Lost in Translation
Looking for meanings in words, images and sounds
ISTRIAN HERITAGE
Most visitors to Croatia go to Istria, our largest and westernmost peninsula, for its coast, for Roman amphitheatre in Pula, for Brijuni Islands, for beautiful Rovinj, or for Unesco-protected Basilica in Porec, but not everybody thinks that they should venture into hinterland, oblivious to all the beauty it hides.
Last December my husband and I went to Istria for a weekend, and once again we decided to stay at the coast overnight, but to focus our interest on the interior of the peninsula, on the sights and paths that we had missed on our previous trips. This time the route was to take us from Opatija to Rovinj via Svetvinčenat and Dvigrad.
Map of Istria with a drawn route we took that day
We are always happy to revist Istria for its colours, architecture, cuisine and its proximity and semblance with Italy, but this is the first time we got a chance to see it in winter time; its land dry, trees fruitless, branches swept by winds, but the warm sunshine that day painted the remaining leaves nice golden shade and we were happy leaving the smog of the capital behind.
Our first unplanned stop is by the road where I spotted a traditional shepherd’s hut, made of stone (drywall). Kazuni have been in use for centuries, once as shelters (for shepherds), later for storing agricultural tools, and reportedly the same type of structures were used as dwellings in prehistory.
KAZUN – typical shepherd’s shelter in Istria
On the other side of the road stands a small country church built in the same style as many Istrian sacral buildings. Still, it was unusual to see it placed along the road with no villages or houses nearby.
A little church I know nothing about near Svetvinčenat, Istria
Half an hour later we are already in Svetvinčenat, a fascinating little town featuring a regular, square piazza closed in by the Parish Church, city loggia, several Renaissance houses and the monumental Castle Morosini-Grimani. This Medieval jewel was built as a square fortification with round towers and simple façade. In the 15th ct it was owned by the Morosini family who enlarged it while adding it some Renaissance features. On the other side of the square the quaint Parish church of St Mary’s Assumption is decorated with a distinctive Renaissance trefoil façade.
A shooting star ornament on the church was signalling that Christmas was just two weeks apart, but the place was magically quiet, with no people (and much less tourists) in sight, and we felt as the only breathing people there.
Svetvinčenat, Istria
Svetvinčenat, detail
Castle Grimano in Svetvinčenat
The sunlight was harsh and glaring, contrasts too strong, and I knew that photos would be nothing to brag about, but I was excited to be finally exploring what seems to be one of the most scenic places in Istria.
the same Castle with vintage treatment
©Paula Borkovic
I love winter, its quietness, crisp air and low-lying sun, but the day is getting too short and we have to move quickly to make time for other stops on our way.
Lost in Translation 
Ah ha! So that’s where patulous was! I loved that image, as so many of your others, Paula. 🙂 🙂 I know that, being a perfectionist, you will never willingly give less than your best and I love that you have gone to so much trouble to walk with me. Some day I’ll make it back to Croatia. Sending hugs, darlin.
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When you have time listen to ethnic Istrian music 🙂 Have a great day, Jo and thank you.
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And I should add that you have a heritage to be proud of. I especially love the windows shot. 🙂
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Aw, thank you, Jo. While I was cropping that image last night, I told myself: maybe Jo will like this one 😀
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Wonderful pictures. I loved the song though I don’t understand what is being said.
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It’s an ethnic love song from Istria. Tamal, I am glad that you like it. Thank you 🙂
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Thanks for this introduction to Istria. I love what I’m seeing. It’s beautiful.
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I’m glad to hear you say that, Draco 🙂 It is beautiful and dear to me. A kind of rural beauty with so many cultural traces.
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That looks like a wonderful trip to take, Paula (I have made a note!)
I love the first image – wonderful light and peace. And the vintage shot is great too – and perfectly accompanied by the ethnic music
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Thanks for looking Debbie. It is a beautiful region, our little Tuscany.
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Thank you for taking me on your travel. I want to go back to Croatia and see more than I did last time. Istria looks lovely. I love the shepherds hut.and the music to listen to as I read and write 😀
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Where were you on your first visit to Croatia? When was that?
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It was 2009 on an organised tour, my first overseas trip. We stopped at Rovinj where I had my first taste of Dalmation Spinach. Then we went to Split. I took the ferry to the Isle of Brac for a days wandering. I was only there for around 4 days but was captivated.
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Was that taste of Dalmatian spinach, the last one too? It’s strange that you went to Brač of all places. I like that island a lot and have visited it a few times in the past.
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I am now a great Dalmatian Spinach cook. Why is it strange I went to Brac? I saw something in a tourist brochure and it sounded interesting.
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It is not the first choice for the first time visitors to Split. Hvar has more to show in terms of culture and history. Brač is more natural landscape and surfing. I would pick Brač too 😀
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I am a bushboy after all 😀
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That you are! I wish I was one too 😆
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Perhaps you could be a bushgirl 😀
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Perhaps I can 😆
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I could give lessons on how to be a bushgirl 🙂
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Unfortunately this aspiring bushgirl has to earn living on the other side of the globe stuck in a gray painted office and smelling air-con air.
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If you get the chance to come to Australia I would be pleased to show you my small part of this part of the world
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Ah, that’s very nice of you B. In the meantime I will enjoy your photos instead 😀
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Thank you Paula 😀
I should do a walk around my property taking photos to join in the Monday walk blog (sorry can’t remember the name)
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This one https://restlessjo.me/2017/05/15/jos-monday-walk-beautiful-bath/ Make sure to tell her I said “hi”
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Yes that’s the one. I will wait until everything is jut right and there are birds, flowers and animals about. Thank you for the link 😀
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Interesting that you are able to find “blitva” over there 😀 Did you visit in summer? I am honoured that you chose Croatia for your first overseas tour. Thank you kindly, Brian 🙂
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That tour started from Madrid , went to southern France, along the Mediterranean to Rome then through Italy to Venice then to Croatia, Slovenia and finished in Austria. I am glad I saw your lovely country too. 😀
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Ah, so Croatia was just an added bonus. 😀
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Oh no. It was planned to go there. The main area at the waterfront in Split had huge TV’s playing a World Cup football match. I became a Croatia supporter for the night 😀
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You did?! Then I am indebted to you my friend 😆
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I love to see Europe. Next time I hope to spend at least 3 months
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Wow.
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What is blitva? Yes it was a late summer tour. I was there in September.
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That’s your Dalmatian spinach 😆
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OK. My recipe would be the Aussie version. It tastes great.
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I hope you don’t cook it too long; it ruins its nutritional value.
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Oh yes. I like it because it is quick to cook and everyone loves it.
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🙂 We cook it 10 minutes most and season it with garlic and olive oil.
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I cook with olive oil and garlic, then potatoes and lastly Spinach for a minute or less. Season with lemon
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Mmm, we use vinegar.
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Balsamic or red or white wine vinegar. I have so many different vinegars I use….cider, rice wine vinegar…..
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Traditionally we use red wine vinegar, but are familiar with all types.
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I shall keep that in mind next time I make it. Thank you Paula 🙂
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Beautiful, thank you for sharing 🙂
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Thank YOU.
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Congrats for your stunning shots…
Lovely views and very interesting historical notes , here…
This reminds me of my visit to Istria , (years ago )…., that , unluckily , was in August….
I remember plenty of people and boiling temperature…..
Absolutely love this place , you made me think about another visit……in winter !
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Istria gets a lot of visitors from Italy, mostly for truffles 😀 I remember you were in Abbazia (Opatija on my map). I don’t take the heat well, never did, that’s why my favourite summer destination is the Dolomites. 😀
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I know , Paula…
I’m starting to hate heat , as well , so I’ll stay in SanFermo for the whole summer and eventually travel in some other moments of the year….
A big kiss
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Good thing is that you have plenty of time and are not limited by work.
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That’s true!
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Love the window detail in Svetvinčenat…the old stonework is great. I think I have to get to Croatia, Paula!
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Ha, and remember that dilapidated castle in Dvigrad you admired 😀 Yes, you do. 🙂
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Oh, goodness, which post was that in, Paula?
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In pick a word (patulous) https://bopaula.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/thursdays-special-pick-a-word-in-may-y2/ . it is the next stop after Sanvincenat on my map.
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OK, off to look!
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Afterwards you may return to this post to check the map again and see how close it all is, and how close to Venice we are.
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Indeed!
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Poreč for example is just opposite of Venice and we have hydrofoil boat day trips from Rovinj or Poreč to Venice.
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Wow – how long does Rovinj to Venice take?
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2h30 🙂
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Oh? I could only find a 4hr one!
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http://adriatic-lines.com/en/venice/from-istria-to-venice/
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It is 3 hours in one direction.
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OK…looks do-able if I stay overnight in One place… otherwise the day would be too long. Looks like I could perhaps do a long weekend, need to make some plans!!
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OK
And what’s for Sunday’s challenge?
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Oh, good question. It is MUSIC. I hope you won’t be disappointed.
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I’ll have to use an old image….
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Of course. I am aware that it is not easy to find music at short notice, unless one is in a possession of music box. I think this subject can be interpreted very freely, even metaphorically.
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Oh, indeed, I was trying to come up with a metaphorical example, but I don’t think that’s going to happen!!
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What a beautiful tour Paula. We would love to return to your country to explore more.
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I appreciate it, Sue. I am not saying it cause it is my country, but Croatia does have a lot to offer 🙂
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It’s always fun to take a day or two and explore new places around you. Lovely photos in spite of the bright sun! 😄
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Cheers, Linda.
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hank yo for taking us with you Paula. So interesting and wonderful images to really get a feel for it.
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Thank you, Lisa. It is really a special region, with a character and traditions of its own. I fell in love with it in 2001, and have been back many times since.
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Always great to revisit!
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Your country is so beautiful – and your words and pictures transmits it all…I just want to go! I have been thinking about it for a long time, but someday i will.
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That’s great news, Ann-Christine 🙂 The country is still very safe, people are open and helpful towards tourists, and you’ll never go hungry or thirsty. 😀
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😀
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If we were still traveling, I think Croatia would be at the top of the list. Great location, too and so much historical stuff. Our kind of place!
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🙂 That’s a compliment for me and my post. Thank you, Marilyn. Really pleased you like it.
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I’ve never been to Croatia but I’d love to. If I ever get there I’d like to go inland, how difficult would that be without any language Paula?
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You wouldn’t have any problems Gilly. People are eager to help and many speak at least some English.
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How beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing the lovely photos of the architecture. Very fascinating and beautiful rustic details.
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Inger, I am very glad to hear that you like it. 🙂
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Looks like a nice place to explore.
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It’s a beautiful region.
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