Welcome to Rovinj, then Yugoslavia and now, Croatia
Our last destination in our Around the World A to Z tour is Rovinj, Croatia. During my visit to Venice in 1989 I took a two hour hydrofoil trip across the Adriatic to then Yugoslavia and spent the afternoon in the seaside fishing town of Rovinj. I remember a clear summer day, lunch at an outdoor cafe and a charming Mediterranean town. History was about to be made in Rovinj and all of Croatia. Even as I enjoyed my lunch and iced coffee changes were happening in the political structure and in 1991 Croatia became an independent country.
The baroque Church of St. Eufemia overlooks all of Rovinj. Eufemia is the patron saint of the town.
August 28, 1989, Rovinj
And then there's Z...
I thought of writing about AriZona for Z or perhaps Zambia or Zanzibar, neither of which I've visited. But I've decided to leave "Z" as a marker for all the places I've never been. For the last several decades I've always had a trip scheduled. It may have been a long weekend with friends in Connecticut or upstate New York or a destination half-way around the world. This year started the same way and I had a lot scheduled. I took two trips, canceled two others and there are two more still scheduled for the fall. No flights are scheduled for those trips and though, I'm hoping they will take place, it seems unlikely now.
At this time eight years ago I was about to be diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. I went on to have neurosurgery in June, 2012 and wasn't permitted to fly for six months. Between my surgery and recovery and Super Storm Sandy in October, 2012, I didn't travel -- excluding long weekends in Connecticut and Rhode Island via train -- for over a year. It wasn't clear how much mobility I would recover and travel seemed far, far away and not all that important. I remember thinking that if I could just get around New York City, I would be happy.
Thankfully, I was able to do a lot more than just get around New York City, and in the last seven years I made up for lost time. I was able to visit six continents, and if plans had continued, I would have made it to all seven continents in seven years, with a visit scheduled to Agadir, Morocco next week. One day, one month, one year, travel will again be possible, but for now I will once again be happy when I can get around New York City.
I'm sad that we've come to the end of our Around the World travels. I've had such a good time re-visiting some of my favorite places and I'm so grateful for the wonderful company I've had. But as my mother always said when we'd come home from vacation, "It's good to go, but it's better to come home." As always, Mom was right.
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Much love and wash your hands!
13 comments
So just wondering - you didn't mention 9-11 - how did that affect your travels? You have almost been around the world.
I pray for NYCity!
You are really an adventurer! This church literally sits on the water, wonder how it stays dry. You are so pretty, and photogenic!
I have enjoyed the journey. I look forward to the next adventure, whatever that is.
Love your smile!
In each trip and in the pictures of you, your smile is bright as sunshine.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and trip histories with us.
It's been very enjoyable to see so many incredible places and to have you share your memories of those places with us.
I think I would have liked your mother...I agree with her sentiments about being gone from home, but that it's better to return home :)
~K.
Z for places not visited. Good idea. I saw in another blog Zero times. Things not done by me. Interesting ideas in various A to Z blogs on Z. Visiting most of them. A connect initiative with A to Z Bloggers. Best wishes.
Congratulations for successful A to Z Blogging.
A to Z 2020 Blogging Series: What is Industrial Engineering? What is its Practice in Top Global Manufacturing Companies?
What industrial engineers do? They continuously strive to reduce the cost of items that people love to use and thus increase its affordability to more and more people.
I'm sorry to see the series cone to an end and will miss seeing your trips. You certainly have had some good ones and hopefully will have more to come. This can't last forever. Your came through your surgery very nicely and have have recovered and we'll recover from this too. I have faith this won't last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Oh Carol, my mother used to say the same thing! Like 'Ma' just said, I had to see this A-Z challenge come to an end. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us.
Thanks for sharing. You are a perfect example of not putting off travel until everything aligns perfectly. Those who wait for retirement, or for better finances or whatever, often wind up never going at all. Stay safe.
Wonderful post, I'll be going back to read your previous ones about the places you traveled. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day, take care and stay safe.
Wonderful for me to travel around the world with you virtually. I am so glad that you recovered from the spinal surgery to the extent you did. Thank you for visiting my blog again. I look forward to spending more time reading blogs when I get caught up after this move. Stay Safe-Diana
You have truly traveled to some beautiful places, thanks for taking me along! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!
Congratulations on your A to Z! I'm late to finding your blog but I'll come back. I also have a lot of places in that 'Z' category I'm hoping to get back to traveling as soon as possible. :)
You have traveled to my ancestors homeland which was Yugoslavia. I am very proud of my heritage and admire those that were born there. My cousin traveled there twice in the past 7 years and learned so much about our grandparents. I have always wanted to visit, but right now, I will be happy if we can visit our newly married daughter in the Buffalo NY area soon. Thanks for sharing your travels with us. Have a beautiful week and stay happy and enjoy your walks around your neighborhood. HUGS
Post a Comment