15 June 2008

Have You Heard About Hvar Island?


Hvar Island is situated in the Adriatic Sea and belongs to Croatia. The island spreads out on 80 km from west to east and it is truly paradise for its tourists. People all over the world visit all four major parts of the Hvar Island as its surprises are many and diverse.

During its existence, the Hvar Island was know by other names also, depending on what culture it belonged to. First it was known as Pharos and after that it was called Piteyeia (around the third century B.C.) as we know from the Greek poet Apollonius of Rhodes. While it was under Roman rule it was called Pharia and later Fara. The Slavs, people that occupied the island during the middle ages, named the island Hvar. Even if the island was under Slav occupation, a lot of the inhabitants were Roman-speaking and convinced the Slaves to change the official name once more, this time into Quarra. In the eleventh century the Italians changed the name again into Lesina (meaning forest), a word full of meaning because at that time the island was perfectly characterized by a woody terrain. This name was kept until the nineteenth century when it was changed back into Hvar Island.

This place exists nowadays under the name of the Hvar Island, but the Hvar Culture has long been extinct. It is said that this culture existed from the year 3500 to 2500 B.C. The Hvar Island is an important piece in Croatian history being one of the important literary centers of this country during the Renaissance. Nowadays it is known as a producer of lavender, honey and wine and these aspects can be charming to those interested in stimulating their senses. Because of its climate and unique position, the Hvar Island is home to a lot of different species of flora and fauna like the Croatian Fighting Toad. An interesting fact about the Hvar Island is that it gets 2800 hours of sun per year. As you can see, there is no possibility for anyone to get bored on this island because it reunites history and culture for those with this kind of interests and it can be a great place to relax by bathing in the sun and admiring nature.

There are many cities to visit on this island, each with its own story and appealing characteristics. The town of Hvar had a population of little over four thousand people in 2001. It can be a tourist attraction because this is the place where the first public theatre was opened in Europe back in 1612. The town of Stari Grad located in the northern part of the Hvar Island had almost three thousand inhabitants in 2001. It is the site of some of the first human settlements on the Adriatic Sea from Antiquity. Jelsa, a town in the central northern region of the island, it’s said to have had a population of approximately 3.600 back in 2001. The fourth region that might capture your attention is the town of Sucuraj, a city of picturesque beauty situated on the east cape of the Hvar Island. Sucuraj has been named officially the center of the eastern part of the Hvar Island. The town is said to be 2300 years old, fact which can fascinate anyone. The city has been blessed with mild climate and a beautiful country side which makes it even more perfect for contemplation and relaxation. The 400 people settled here live off tourism and fishing therefore any person who is interested in this location will be received with open arms and will have a wonderful time.

The Hvar Island is thought to have been inhabited since the year 5000 B.C. Since then, a lot of different cultures living there in each age known to man have left their own fingerprint on the place. The Neolithic age proves its existence in the history of the Hvar Island by a fragment of pottery dating from the year 2500 B.C. The bronze pottery and hilltop sites represent the Bronze Age. The Iron Age left behind a lot of settlements including a castle; most of these settlements were even equipped with some rudimentary forms of defense. After that, the ancient Greeks became very interested in the Hvar Island. Remains of the Greek colony can still be seen through some of the defense walls that are still standing. After the Greeks, a lot of different cultures left their legacy to the people on the Hvar Island, like the Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Turks and even newer states like Austria, France, England and Russia had their own influence.

The Hvar Island is a great place for a vacation. One of the few places were you can escape from the big city life and all its problems, a place where you can really catch your breath and relax. Strolls on a forested sea path or a week of quiet life in one of the picturesque villages to see how life is without any connection to civilization. The Hvar Island is a relaxation heaven. There are a lot of sites to admire like one of the monuments of the Hvar Island, the Saint Lawrence Church which is known for the collection of paintings by old masters. The Hvar Island also has one of the largest naturist camps. There is simply no way you can get bored here.

One of the few places that man hasn’t destroyed yet, the Hvar Island is a must see just like other famous places in the world. It’s just that it hasn’t had so much publicity and this is perhaps the reason its beauty remains untouched. You can enjoy the scenery and you can see the way native people live there. This will give you an idea about the way our forefathers made a living without having to work in loud plants and polluted environments. As a fact, it is necessary to say that Hvar Island is one of the perfect places you can visit and unwire yourself.

Holidays - Croatia, an Introduction


East of Italy, across the Adriatic Sea is the outstanding country of Croatia. As well as the mainland, there are 1,187 tiny islands off the coast, which also belong to Croatia.

With its intriguing mixture of architectural, cultural influences and one of Europe's most impressive coastlines, Croatia is one of the most stunning and unspoiled landscapes in Europe.

Some of the historical and cultural hotspots dotted throughout the country include; the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pula, the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian in Split and the Romanesque cities of Krk, Rab, Pag, Korcula and Trogir.

From a historical perspective, one of the most impressive areas of Croatia is the town of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a 13th century fortified city, which is immaculately preserved. With its renaissance towers, churches and harbour its no surprise to hear the entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

For the thrill seekers, Croatia's unspoiled countryside lends itself to cycling and hiking, along with serious mountaineering, while the expansive coastline is perfect for almost every type of water-sport imaginable.

If sailing is your thing then you won't be disappointed, as there are a myriad of marinas and islands on hand up and down the coast.

Buses are the main form of transport throughout Croatia, with the rail network being very limited. The public transport is often reliable and comfortable, and bus station' information boards are generally very helpful.

If you wish to stray a little further out onto one of the many islands then it's advised to take a ferry from the mainland, as island hoping can prove difficult.

The best time to visit Croatia is from April to October, when peak temperatures can reach 38°C. The peak seasons are ideal if you're looking for fun and excitement.

If however, you want time to relax then a visit in the autumn months would probably be best. During this time of the year the beaches are less crowded and the prices drop, weather, however, remains stable.

Holiday Destinations In Istria - Northern Croatian Gem


Where Croatia's northwest coast meets Slovenia, a triangular shaped peninsula juts out into the Adriatic. This is the beautiful region known as, Istria. Historically, Istria has shifted back and forth from Venetian to Croatian rule and it still has a significant Italian-speaking population, a fact highlighted by the dual language road signs. Many of its historic buildings reveal Venetian style architecture. Add the piazzas, pizzas, local ice cream and superb Istrian wine to this Italianesque atmosphere and it is little wonder that some travel writers have dubbed parts of the Istrian hinterland as "The New Tuscany".

Istria has been a popular holiday destination since the sixties, especially with tourists from Austria, Germany and the U.K. The climate of the coastal areas is very much a Mediterranean one, providing warm sunny weather throughout June, July and August. Package tour holidays have made their impact in one or two coastal towns but on the whole Istria remains an unspoilt gem, which appeals mainly to independent travellers.

Away from the coast, the landscape of vineyards and rolling hills that are often topped with pretty little towns, does indeed have all the looks of Tuscan scenery. But the comparison does not stop at appearances. Many of the vineyards produce wines of Tuscan standard and the world's finest truffles are to be found growing in the woodlands.

The only city in Istria is Pula. At first glance, you might be tempted to write it off as a ramshackle port, devoid of any charm or beauty. This is a pity as Pula has a wealth of Roman history to reveal. Its amphitheatre is the largest Roman arena still standing, anywhere in the world and it is more than just a museum to ancient gladiatorial spectacles. In fact, it is regularly used on summer nights for both classical and pop music concerts when up to 23,000 people pack into the seats once occupied by Romans.

Pula's amphitheatre is only the beginning of Pula's Roman treasures however. The Archaeological museum displays many artefacts from Roman times and the Triumphal Arch of Sergius is another well preserved Roman monument that has been standing in Pula for nearly 2000 years. In the Roman Forum you will also find the Temple of Augustus which dates from the first century and still has intact columns.

Rovinj is the most attractive town on the Istrian coast. Its Venetian appearance is underlined by the number of Italian speaking inhabitants and excellent Italian restaurants. After a day spent on one of the beautiful beaches in the area, Rovinj is just the place to spend a summer evening.

For a major tourist resort that has attracted the package tour holiday crowds, Porec is still worth a visit for its well-preserved Roman streets and compelling old town. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants, hotels and things to do in this very tourist conscious town.

Tranquility and quiet are never far away from even the busiest of Istrian resorts however, and the whole coastline is dotted with small islands, peaceful bays, and secluded beaches. Hidden coves with sparking, white pebbles dazzle and invite naturists to skinny dip in a crystal clear sea. Larger bays and flat platforms of rock provide idyllic spots from which sunbathers can lay back and apply copious amounts of factor thirty whilst listening to the mixed sounds of gently lapping waves, birdsong and cicadas. The many walking trails around pine-fringed inlets, lagoons and through beautiful woodland offer naturalists opportunities to observe rare and diverse specimens of flora and fauna.

Holiday destinations in Istria are easy to get to with cheap flights to Pula and other airports in the region being available from several U.K. airports including Gatwick and Stanstead. These flights can be booked on line. As well as cheap flight offers, there are many Internet sites advertising accommodation throughout the Istrian peninsula and especially around the coastal resorts.

Vacation In Croatia - Europe In The County Istria


Croatia is an European country at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans and Mediterranean. It is divided into twenty-one counties and has a population of about 4,500,00 in 2007. Its capital is Zagreb with about 933,914 inhabitants and the size of Croatia is about the size of West Virginia in the USA.

It is a hard decision where to go in Croatia, because the whole country is beautiful and all areas are different.
For example visit the county Istria.

Istria has a maritime border with Italy and also borders Slovenia.
Most visitors arrive by car. You can also fly to Pula or Zagreb.

The city Pula is situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula. With its population of about 62,000, it is the largest city in Istria. Pula originated before the Roman era. Local findings show the history going back more than 3,000 years. The city was under Venetian rule and played an important role in the Habsburg Empire. One of the most important sights in Croatia is the Roman amphitheatre in Pula. It is well preserved and nowadays it is used for pop and classical concerts. Built during the 1st century AD, this amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world. Other sights include the Temple of Augustus, the Franciscan Church, the Cathedral and Monastery.

Porec is the most popular holiday resort in Istria. There are over 100,000 beds available. You must see the 2,000 years old town of Porec with numerous historical sites, especially the Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century. It is well known for its beautiful gold mosaics. There are two bays south of the town, Plava (blue) and Zelena (green). They are like small towns with several hotels in each. In Porec there are a marina and a lot of entertainment and shopping areas.

Umag and its 21 km long riviera is a very popular destination. The old town of Umag has cobbled, winding and narrow romantic streets. The coast is full of pretty small bays. There are no only many hotels, there are also camping and caravan sites. Umag is an oasis of sports tourism. Tennis is very popular. You can also play bowling, miniature golf, go riding or hunting, yachting, windsurfing, cycling, swimming and a good deal more.

12 June 2008

Connect & Zapresic boys - Samo je jedno


Football's Fan Song


SAMO JE JEDNO
Connect feat. Zapresic Boys

Samo je jedno
U mom životu vrijedno
Da pustim suzu s oka
Jer tebe volim ja.

Život mi dala
Baš kao da je znala
Da nikad neće nestat'
Sa mojih usana (Hrvatska!!!).

S ponosom narodu svom
Ljubi grb na dresu tom
Na Jadranu i Savi, na Dunavu i Dravi
Nek' se slavi cijeli dan i noć!

Svi skupa nek' vide da nas ima
Ruke na srce kada krene himna
I onda pjevamo u istom trenu
Dok naši lete po terenu.
Imamo ponos, srce i inat
Podršku uvijek punih tribina
Iz Zagreba gledam najljepšu sliku:
Slavoniju, Istru, Dalmaciju, Liku!

Kad se igra neka nas zaustave
Crven, bijeli, plavi, boje zastave
Neka cijeli svijet čuje našu pjesmu
I vide sav taj naš sjaj na dresu.
Ovdje kod nas je ponos repka
Željno se čeka svaka tekma
Nek' se ori pjesma, neka zvono zvoni
Znamo da bit ćemo šampioni!

Svi jedni uz druge
Kad se igra nema tuge
Sad smo u rodu i pjevamo odu
Za svoje ljude.
Jer opet tradicija se nastavlja
S rukama u zraku Hrvatsku
Pozdravljam
Bili zadnji ili prvi
Samo neka naš glas grmi!

Još jednom, al' ovaj puta jače
Cijeli svijet zna naše navijače
Cijeli svijet sad gleda i prati
Da vidi kako igraju Hrvati.
A sve zbog vatrenog srca
Koje ispod svetog dresa kuca
Nek' svi čuju kako slavimo
'Ajmo cijeli stadion!

Sjever, istok, zapad, svi se bude
Ako boli, stisni zube
Neka se ljute oni šta gube
Tu danas sviraju naše trube.
I zato se pomakni
Zrak duboko udahni
Pa digni ruke i napuni čašu
Ovdje se igra za Lijepu Našu.

Ej...
'Ko kaže da smo pali
Taj mora da se šali
I najveći su mali
Kad vijori crven, bijeli, plavi.
Domovini zahvali i pokaži ljubav
Nema nikog da se pravi grbav
Ulice su žive
Pjeva se sa tvrđe, trga i sa rive!



Proud to be Croat!

One Picture Says More Than a Thousand Words

Croatia 2-1 Germany 12-06-2008 Euro 2008 highlights

Euro 2008 team preview No7: Croatia


Slaven Bilic's charismatic leadership won't compensate for a lack of quality up front

Wonderfully well managed in qualifying by the charismatic Slaven Bilic, Croatia will be extremely difficult to beat - but they have yet to convince they have enough thrust up front to hurt teams in the knockout stages.

The absence of a genuine international class centre-forward could be decisive. The broken leg suffered by Arsenal's Eduardo Da Silva against Birmingham City in February was a source of widespread consternation far beyond North London - fans in Zagreb and Dubrovnik watched their best prospect for goals ruled out in the cruellest fashion.

It isn't just the striker's 10 goals in 12 games in qualifying that will be missed; his mobility and neat touch were ideally suited to the 4-4-1-1 system Bilic favours against stronger opponents. Mladen Petric is best-placed to take Eduardo's place: a pacey if slightly raw 24-year-old who has had a decent season with Borussia Dortmund. He scored seven goals in qualifying, too, even if six of those were against Andorra. The other one came against England at Wembley, of course.

More responsibility will therefore fall on the shoulders of Luka Modric, Spurs' recent £15.8m signing, who tends to be stationed in a deep lying attacking position. He might be a little skinny, but he's got plenty of energy and a wonderful eye for a pass - and was the outstanding player at Wembley in November.

Among the replacements, the uncapped 20-year-old Nikola Kalinic scored 18 goals in 26 games this season for Hajduk Split and has been compared to a young Davor Suker - high praise indeed among Croats.

The team's main strengths remain technical adeptness in all areas (witness Niko Kranjcar's intricate skills on the right side of Portsmouth's midfield) and the wealth of international and European experience accumulated by players such as Dario Simic and Robert and Niko Kovac. However, goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa does give the impression he's just itching to throw one in at a vital moment.

Croatia's other trump card is the inspiration provided by Bilic, who only demanded the minimum wage when he was appointed coach as a mark of his chest-thumping pride in doing the job. The former West Ham and Everton defender remains much-coveted by Premier League chairmen - even if his reputation is based largely around having twice succeeded in outwitting Steve McClaren. This is a man of many talents, however: Bilic has recorded a Euro 2008 song with his rock band (yes, rock band) Rawbau. It's called Vatreno Ludilo, or Flaming Madness.

Croatia's best showing in the European Championships remains their quarter-final exit at the hands of Germany at Euro 96, a game in which Bilic played. Portugal or the Czech Republic are their likely opponents at the same stage this time around. Whether they can be relied on to score the goals needed to progress further is very much open to question.

Either way, their travelling army of fans in red and white chequer-board strip (''the divine shirt'', as Zagreb brewery sponsors Ozujsko would have it) will provide one of the more stirring sights of the tournament, particularly during the group games in the tightly-packed Wörthersee stadium in Klagenfurt.


Euro '08: Fearless Croatia beat Germany 2-1


KLAGENFURT, June 12: Fearless Croatia pulled off a memorable 2-1 win over Group B favourites Germany on Thursday to move to the brink of a place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Darijo Srna beat Marcell Jansen to poke home a curling cross from the left in the first half and Ivica Olic tapped the ball in early in the second period after a cross from Ivan Rakitic had struck Lukas Podolski and a post. Germany pulled one back in the 79th minute through Podolski but Croatia held on for a victory that revived memories of their 3-0 triumph over Germany in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals, a match that featured their coach Slaven Bilic. To add to Germany's misery, substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger was sent off in injury time. Croatia top the group with six points, ahead of Germany on three. Poland and Austria, beaten in their opening matches, were playing later on Thursday. Bilic's team kept things tight early on and looked dangerous when they went forward. Danijel Pranjic gave Germany a warning of what was to come when he whipped in a cross that the defence struggled to clear. The same player then headed over the bar, with keeper Jens Lehmann beaten, and Christoph Metzelder had to rescue full back Jansen with a last-gasp sliding tackle to deny Olic. The first goal came in the 24th minute, Srna proving too sharp for Jansen. Croatia nearly made it 2-0 when Olic headed down and Niko Kranjcar blasted over. The Germans went close with a Michael Ballack free kick and a header from Metzelder that flashed over. Coach Joachim Loew sent on David Odonkor to add pace on the right and Ballack shot over from the edge of the area. The second goal had an element of luck about it but it was reward for the excellent attitude Croatia showed and they managed to hold on after Podolski's late strike for Germany.

Croatia stuns Germany 2-1


KLAGENFURT, Austria (AP)—Croatia stunned pretournament favorite Germany 2-1 Thursday, taking control of Group B at the European Championship.

The Germans hardly looked the odds-on choice, often appearing confused on defense and sloppy on offense. And the Croats were unlucky not to score more often.

Croatia now has six points and could advance early, depending on the outcome of the later game between Austria and Poland. Germany still has three points after beating Poland.

Croatia took the lead in the 24th minute after Danijel Pranjic swapped passes with Ivan Rakitic and then sent a cross for Darijo Srna. He slid just ahead of defender Marcell Jansen and scored past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Ivica Olic made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute after a shot from Rakitic on the right flank was deflected by Germany forward Lukas Podolski and bounced off the post right at Olic’s feet. Podolski scored his third goal of the tournament in the 79th.

Germany was reduced to 10 men in injury time when Bastian Schweinsteiger was given a red card for pushing Croatia substitute Jerko Leko to the ground.

Six minutes after Croatia’s first goal, midfielder Niko Krancjar could have made it 2-0 but he sent his shot over the crossbar. Lehman made a save on Krancjar’s left-footed volley on a cross from Luka Modric. Lehmann also fumbled a long-range shot by Modric early in the second half that nearly trickled inside the post.

The Germans, meanwhile, never found their pace and looked out of ideas against a crafty Croatian team that often changed the pace of the game.

Croatia 2-1 Germany


Croatia claimed an impressive win over pre-tournament favourites Germany to take control of Group B at Euro 2008.

Darijo Srna broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when he beat Marcell Jansen to Danijel Pranjic's cross and fired home.

Croatia were gifted a second goal on 63 minutes when Ivan Rakitic's cross came off Lukas Podolski and rebounded off the post for Ivica Olic to slot home.

Podolski pulled a goal back with a late drive but Bastian Schweinsteiger's red card ended German hopes in injury time.

It was a famous victory for Croatia, and an echo of their 3-0 success over the same opposition in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals, but it casts serious doubts over Germany's credentials for the European crown.

Joachim Low's side put in an uncharacteristically fractured performance, creating plenty of chances but letting themselves down by their own poor defending.

And, although the Germans - who face co-host Austria in their final group match - will still be fancied to qualify for the quarter-finals, it seems likely they will do so as group runners-up and, if so, they will face Portugal in the last eight.



As impressive as Low's men were in despatching Poland in their opening game, it soon became apparent they would not find things as easy against Croatia, who proved they are genuine title contenders.

In a cagey opening, play was largely confined to a crowded and competitive midfield and there was little to choose between either side.

But Srna broke the deadlock when Pranjic sent over a superb deep cross and, with Jansen hesitant, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger pounced to prod the ball past Jens Lehmann.

Germany responded well and Jansen almost made immediate amends for his error when he sent over an enticing cross that Mario Gomez headed wastefully over.

But Low's side were still looking fragile at the back and Croatia soon fashioned another chance when Rakitic chipped the ball into the box and Olic headed it back for Niko Kranjcar to fire over at full stretch.

Chances continued to come and go for Germany with Michael Ballack seeing his fierce free-kick pushed away by Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa before Christoph Metzelder headed Torsten Frings' corner inches over.

Croatia, however, were still threatening themselves and could easily have extended their lead before the break when the woeful Jansen allowed Vedran Corluka to escape down the right.

Corluka's cross found its way to Olic and he teed up Kranjcar, who was unfortunate that his drive was straight at Lehmann.

Loew reshuffled his side at the break, putting Jansen out of his misery and introducing more outright pace in David Odonkor.

His opposite number Slaven Bilic seemed happy with a single-goal lead and Croatia sat back and invited Germany to attack them.

Initially it seemed a dangerous ploy and Ballack should have equalised when Pletikosa punched Philipp Lahm's cross straight to his feet, instead blazing over.

But the Croatian defence stood firm and their resilience was rewarded when they were gifted a second goal.

There seemed little danger when Rakitic crossed from the right but the ball deflected off Podolski and hit the post, rebounding straight to Olic who slotted into an unguarded net with Lehmann stranded.

Germany kept coming forward and eventually found a reply, Podolski drilling home after Robert Kovac failed to clear Philipp Lahm's cross.

An equaliser never looked like materialising, however, and Germany's misery was completed when Schweinsteiger was sent off in injury time for a shove in retaliation to a Jerko Leko tackle.

9 June 2008

Dalmation Dogs - A General View Of Their Background And Attributes


The dalmation dog is generally agreed to have been imported to the UK from Dalmatia. (A region on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea situated mostly in Croatia, although Bosnia also has a few kilometres of coastline in Southern Dalmatia.)

Dalmatian dogs were originally known as the Coach Dog. This arose from it's love of running with the coach and spending it's time around the stables and horses. They were known for the ability to run for long distances, keeping pace with the swiftest horses, without showing any signs of fatigue.

It is believed that the breed was introduced to the UK originally because of their hunting abilities, but after the breed first appeared in the show ring during the 1870's they became regarded publicly as companion or exhibition dogs. It has to be said that, apart from some circus proprietors, people did not credit the dalmatian with the considerable intelligence that they most certainly do possess.

Apart from the head and markings, the Dalmatian should be similar in appearance to the pointer. The eyelids (sears) should be edged around with black or brown. If they are flesh coloured here, then they will never be accepted for showing however good they may be in any or all other qualities. Even distribution of black or brown spots with no mingling is very important, as is, albeit to a lesser degree the density and purity of colour of the spots.

In a cross between the two colours the darker usually prevails. Liver coloured spots in the offspring being rather rare.

When born dalmatians are, or should be, pure white. No marks or hints of spots are visible on the most promising puppies. The purer and whiter the better. It will take about a fortnight before they start to show a dark ridge about the belly, then come the spots. The neck and ears are usually first, and then spreading along the back and rest of the body. The tail may take a week or two longer.

General attributes of the dalmation:

Strong muscular and active. Fair turn of speed with great endurance.

Head:

Flat skull, broad between the ears, free from wrinkles. Long and powerful muzzle.
Set fairly well apart the eyes should be bright and sparkling giving an impression of energy and intelligence. NEVER flesh coloured around the rims.
Ears always be spotted and should be moderate size and wide at the base, narrowing to a rounded point at the tips.
In a black spotted variety the nose MUST be black, and in the liver spotted it MUST be brown.

The neck should be fairly long and free from throatiness.
The chest needs to be deep, not too wide and certainly not barrel chested.
Legs and feet are very important areas. The forelegs being heavy with bone, perfectly straight and with the elbows being close to the body.
Nails need to be the correct colour, black and white in the black spotted variety and brown and white in the liver spotted variety.

Tail should not be too long, must be spotted and never curled.
Coat should be short, dense and glossy without being woolly or silky.
Colour and marking are the most important points. The background colour should be pure white in both varieties. The colour of the spots should be rich and deeply saturated. Well defined they should be as round as possible and vary in size from about that of a 5p coin to that of a 50p coin.
Weight should be in the region of fifty to fifty-five pounds.

Eurovision 2008 - A Snarky Review By A Closet Fan From New York


Eurovision Song Contest, 2008: a report from beyond the pale.

The Eurovision finals, the annual kermesse of pop schlock, beloved by teenyboppers, ice skating costume designers, campy queens and all lovers of bad taste throughout Europe is a guilty pleasure that I look forward to every year. Imagine if the Europeans were allowed to create their own pop music without the overwhelming artistic bullying of Afro-American styles, Caribbean beats, Indigenous melodies from Mexico and Afro-Lusitanian creativity from Brazil? A frightening thought, and one that is brought to terrifying life every Spring!

On Saturday, May 24, the 2008 final evening took place. A long parade of mostly amateurish songs went by in a gleeful blur. But that's okay, because although a true fan finds the whole show thoroughly entertaining, it is always somewhat tongue in cheek, and half the fun is hating it. I watched it on French TV and had the chatter of Julien Lepers and Jean-Paul Gaultier to keep me company. Here was my take on the proceedings:

The first song was from Romania. Nico and Vlad singing "Pe-o Margine de Lume." I think Romania has done the Italian bit to death. This love duet was done half in Romanian and half in Italian, and it was an artful song, but that wasn't be enough to make it at all interesting.

UK: Andy Abraham, singing "Even If". Considering that the U.K. could never sink lower than the 2007 entry, which will probably go down in history as the worst Eurovision song EVER, this was great in comparison. Funky soul disco from the 1970s, and a pretty good performance from Andy, as well. Jean Paul Gaultier called him elegant in his form fitting funksuit.

Albania: 16 year old Olta Boka sang "Zemrën E Lamë Peng." Well done, in the French soul diva mode. But since Albanian doesn't sound at all like anything else, it was hard to tell what she was getting all worked up about.

Germany: No Angels sang "Disappear". Yes, that's right. Disappear. Please! Imagine the Pussy Cat Dolls if they couldn't carry a tune or bust even the lamest move. Obviously, Germany was getting back at Eurovision for the snub 2007's entry got.

Armenia: Sirusho sang "Qele, Qele." The Balkan beat that is familiar from so many ex Yugoslavian entries over the years mixed with a bit of Pink. Not terrible, as the French would say, mostly because of her strong and musical voice.

Bosnia Herzegovina: Laka singing "Pokusaj". Just what we needed: Theater of the Absurd within the Theater of the Absurd. The singer looked like Captain Kangaroo assisted by the bride of Frankenstein in a miniskirt. The song sounded like an old novelty song from San Remo, vintage 1985.

Israel: Boaz sang "The Fire in your eyes." An excellent singer with an original pop song with a Balkan tint. The first really good song in the show.

Finland: Terasbetoni singing "Missa" something or other. Yikes! More scary heavy metal from Finland. Mercifully, this time they left the Star Trek Klingon masks at home. Gruesome screaming and ear splitting guitar licks gave me very unwelcome bad trip flashbacks from the 1980s.

Croatia: Kraljevi Ulice and 75 cents with a song called "Romanca." Croatian ballads always tend dangerously to the schmaltzy, but the melodic instinct usually saves them. This time it just didn't work, and screamin' Grandpa and the clumsy dancers didn't help.

Poland. Isis Gee sang "For Life." A nice ballad and a good singer, but it was a very old fashioned tune that sounded at times like an airline commercial.

Iceland. Euroband singing "This is My Life." Jean-Paul said it all. He called it "Ice Tektonic", a new trend, marrying the latest euro-disko drum machine pap with that squeaky clean toothpaste smiley Icelandic look. I can just imagine the teenage hooky-players practicing their moves to this on the sidewalks outside of Les Halles, minus the toothpaste, of course.

Turkey: Mor ve Ötesi sang "Deli." With a very cool lounge lizard look and a very strong rock sound they were a real success. Creative, original and musical. When I read that the Turkish entry was selected "internally" at TRT, (Turkish television), I imagined the worst. However, they chose a well known group with a strong sound. Hard rock, alla turca, with a real stage presence. One of the strongest songs this year.

Portugal: Vania Fernandes. "Senhora do Mar." A pretty successful number. It had a big stagey sound with a touch of Portuguese fado. It almost sounded like the grand finale of some Broadway musical and was perfect for this stadium atmosphere. It was very well received.

Latvia. A group called Pirates of the Sea singing a song called Wolves of the Sea. A pirate novelty song. The Baltic countries have a tendency to shout that they are too cool for Eurovision just a little too stridently with these irritating novelty acts. Jeez, if you're too cool for school, then just stay home, like the Italians do.

Sweden. Charlotte Perelli singing "Hero." Jean-Paul was concerned about the Battle of the microdresses. I was more concerned about checking my blood sugar levels from the syrupy disco, in the sweetest Eurovision style.

Denmark. Simon Mathew. "All Night Long." Scandinavians should be prohibited from singing in English. With their excellent accents, they sound like they know what they are saying, but then the lyrics are so mind-numbingly stupid that you have to wonder about the singer's sanity. Every English lyric cliché strung together for this feel-good ditty, including a pair of blue suede shoes.

Georgia. Diana Gurtskaya sang "Peace Will Come." Strong beat. Actually, it was not bad, and Diana was almost equal to the difficulties of this song. Why was I not surprised that they were all dressed in black? Because that's the only color they wear in Tbilisi. The change to white clothes halfway through the song was the shock. Good song, though.

Ukraine. Ani Lorak. "Shady Lady." Shake it, baby. She outdid the Swedes at their own game, and impressed Jean-Paul with her spangly microdress. One of the better songs and performances in the contest. Jean-Paul called her torrid.

France. Sebastien Tellier. "Divine." The countdown to the French song was over, and Julien and Jean-Paul finally shut up for a couple of minutes. However, it may have been just because they didn't know what to say about this somewhat messy song. With a shoo-bop pop style from the 1960s, a flighty melodic line and odd costumes, it sent very mixed messages. At least it was very French, despite the cockney English lyrics.

Azerbaijan. Elnur and Samir. "Day after Day" started off with a countertenor blast to knock your socks off. Azerbaijan con las plumas, you could say. It went on with a hard rock Gothic sound that actually worked. Not too bad.

Greece. Kalomira. Chirping with "Secret Combination." Was it the Jenny-from-the-block accent or the head not screwed on tight enough that made this sound like 1990s Latin hip-hop with a Greek guitar riff? What happened to the guys with the hairy chests and the disco divas? She was pretty and simpatica, but please, send her back to Astoria, now!

Spain: Rodolfo Chikilicuatre. "Baila el Chiki Chiki." Apparently the Spanish think that this is some kind of variety show. We take our bad taste seriously here, muchachos! This year, instead of sending the usual Macarena wannabes and rotten Tomatoes, they decided to introduce Europe to Reggaeton, in the most grotesque manner possible. The song is full of humor and puns, most of which I didn't get, but I did like the dance step that looked like the moonwalk and was named, appropriately, el Maiquelyason.

Serbia. : Jelena Tomaševi featuring Bora Dugic. "Oro." Well sung and with an appropriately big orchestration for the host country entry, but the song was unfortunately, nothing to get particularly excited about.

Russia. Dima Bilan. "Believe." Well, now that he has finally chopped the mullet off, Dima can do no wrong. But that's not from lack of trying. He sang this mediocre song in the most melodramatic smarmy way possible. The awful English pronunciation didn't help. He has great stage presence, though, so he managed to pull it off. The audience was in love, and he was definitely the star of Eurovision.

Norway. Maria. "Hold on be strong." A good pop song with a touch of R & B, and a good performance. Really boring clothes, though. Jean-Paul kept his mouth shut diplomatically.

And that was it. There followed fifteen minutes for voting by phone and SMS, during which the host and hostess engaged in the usual amusing chit chat. I was rooting for Israel, U.K., Norway, Turkey and Ukraine, not necessarily in that order. As usual, I hoped that at least a couple of them would do well, but I was fully prepared to be totally appalled by the winner: that is also part of the fun. In any case, five songs that I really liked was not a bad harvest, I thought.

With the voting over there was still more time to burn, so miraculously, they cut out the corny jokes and the tacky repartee and introduced Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funeral Band. Finally, a few minutes of real Serbian music, to clean the palate after all that syrup and slop! Yes, there really is good music in Europe beyond the glare of the American music industries.

Then the votes were counted, using a time honored method of split screen dialogs with TV personalities in the various (forty three!) European capitals that participated. The conversation will typically begin something like this: "Hello, Andorra, can you hear me?" answered by, "Hello, Eurovision! This is Andorra calling!" The usual voting cartels weighed in: the Balkan mafia, the ex-Soviet lockstep, the Scandinavian barbarian blok, the Iberian inquisition. But some drama did manage to develop. For a while there, it looked like the hideous Greek song would end up on top, but then reason prevailed, and Dima Bilan won. He wasn't my favorite, but he made up for it by returning to the stage to accept his trophy and to sing with this shirt totally unbuttoned, with a Russian flag waving in his free hand. A pure Eurovision moment.

Thus the Eurovision song contest came to a satisfactory end. As the winner gets to host the next show, it will Moscow in 2009. And just like every other year, I am left with the consolation that it could have been worse. Now I can go to sleep happy, and tomorrow not admit to ANYONE how I spent my Saturday night in Paris.

Secluded Beaches - Best of Europe


Tourist resorts appeal to the traveler who enjoys the convenience of nearby restaurants, nightclubs and bars, as well as the many on-site amenities provided. But you may have found that the added stress inherent in these overcrowded facilities outweighs the benefits of the hot stone massages you can have there. You're not exactly antisocial. Perhaps you've just had sand kicked in your face one too many times. or you're tired of dodging Frisbees and footballs on the beach. Now it's time for some peace and quiet.

So what to do? Pack a picnic lunch, a good read and a swimsuit (or not!) and head for the road less traveled. Here's a list of undiscovered beaches to help you navigate that road. And where does it lead? Away from the crowds. Wear sunscreen and enjoy your book!

1. Croatia's best beach for bathing in your birthday suit - If you're a sun worshipper who prefers to bathe sans swimsuit, Croatia boasts some 20 official naturist resorts as well as numerous naturist beaches and hidden coves. Nudist Camp Beach, Vrboska, Hvar, has a bistro and grocery store as well as a pleasant pebble beach. Take the ferry from Trogir and get off at Starigrad. Go straight out the exit road and look for signs. A friendly, multi-purpose beach, this place attracts Czech, Danish, German and British visitors, but is rarely crowded. Wind surfing in the buff? Why not give it a whirl?

2. France's best strolling tan - The secluded, sandy beaches of Belle Ile en Mer are accessible by ferry from Quiberon. Located just off the coast of Brittany, this is the largest of the French islands in the Atlantic; its powdery sand beaches, freshwater creeks and excellent water-sports conditions are unsurpassed in the region, yet the area tends to be relatively uncrowded. The beach at Locmaria has delightful footpaths along which visitors can explore the coastal landscape at their leisure-while getting a remarkable tan.

3. Germany's sunny secret - Germany's East Frisian Islands, along the North Sea coastline, have miles of sandy beaches frequented mainly by nude sunbathers. Few visitors are aware of this stretch and, as such, you're likely to have a beach to yourself. These islands also have quaint fishing villages, seal watching opportunities, as well as an ancient language and culture.

4. Greece: What Greek locals know - While most of Greece's beaches are pebbly, Skiathos boasts soft sand as well as a quaint Old Town section. What's more, this area is relatively undiscovered when compared to touristy Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu. As a result, Skiathos is said to be the Greeks' favorite island. It is one of the Sporades group in the northwestern Aegean and can be reached by ferry from either Kimi or Volos.

5. Italy: Sardinia's best bronzing - Far from the crowds and about 31 miles southwest of Cagliari, La Costa del Sud has unspoiled beaches and many hidden coves to explore. The area also boasts crystal clear water and a temperate climate. Torre di Chia beach is easily accessible by bus from Cagliari. Capo Spartivento-the next beach over-is quite a bit larger and has two lovely islands on which to bronze oneself.

6. Spain's shy person's pick - If you're in need of some quiet time away from the crowds, head for the Costa Brava. This rugged coast, which stretches from Blanes to the French border, boasts rocky cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. The drive along this coastal road is spectacular: Greek, Roman, Phoenician and Arabic ruins dot the landscape as do fortified villages from the days of the pirate invasions. The beaches along the route are the country's most secluded.

7. Spain's original (and still best) nude beaches - Ibiza was the first place in Spain to offer nude beaches and it still has some great beaches for those who like to let it all hang out! El Cavallet in Cabo Falcon-with it's rolling sand dunes and many secluded areas-offers great sunbathing. Families flock to the northern end, while the south is a popular gay hangout. Another beach worth donning the birthday suit to is nearby Aguas Blancas. Be warned, it can get very crowded in July and August.

8. Ireland's rugged best - Just seven miles from Wexford Town, Curracloe Beach is an unspoiled and sandy white strand. Adjacent to a protected pine forest, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The water here is like champagne and the beach is rarely crowded. If you've seen Saving Private Ryan, you may feel a sense of déjà vu as you stroll along the strand: the D-Day Normandy landing scenes were filmed here.

Forex Trading Choices of the Past Year - The Best Currency Exchange Investments Since April 2007


The forex trading market is the biggest market on earth, with transactions amounting to $3 trillion a day. It is also one of the most complex markets, because there are dozens of currencies to trade against one another, and hundreds of markets all over the world in which forex trading takes place. And since it is global, it all happens 24/7/365, because it's trading hours in about a third of the world at any given time. It's so complex and so full of opportunities and risks, it's overwhelming.

In my previous article I described some of the most common mistakes people make when setting their foot in the forex trading market. Here is another one even the professional traders make, not to mention the average person like you and me: they stick with the known and well-established. The US dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Japanese yen. The Chinese yuan is becoming a hip currency to trade in as well.

It's easy to understand why traders, professional and amateur alike, concentrate on this rather small amount of currencies. There are two main reasons for that.

One is these currencies represent the superpowers with the largest economic power on the planet. But are they a better investment than other, smaller, rather unknown currencies? Not quite.

The other reason is that this market is so complex it's tough to fathom it all. Nobody can really follow the large amount of currencies out there, so forex traders - professional and amateur alike - stick with the familiar. As a result, they miss opportunities in relatively unknown currencies of smaller countries, some of which represent growing economies and do better as an investment than the familiar superpower currencies. You should use automated forex trading software to recognize them, it's just too much information for a human to process without one.

So which ones are they? This is what this article presents - the currencies that made the most profit to the forex traders who thought outside the box and dealt with them. During the past year - from April 2007 to April 2008 - they did better than the dollar, the euro, the pound and the yen. My bet is that even if you trade forex as a second income or as an investment, and even if you trade forex for a living, you haven't traded most of them. In fact, my guess is that many of the readers haven't even heard of some of them.

So here they are - the forex trading stars of the past year. The foreign currencies that made the most profit for their investors.
The Moldovan leu - Moldova broke away from the old Soviet Union in the early nineties. It was, and still is, one of the poorest countries in Europe - but they are a far cry from where they were just a decade ago. Massive privatization and liberalization efforts by the Moldovan government, with help from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have kept the Moldovan economy growing steadily over the past few years, with a 6% growth rate in 2007. The leu has increased its value by almost 22% against the US dollar.

The Slovak koruna - Slovakia has gone from a communist-centralistic economy to a free market over less than 20 years since the breakup of what was once Czechoslovakia. Today, it is a member of the European Union (although it chose to keep its own currency) and the OECD, the major union of democratic, free market countries. Slovakia's economy is booming, with a growth rate of more than 10% in 2007, and a dramatic drop in unemployment rate to less than 8% - about a third of what it was in 2001. The koruna came in a very close second since past April.

The Brazilian real - We got used to hearing the stories of plummeting Latin American currencies. That is outdated, at least in Brazil. It has the largest gross domestic product - nominal and per capita - in Latin America. From a broken-down economy which made the International Monetary Fund to loan it over $30 billion in 2002, it recovered, paid back the entire loan in 2005, and this year harbored an influx of foreign investment which made the real skyrocket against the dollar.

The Swiss franc - OK, here's one currency everyone knows of, from a country everyone knows of. Switzerland has one of the strongest economies in the world, and it seems to have had a stable and growing economy forever, backed by its famous banking system. Even today it has the 6th largest gross domestic product per capita in the world. No wonder they chose not to join the European Union which is all around them, and they keep choosing so in recurring referenda. The Swiss franc has risen over 20% against the dollar since April 2007.

The Norwegian krone - Norway, yet another Western European country which chose not to join the Union, has the 3rd highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. It has a mixed economy with the government owning a share of major corporations in its most important sectors, such as oil export, and controlling more than 30% of all public companies. It's the 3rd biggest oil exporter in the world (but is not a member of OPEC).

The Croatian kuna - Croatia survived a painful breakup from what used to be Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, with a war that tore through the entire country - a war people tend to forget, as it was overshadowed by the later wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Croatia has demonstrated a marvelous recovery, becoming a booming tourist attraction among other things. The economy is growing steadily, foreign investment is pouring in, and unemployment rates are plummeting. Croatia still has a lot of potential for improvement, and it's working hard to resolve some administrative issues with a goal in mind - to join the European Union this year.

The Pacific franc - Did you even know there was such a currency? The Pacific franc, or the franc CFP, is used by some of the French colonies in the Pacific, such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The economics of these colonies vary (for example, New Caledonia is rich in minerals and is highly self-sufficient, while other colonies rely heavily on financial aid from France), but their joint currency did very well for any forex trader who had heard of it and invested in it.

The Israeli shekel - Now that is quite extraordinary. There you have a country in eternal dispute, where it seems a war has been going on forever - and it maintains a growing, vibrant economy, full of ideas and initiative (for example, the 2nd largest number of start-up companies in the world, many of them in the high-tech sector). While still maintaining some of the centralistic aspects its economy had when it came to existence in the late 1940s, Israel has gone through massive liberalization and privatization over the past two decades to allow this situation to happen. Israel's economy has grown by 8% in 2006 (growth has decreased in 2007, but was still rather high at 5.3%) and has the 22nd largest gross domestic product per capita in the world - which I find amazing, considering its security issues and its being extremely poor in natural resources. The shekel has increased in rate by about 17.5% over the US dollar over the past year.


So what am I saying here? first of all, let me start by what I'm not saying. I'm not saying you should, or should not, invest in these currencies. There is no guarantee they will continue to grow, and this article does not constitute a suggestion to invest, or not to invest, in any of these currencies - or other currencies - in any way, shape, or form. I want to be very clear on that.

All I'm saying is that this article is just a demonstration of how complex and diverse the forex trading market is, and why it is so difficult even for a professional forex trader - let alone ordinary folk like you and me - to figure it all out. Some good automated forex trading software can help you with that.

Croatia - Jewel of the Mediterranean


World travelers, take note: there is no beauty superior to that which can be absorbed by witnessing the natural spenders and the cultural richness of Croatia. With a national history dating back to the seventh century a.d., Croatia has exhibited the wonders of, as the country’s national tourism board states: “The Mediterranean As It Once Was”.

Unending natural exquisiteness prevails in all of the varied and marvelous areas that compose Croatia – from the sparkling rivers that spawn from the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea basin, to the semi-mountainous ranges that harbor wide-ranging magnificent wildlife. While visiting beautiful Croatia, you may be inclined to get in touch with Mother Earth by engaging in a bicycling tour. There are more than sixty active cycling clubs in the country, and you are always cordially invited to participate.

If cycling isn’t for you, then you might elect to go sailing on the Adriatic. Marine life flourishes in this wonderful region as does life in general. When traveling the diverse regions of Croatia, be sure to stop and dine at some of the many authentic and affordable Croatian restaurants. The local produce, spices, and genuine cooking will warm your soul and nourish your body for further exploration of this fabulous land.

You could travel some of the thousands of kilometers of coastline by sea kayak. You could backpack through thousands of square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. You could simply lie back in the sand and enjoy the bountiful sunshine and crashing tides, soothing your troubles away like drifting sea foam.Whatever method of exploration you elect, enjoyment of a land so enticing is unavoidable. Croatia is a wonderful place to visit; a wonderful place to be enveloped by. The undeniable cultural heritage and pride of Croatia’s indigenous people shows through at every level. Travel to Croatia, and you will never forget the experience.

Peninsula Peljesac in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia


Peljesac is the only Dalmatian peninsula, and though not large, it has a rich heritage that makes it an ideal holiday destination. All of Peljesac is full of signs of past cultures. It's as if this elongated peninsula, consisting of alternating stony hills and fertile valleys, created the eternal flow of time that vibrates between sea and sky.

Peninsula Peljesacin Southern Dalmatia, extends between the river Neretva and Mali Ston Channels to the northeast, and the island Mljet and Peljesac Channels to the southwest. It is around 65 kms long and encompasses an area of 348 km2. Geologically, Cretaceous limestone predominates in the hills and dolomite in the longitudinal valleys, while Eocene strata cover the western part with its highest peak of 961 m.

Except for areas overgrown with pinewoods and Mediterranean vegetation, a significant portion is under olive groves, and even more under vineyards producing bigh-qualky red wines (famous Dingae and Postup). Orange and lemon groves are also present. Administratively it belongs to Dubrovnik Neretva County, with community seats m Orebic, Ston, Trpanj and Janjina. It has a total of 9,000 inhabitants. Peljesac is connected with the mainland and the main Adriatic coastal highway at Ston, and by boat from Orebic with Korcula, which then connects to Dubrovnik and Split. It also has ferry connections with Ploce, and from Orebic with Korcula and Mljet.

Heritage of Peljesac

When we get better acquainted with the area and its heritage we can see how human achievement is reflected in the local history. The villages and sacred ruins, as witnesses of the past, have a corresponding rhythm in the natural How of karst outcrops, earthen plains, gentle passes, and charming coves. Few areas are barren of prehistoric ruins; every accessible bay hides ancient remains. Churches and villages, occupying hilltops and hillsides, lie along the subtle flow of old paths which later became faster roads. At every point of interest, within view of every curious traveler, these marks of the past persist, established by each' period in its own way.

Euro 2008: Austria lose with honour to Croatia


Austria (0) 0 Croatia (1) 1

Predictions of humiliation for Austria proved wide of the mark in their opening game with Croatia in Vienna, though Slaven Bilic's side still emerged with all three points despite an almighty scare.
The mood of pessimism had been such that over 10,000 Austrians had signed a petition to withdraw from the competition, the team having won just twice in their last 16 matches.

Another defeat duly arrived after Luka Modric converted a fourth minute penalty, but one with credit from a spirited performance that deserved more.

Croatia started the match in fine style, dictating play and opening up Austria at will but, missing an out and out goalscorer failed to hammer home their advantage.

Complacency, too, seemed to set it, such was their evident superiority and Austria regrouped and fought their way back in to the match.

The final 15 minutes saw Austria lay siege to the Croatia goal but to no avail.

The decisive moment of the match came minutes after Croatia's noisy supporters had taken their seats after the anthems.

Ivica Olic chased a hopeful ball towards the byline where he was clumsily brought down by Rene Aufhauser. Middlesbrough's Emmanuel Pogatetz was booked for protesting against the decision but there was no element of doubt.

Modric converted the spot kick straight down the middle. The goal preceded a period of neat-passing from the Croatians and Olic and Mladen Petric both went close to a second after a dangerous low Darijo Srna free kick, before Petric, unmarked in the area, blasted wide after a deep cross from Vedran Corluka.

Austria looked shell-shocked by the early setback and only late in the half did they build any sort of attacking pressure, their best effort coming when Joachim Standfest steered a header just over the bar.

The home side were more positive after the break, pinning Croatia back for long periods and swinging in some dangerous crosses. But a poor final ball too often let them down.

The introduction of veteran Umit Korkmaz for the last 20 minutes added some bite to the Austrian attack as they built to a rousing finale, but Croatia held out.

New Islands Are Forming in the Adriatic Sea


According to the group of researchers from the USA, Italy, Croatia and Great Britain, a new ridge of islands may appear in the Adriatic Sea, near the shore of Croatia, in the nearest future. Geologists say that although Croatia and the Adriatic Sea are very popular tourist routes today, the beauty of local nature may soon include one more place of interest - the youngest islands on the planet.

Islands are formed due to slow but continuous tectonic movements. Moreover, these movements are slowly shortening the distance between Croatia and Italy.

According to Richard Bennett, an American geologist from the Arizona University, today Croatia includes 1 185 Dalmatia Islands, famous as picturesque tourist routes. However, in the nearest future new islands shall appear in the Adriatic Sea and form a part of the Dalmatia Islands.

Bennett says that by means of modern satellite technologies a group of Croatian and Italian specialists has made a topographic map of the Adriatic Sea, separating the two countries. According to the analysis carried out after scanning, the Italian Peninsula is slowly moving towards Croatia. The average speed of movements makes up approximately 4 mm per year.

"Such speed is not very high. Numerous islands are moving ten times quicker. However, in case Italy and Croatia unite in the end (and this shall happen without fail), the Adriatic Sea shall disappear", says Bennet.

The Adriatic Sea is considered to be situated at the top of a narrow prolongation of African tectonic platforms. These platforms are on three sides surrounded by the great Eurasian Plain, which is gradually squeezing tops of tectonic platforms and thus raising them up. According to geologists, new islands appear at the meeting-points of platforms.

At the same time, the Adriatic Sea is allotted only 50-70 years. This period is rather short, judging by the geologic scales. After that there shall be neither the Adriatic Sea, nor the Dalmatia Islands.

However, there is another reason for the appearance of new islands on our planet. This is the global warming that separates the peninsulas from the continent turning them in to islands. And in the near future some cold places on our planet can become warm resorts.

Property in Croatia - Guide to Buying a Property in Croatia


Overview

The Croatian Property Market
Historically, the laws governing the ability of foreign nationals to purchase or otherwise own real estate in Croatia were restrictive. Of course, a great deal of this reflects the reality that through much of its history, Croatia was under the governance of other countries. For a significant part of its history, Croatia has been occupied or otherwise controlled by foreign governments.

In any event, beginning in about 1990, there has been a slow liberalization of the laws pertaining to the purchase and ownership of real estate in Croatia.

Investment Property in Croatia

With the slow liberalization of land ownership laws in Croatia -- which will be discussed further and in more detail later -- some foreign investors have begun to put money into Croatian real estate. However, there has not been a great rush by foreign nationals towards the investment in real property in Croatia.

There remains some uncertainty on the part of investors in regard to the stability of Croatia. Of course, Croatia is located in a region of the world that has been rife with conflict since the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

In any event, and as has been mentioned, some foreign investors have taken to buying some commercial, multi-family residential and vacation real estate holdings over the course of the past ten years.

Residential Real Estate in Croatia - Single Family Properties

The investment by foreign nationals in single family dwellings in Croatia has been rather limited thus far, since the liberalization of the land ownership laws that commenced in the early 1990s.

Presently, the movement towards foreign nationals in the arena of residential property has been slow and deliberate. For the most part, those foreign nationals that are investing in residential real estate in Croatia are those individuals who have migrated the country (or an in country for at least a portion of the year) for business purposes.

Even though investment in real estate by foreign nationals has been a bit slow on the mark thus far, foreign nationals have taken greater initiatives in investing in other types of business enterprises within that country. Again, for that reason, there are some foreign nationals who have taken steps to own residential, single family dwellings in Croatia.

It is important to note that the Croatian residential real estate market is a buyer's market at this point in time. By this it is meant that a person interested in buying residential property in Croatia can do so in many instances without breaking the bank in the process.

Most industry experts believe that in time a person investing in Croatian residential property today will be buying a property that most certainly will appreciate over time. In other words, many real estate experts who have considered the Croatian market have concluded that buying and investing in residential property in Croatia today will be a solid and profitable investment into the future. It is expected that many more foreign nationals will take up investing in different types of real estate in Croatia in the not too distant future, including single family residences

Residential Real Estate in Croatia - Apartments

Once again, most apartments that are being purchased by foreign nationals in Croatia are being bought by those men and women that are in country for at least part of the year for business purposes. Apartments are turning out to be a practical means by which a foreign national who is finding his or her self in Croatia during part of the year can establish a convenient and comfortable home in that country at a reasonable cost.

For the most part, apartments that are being purchased by foreign nationals are located in the major Croatian cities -- the major commercial centers in that country. As a rule, these apartments that are being marketed and sold in the major commercial centers in Croatia are in fact being sold for surprisingly reasonable prices.

Since 2000, there has been some movement by foreign investors to purchase apartment buildings. These investors are then turning around and are leasing the units in these buildings to other foreign nationals who find themselves in the country for a more extended period of time for business purposes.

In addition, a number of developers in the major cities in Croatia have constructed apartment buildings and complexes with all of the modern amenities associated with contemporary living. These newly constructed units have gained the attention of foreign nationals who are both investing the developments themselves and who are leasing units in these newly constructed buildings and complexes.

Beyond the construction of new apartment buildings and complexes in the major commercial centers in Croatia, there has also been a sharp increase in the number of such construction projects that are being undertaken in Mediterranean resort communities in Croatia. As will be discussed shortly, Croatia is placing great emphasis on attracting a larger tourist trade now and into the future.

Holiday Property in Croatia

In recent times, the Croatian government is taking definite steps to attract more tourists and holiday visitors to that country. Indeed, Croatia is attempting to position itself as being the best Mediterranean port of call. The country is capitalizing on the interesting history and lovely climate of the country in its appeals to potential tourists.

To this end, there has been an increase in the number of developments that are undergoing construction in resort communities. This includes not only fashionable hotels but residences that are being marketed to men and women looking to own a holiday or vacation home.

There have been some early investors who are purchasing these properties with the idea of leasing them out to other holiday travelers in the future. Presently, many of these home owners have found it difficult to keep their holiday home properties intended for lease full during the year. However, these investors are finding that they are having more days of occupancy as time progresses and as more and more international travelers are visiting Croatia.

Specific steps to buying real estate property in Croatia

As has been mentioned, the laws governing the foreign ownership of real estate in Croatia was restrictive. Indeed, through much of the country's history, foreign nationals could not purchase or own real estate in many instances.

Beginning in the 1990s, Croatia began the process of liberalizing its laws governing the ownership of real estate in that country. In that regard, Croatia enacted what is known as a statute of reciprocity when it comes to foreign ownership of real estate in that country.

In this regard, the basic provisions of the laws governing real estate ownership by foreign nationals states that if the country of origin of the foreign citizen allows a Croatian citizen the ability to own real estate, Croatia in turn will allow that foreign national the ability to purchase and own real estate in Croatia.

In Croatia, reciprocity is presumed to exist unless a demonstration is made otherwise. Therefore, generally speaking, the presumption exists that a foreign national can legally and lawfully purchase real estate in Croatia in this day and age.

Understanding that the real estate laws have been liberalized as far as foreign nationals are concerned, there still are many unique hurdles that must be surmounted before a foreign national actually can complete the purchase of real estate in Croatia at this point in time.

With that said, prior to actually executing an agreement involving the purchase of real estate in Croatia, a foreign national must obtain permission from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign affairs. The Ministry must verify the ultimate ownership interests when real estate is being purchased by a foreign national.

On occasion, the review process by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be rather lengthy. The reason for potential delays is found in the fact that in its review process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs involves the Croatian Ministry of Justice and local governmental offices where the real estate in which a foreign national is interested in purchasing is located.

As far as the real estate sales process is concerned, the first step in the process is the execution of a sales contract between the parties. (This agreement is taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with a written petition seeking approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.)

Once all of the bureaucratic activity comes to a conclusion, the final contract between the parties can be entered into and a deed will be prepared for the purchaser. It is important to note that the deed cannot be filed in the Land Books of Croatia by a foreign national without the necessary papers approving the purchase as prepared and issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deposits are commonly required when the initial agreement for purchase of real estate is executed. The deposit generally is in the amount of 10% of the overall cost of the real estate. When approval issues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when the final contract is executed, the buyer will be responsible for paying the remaining balance due and owing on the purchase price of the subject real estate.

Yacht Charter in Croatia


Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war.

Weather - The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon to around 15 - 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is OK for those who don't mind motoring. Summer temperatures average between 26 to 30°C and the sea temperature in summer is about 25ºC.

Sailing Area - Starting in the north

The Brioni Islands - Formally the summer residence of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a bit rundown, as little money was spent on their upkeep following the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2 larger ones and 12 smaller ones. They were given National Park status in 1983. The largest island is Veli Brijun, just is 2km from the coast. It is very green being covered with vegetation.

Cres & Losinj islands - Covering nearly 400 square km, Cres is the second largest island in the Adriatic. It is grouped with Losinj and another 28 smaller islands. The harbour of Mali Losinj is said to be the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. Cikat bay, which is well known for its beach and good windsurfing, is the tourist centre. While the town of Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Town is also popular and is reminiscent of an Italian village due to the fact that for several centuries it was ruled by Venice. The island of Susak is well worth a visit. The population speak their own dialect, which is not easily understood by other Croats. And the women often dress in a colourful costume, a short, multicoloured dress, red leggings and a white blouse.

Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, covering 405.78 square km, and is also one of the most populous islands.. It is very busy with tourists being by bridge to the mainland. It is not the most beautiful or the greenest of the islands. The main towns are Baska, Krk town itself, Malinska, Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. Krk Town is famous for the Cathedral of St. Mary.

Rab island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the most magical. It is has beautiful sandy beaches and is covered with pine forests. Rab Town, the main resort, is full of medieval buildings, built under Venetian rule in the 13th century. The old town walls are still visible in some places.

Pag is the second longest island in the Adriatic. It has little in the way of vegetation due to strong wind of Bora. In spite of this Pag has a lot of charm. It is well known for its lace making and the Pag Town is beautifully preserved.

Primosten, on the coast, is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast and boasts the best of Croatia from yesterday, stroll the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town centre set on a small, hilly peninsula and today, the Hacienda all night disco is just a 10 minute taxi away.

The Kornati islands - 140 islands make up this archipelago and it covers an area 300 square km. The majority of the area is a National Park, designated so because of it's numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters. It was described by astronauts as having the bluest water on earth seen from space .It is truly beautiful. George Bernard Shaw said of the island group "On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath." Most of the area belongs to the people of Murter island who come to look after the olive groves, vineyards and orchards. They in stay cottages during the agricultural season but there is no permanent population. Hramina is a private marina on Murter Island with good facilities including a choice of restaurants.

Dugi Otok is home to the large, beautiful bay at Telescica. The small fishing town of Sali here is famous for summer events celebrating local folklore with a fun donkey race and a procession of illuminated boats. Brbinj higher up on Dugi Otok is a quiet, sheltered stop surrounded by pine woods and olive groves.

The city of Split is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian.

Visit Skradin on the mainland and venture up-river to the famous waterfalls at Krka.

Brac is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and the third largest in the Adriatic. It is also one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours per year. Brac is renowned for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines, wine and other fruits. However the main export is the famous Brac stone from which many buildings in the world have been constructed, including the home to the presidents of the United States of America, The White House in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach in the Adriatic. Other resorts include the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna, Sumartin, Supetar and Sutivan.

Hvar is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic and is even sunnier than Brac. There is however enough rain to keep the island green and to maintain the beautiful fields of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme together with the vineyards. In the spring Hvar smells like a herbalist shop. The lavender oil is the island's major export. The main resorts are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Grad, Sucuraj and Vrboska. Hvar boasts the country's oldest public theatre dating from 1612.

Vis - At 24 miles from the mainland this is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands. Vis is the oldest established town in Dalmatia founded in 397 BC. The island was major base for British troops during World War II. After 1945 it was closed to the public the Yugoslav military and reopened in 1990. Some of Croatia's finest wines are produced there, such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main towns are Vis Town and Komiza. Vis is especially peaceful and relaxing.

Bisevo is home to the famous Blue Caves and this is the perfect snorkelling spot

Korcula is known for its dense forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born on Korcula, and his house still there. Korcula known as "Little Dubrovnik", Vela Luka and Lumbarda are the main resorts.

On the mainland, Ston, is one of the most beautiful fortified towns you are ever likely to see. It is famous for its many cultural monuments and impressive defensive walls. The local restaurants serve delicious dishes of oyster and other fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon on it's sandy beach lined with olive trees.

Mljet is 23 miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southern most of the larger islands. The western half of the island is a National Park and over two-thirds of the island is forested with. According to legend, Odysseus fell in love with the island and stayed there for seven years. You will find numerous good anchorages and sandy beaches on the southern coast, the best of which is Saplunara

The Elafit islands - Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan - In ancient times these islands were home to a large deer population and take their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. There are in fact six islands in the group and it is reputed the most skilful mariners came from here. Once again the islands are very beautiful and are a must visit. Lopud is little more than two hills which are connected by a beautiful valley. Follow the footpath through to the bay called Sunj, a round white sand beach perfect for a swim.

Dubrovnik is an immaculately preserved 13th century fortified city. Ancient walls surround the old town enclosing a fascinating mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Tall ramparts and towering spires rise dramatically from splendid squares packed with colourful bars, markets and restaurants. The whole city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Food and Wine - Croatian cooking is typically Mediterranean with fish, shellfish, fresh vegetables and olive oil taking centre stage. Varieties of fish include dog's tooth, gilthead, grouper, mackerel, sardines and sea bass. You will find cuttlefish, octopus and squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters and shrimps. These are presented grilled or in stews and risottos. The local smoked ham is very good. Lamb is also highly regarded, especially baked on an open fire. There are some interesting local dishes, some found on individual islands, to be sought out or avoided. Take Vitalec as an example - lamb's offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted, not everbodys idea of culinary heaven. Regions with a plentiful supply of fresh water, the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin, are well for their frog, eel and river crab dishes. Pag and Dubrovnik produce high quality sheep's cheese. Pag's is known as Paski-Sir, a hard, distinctively flavoured cheese. The unique flavour comes from the method of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and ash before leaving it to mature; in addition, the sheep eat a diet that includes many wild herbs such as sage. Dalmatian desserts are good too. The most usual ingredients include almonds, eggs, honey, local fruit, dried figs and raisins. Try Orehnjaca, a sweet bread with walnuts or poppy seeds. Palacinke are pancakes usually served with jam or chocolate. Dalmatian wines have been regarded highly since ancient times. Famous wines include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula and Plancic from the island of Hvar.