Ten years ago when I decided to visit most of the Istrian castes, I was left stunned. First of all, with their quantity since up till then I didn't know that in Istria there used to be sixty castles or defensive forts, and second, how nobody takes care of those who are still left standing. They were neglected, covered...
Aren't you bewitched with San Vincenti? It's very easy to be so. Those streets, square, castle, churches...This small place with around 300 inhabitants is so magical that you just have to stop and look around. Maybe even have a coffee in peace, especially in mornings when you can feel this special atmosphere. No matter if it's winter, spring, autumn...
Did you know that Istrians used to be armed up to their teeth? Yes, it's hard to believe, but I can tell you from my own experience. Nevertheless, they never mentioned it, nor did they praise it. But almost every family had a piece of weapon at home, a riffle or a gun. They didn't talk about it because...
These seas were sailed by ancient Greeks erewhile,
by Neretvans ere banished to exile.
On good wine they imbibed must stand the blame
for giving our cove such lovely name.
Long gone are Greeks but their name stands still;
Yet we drink good wine here, and always will.
The verses by venerated Istrian writer Mate Balota depict his beloved bay of Kalavojna under Rakalj. The...
