Page 11 - Explore Magazine Spring 2016

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Croatia is the destination that’s on the tip of everyone’s a similar population to New Zealand’s). It has a brilliant
tongue. You really can’t talk about European holidays these mix of climates: Continental in the northern and eastern
days without hearing Croatia’s name being mentioned. regions, alpine in the central area of the Plitvice Lakes,
and Mediterranean along its Adriatic coastline. Driving
“Oh you went to Italy? But did you sail around Croatia?” It south from the capital city of Zagreb, you leave behind its
goes something along those lines.
rolling hills and reach the hinterland of the lake region in
Croatia is a country I have known and loved all of my only two hours – absolutely refreshing. Within another two
life. Despite being born in New Zealand, I was strongly hours you’re on the doorstep of the breathtaking Adriatic
influenced by my Croatian heritage so it’s no surprise that coastline.
Croatia has always been close to my heart.
The mix of climates is complemented by natural beauty
I’ll never forget my first trip when I was nine years old. I and a rich cultural heritage that is a testament to the
was so excited to finally be visiting what my grandmother resilience of its people from past centuries to present
called “the old country”. We flew into Split on the Adriatic time. Take a walk through the Old Town of Dubrovnik,
Coast and I remember looking out the window and being the Diocletian Palace in Split or Pula’s Arena from the 1st
struck by the intensity of the rich blue Adriatic Sea. It century AD and can’t help but be transported back to
was also the very first time I encountered spectacular another time.
landscapes like the ones that make up the Dalmatian Depending on your preference, any time from March
coastline. The islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula looked like through to November is a great time to visit. Bear in mind
they’d been glittered along the coastline, sparkling like that June to August are the hottest months with daily
gems. Today I feel privileged to be working in a role that temperatures averaging in the late 20s and even into the
allows me to share my passion for Croatia with thousands 30s at times. Expect balmy summer nights.
of New Zealanders from all over the country.
So, what is it that makes Croatia so special? There is
definitely not just one answer! Croatia is a diverse country
despite being half the size of the North Island, (but with Story continues on page 10 >>

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