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 born , high up on the mountain . When Nana was older, the family had moved down into the village and this house was something I could touch!

Other villagers crowded round, offering food and drink and I was dazed by the emotion I felt, especially seeing people who looked like my family. Sadly, we could not stay very long but now we know where to go, there is nothing to stop us returning.

Dubrava, where my grandfather was born, was a much smaller village about 15 kms away. We followed Ned off the main road, down a winding lane and there we were! Surrounded on all sides by Yovich land, crumbling stone walls, remnants of the house and kitchen overgrown with creepers and this glorious mountain in the background.

Quite frankly, it was overwhelming.

Back in the village at Ned's house, he tried to explain about the different branches of the Yovich family, while plying us with his homemade red wine. It was a bit much to take in but I have it on video, which is very amusing..

Neither Geoff nor I were in a fit state to drive back to Split, so,we spent the night in Vrgorac . Connecting with family and one's roots proved to be a very exhausting but satisfying business.....