It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Milena and Ivan, the four of us made a connection, so much laughter and great conversation! . Ivan's dinner of Čobanac was outstanding, cooked over the fire outside , it was a taste sensation! We were sent on our way laden with vegetables and fruit from the garden and, joy of joys, Milena's jam, tomato purée and sundried tomatoes! As we headed south, the lush green plains were replaced by immense, densely wo...

Lastovo is just as beautiful as last year, if not more so! We had an emotional reunion with Bruno and Olgice and were settled back in "our" rooms in no time. There was lots to talk and laugh about over dinner, it seemed as though it was only yesterday we were here. This last week has been pure relaxation, reading, swimming, eating, walking.... Just what holidays are made of. The locals remember us and it's great to stop and have a chat. The track up to the vil...

It has taken a great many years, but I finally realised my dream of visiting my grandparents' villages. Cousin Ned, who is a Yovich, took us to Dusina, where my grandmother (who was a Mihaljevich, was born. We were expected and met with much shaking of hands and backslapping, before we were taken to meet an old lady who remembered my grandmother . The grappa and wine were brought out and Ned interpreted for us. Afterwards, she pointed out the house where Nana was...

On Sunday morning, we decided to visit Mostar, in Bosnia Hercegovina . The countryside changed once we left the coast, driving through fertile valleys yet still surrounded by mountains. From Metkovic we more or less followed the Naretva river through yet more mountains, with Geoff doing a fabulous job driving . There was a queue literally a mile long at the border and we had a jittery wait because we hadn't checked if we needed a visa but it was fine. Mostar ...

We are really soaking up the Mediterranean lifestyle. Early mornings, long,lazy evenings and of course the inevitable siesta. Our day begins with our coffee, made by Lucia. Initially, I asked for "coffee with milk", in Croatian , expecting a latte. Instead, we received two short macchiatos and two glasses of cool,clear water . That is definitely the upside of "lost in translation ". On Tuesday, we caught the Jadrolinija ferry to Korcula for the day. The ferry st...