pick up some of their famed honey liqueur (at 35% alcohol, sweet firewater!) and luckily met the owner who of course knew Goran, our friend who owns a honey farm on the island of Solta.

A picnic lunch on a bench on front of the harbor was great–made even more great by stopping a local fisherman lugging along a pair of gorgeous, fresh caught fish.  We recognized one of them as a John Dory, what locals call San Petr, a “first class”, line caught deep water fish that goes for 380kn a kilo in good restaurants.  The other, with a fabulous indigo blue fin, we had never  seen before, but the man, grinning ear to ear and posing triumphantly so our friends could take a photo, said it too was “first class”.

With the sun making the water sparkle like diamonds, watching the boats bobbing up and down against their moorings, fat seagulls taking it all in, it’s hard to imagine we’re in late November.

Life is good.

And in Primosten, even more so!

Along the path

Still gorgeous in November!

"The Street of Fishermen" Ribarska

Foggy, but still magical

Nothing between you and the sea!

Stone houses facing the sea

Enjoy our new Croatian vacation portal

Read more about Croatia at secret dalmatia’s unique blog

SIMPATIJA 4,31
STO CE MENI OVAJ DAR 4,50
KRAJ TEBE NISAM SPAVALA 4,29 
LJUDI 3,47
PJESMA NJEGOVA 3,26  
NEK SE RUKE RUKUJU 4,28  
VOZI ME POLAKO 3,54 
ZA JEDNU NOC ZIVOTA 4,43 
DANCE MIX 6,59

S druge strane mjeseca in 
Ne vjerujem tebi, ne vjerujem sebi 
Dani su bez broja  
‘ko me zove 
Prorok  
Umrit il’ zivit   
Ovisi o tebi  
Hajde reci kako   
Otkada sam bez tebe   
Dani su bez broja (Basalen Romalen)