Dobro Veće, Dalmacija
Posted on June 19, 2006
I have arrived in Dalmatia.
I am writing daily in Kućište on a terrace overlooking the Pelješac Channel. Across the water is the isle of Korčula, where many believe Marco Polo was born. This place is alive; the hills, trees and water have their own soul. Rosemary, sage, oregano and bay leaf, capers and artichokes flourish in the wild here. Choirs of jackals serenade from rocky slopes and the ghosts of sea captains regale one another on the pier with tales of travels to exotic lands.
I am beginning to feel the Croatian language and get a sense for the dialects. It’s been tricky learning a new language while writing every day in my mother tongue. I was beginning to understand more of what they were saying in Zagreb, but I now need to absorb the Dalmatian dialect and pace of life. Polako… malo po malo…
After the Illyrians, Dalmatia was built chiefly by Romans and Slavs. They were primarily sea captains, merchants, nobles and gentleman. I now live among their direct descendents, surrounded by 10,000 years of history and spirit. I played boče with the locals late into last night.
It’s dusk now on Peljesac, and it’s high time I had a swim in the Adriatic.
John, Once again I am jealous of you. When we were there in April it was still too cold for me to go swimming in the sea. But I can only imagine the swim- floating on your back looking back towards Kuciste and the great rocky hill that towers over the town. Incredible. Have fun!