Croatia joined the EU last night and we participated in the celebrations in Trogir, which is half an hour north of Split . A stage was set up in the square of the old town, surrounded by tables and chairs and we were entertained by a group of tenors, singing traditional Croatian songs. Several people were in the local dress, flags were flying, bells were ringing.... it was thrilling to be here and witness this historic moment for Croatia. We are in countdown mod...

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 ...

Vrgorac means "hilltop". It is the largest town in this region. We are high in the mountains and I don't know where they get "hill" from. This photo is of the owner of the hotel in Vrgorac and this is the costume of the region. We are surrounded by mountains , some peaks are covered in mist, others stark in the sun. It is a very special feeling being where my grandparents grew up and I don't want to leave, I want to absorb it all...

Yesterday, we caught the 4.30 am ferry to Split, hired a car and drove down the coast road to Makarska . We were a bit undecided as to whether to take this route due to scary memories from the 70's but the road has since been upgraded and was great. Geoff is doing a mighty job on the right hand side ! On the way, we stopped at Klis fortress, one of the most significant fortifications in Dalamatia. It was used through the centuries to defend the mountain pass bet...