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    Queen Elizabeth II - A lifetime of service and duty!

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    Last night, while sat in a café, along the marina in Makarska, I heard the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died. It is difficult to describe the emotion I felt at that time, but along with most of Britain, I was devastated, overwhelmed and inconsolable with grief at her irreplaceable loss. Unless you are British, a member of the Commonwealth or a citizen of one of the fifteen countries where she was still head of state, you really can't understand the deep sadness we all feel at this time. This lady was the constant in my life, and she will no longer be there.

    Readers of this blog are well aware of my feelings towards Monarchy, the Royal Family and The Queen. I have and will always remain its biggest champion and supporter, from wherever I am in the World. Currently, I am travelling around the globe and will only be in Britain briefly next week for a couple of days, but that doesn't make the love I feel for the late Queen any less. She was the greatest public servant we have ever had, and we will never see her like again. Like most people, I still remain shocked at her passing, and it will take me a long time to accept she has gone.

    My unwavering support for the Queen was born from reading and understanding her role over many years. I understood the importance of her place in the structure of British life and the respect and regard she was given by everyone who knew her. This was a woman who had served during World War II, and had been in situ during a time of great change and upheaval. She was a voice of reason, wisdom and understanding and was universally respected across the world. Queen Elizabeth was quite simply a living piece of history, the last great link to a past littered with turmoil and turbulence. At those moments in history, when the World was on the brink, Queen Elizabeth stood tall as a bastion of hope, respect and calm. She was the bond that held all of us together in times of conflict, and the Head of State of the greatest democracy in the world.

    We all lost a Grandmother yesterday and feel the pain of her family and a nation left stronger by her presence over 70 years. I look back to her dignity and grace, especially at times of crisis, and I will remember with the highest regard an affection a life given in service of her nation.  As our new King Charles III ascends the throne, I also offer my unwavering support. Keeping the legacy of his Mother alive is the most important epitaph we can afford the late Queen Elizabeth II. Today I will light a candle in the local church here, in memory of her, and will remember her importance to me, as an unwavering beacon of hope in a world so divided and fractious. The Queen is no longer with us as we navigate our way through life, but her memory will linger a lifetime, and her legacy will continue to shine bright! God Save the King!
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    A Day of Reflection and Remembrance!

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    Friday was a day of reflection for me, as news of The Queen's death began to sink in. I wasn't feeling my usual self and wanted to spend the day quietly. My mood was distinctly melancholy as I walked with Darrell down to the beaches at Makarska. Once again we walked our, 10000 steps, only this time, a little more measured, avoiding the mountain passes and forested areas around this town.

    On the way into the centre, we stopped at Franjevacki Samostan, a religious sanctuary in Makarska. I said a short prayer for the late Queen, spending time contemplating, looking around at the beautiful architecture and peacefully remembering my connection to The Queen and just what she meant to me.  I am by no means a religious person, but I am deeply spiritual; I suppose you could call me an agnostic rather than an atheist. This was the perfect place to gather my thoughts and take time for myself.

    I was expecting rain when I awoke in the morning, but luckily it held off for the duration of the day. After walking along the promenade, I sat quite happily in local restaurant Ankora, taking in the views, remembering Her Majesty, while Darrell swam in the sea. This is a holiday both of us have needed for many reasons, but the thought of death has given this trip away new meaning. It does feel very strange not being home in the UK at this time, in fact it makes it feel less real than it really is, but, Darrell and I have always seemed to either be away, or in unusual circumstances, when these great moments occur.

    After a light brunch, we both gently walked back to the apartment where we are staying, where I caught up with the latest news back home. It feels very strange having a new King and the constant references to Charles III by newsreaders, just doesn't seem real. When the new King addressed the nation last night, the penny finally dropped. Charles was the new Father of the nation, and I felt sad for the journey he now has to follow, without his Mother by his side.

    In the evening, after an early lunch, Cousin Marin drove me to Vepric Church, just outside Makarska on the way to Split. This unusual church built into a cave was unlike anything I had ever seen. There were people sitting quietly, others were crying and all the while a Priest was talking in front of an alter in Croatian, so I have no idea what was being said. From what Marin explained, these people had lost someone close, and they were there in remembrance of their life.

    We went to a small office at the side of the alter and purchased a candle and when the stage was clear walked up and lit it, saying a short prayer for The Queen. I left, turning briefly, looking back, feeling satisfied I had done what I could to remember The Queen's passing. It was such a momentous couple of days in my life, that marking this historic event was important. I may well be travelling the World currently, but that doesn't mean I can't share the grief of my Country. The change the Monarch's death has brought, echoes similar upheaval in my life at the moment; it was apt it happened when it did. Life will continue in very much the same vein; this crazy World may well have got just a little bit crazier, but it's up to us to continue living in the moment, as Darrell and I will continue to do!
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    Poluotok Osejava!

    Yesterday, before the death of Queen Elizabeth broke, Darrell and I went for a long two-hour amble around Poluotok Osejava, the Osejava Peninsular. We followed a well trodden path on the opposite side of St Peter's Peninsular, where we rambled the day before. It has been my aim to keep my weight in check, not over eat or drink and continue to keep fit. When I weighed myself this morning, I had lost another kilo, making it nearly two and a half kilo's in total. The walking here is truly amazing, it is the perfect place to take in the scenery and stay healthy, enjoying the Makarska Riviera in its full glory.

    This expedition around the World has begun to take on new meaning for me after the death of The Queen. I am sad not to be in the United Kingdom at the moment, as my nation mourns, but it makes it even more poignant to remember our late sovereign as I explore different parts of the globe. Now, more than ever, her legacy is on my mind. Being away from Britain, has made me realise just how important she was to me.

    As I strolled along the sea front yesterday, stopping briefly for a beer or two, admiring the view, the World seemed perfect, my life had purpose and I felt happy and content to be enjoying my time away. Within a few short hours, everything changed, and The Queen was dead.

    It does seem wrong to be enjoying myself under these circumstances, but what else can I do? Life does go on, and we all have to make the best of what happens next. This was the last day before the world stopped spinning, the last day living under Queen Elizabeth II and this was the last time I would feel a sense of calm, before Her Majesty died.

    I will of course mourn her death in my own way and will continue on my journey. However, my travels will take on new significance as I remember my Monarch and cherish the memories of her reign. I am glad I was in Croatia yesterday as I heard the news, surrounded by family and loved ones; the consideration they gave me was beyond measure. Today I remember a long life served, and respect the memory of the most enigmatic, hard-working, dutiful public servant, the World has ever known!
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    St Peter's Peninsular!

    The trouble with going on holiday, is you put on weight; good food and wine all contribute to that ever-growing waist line. For me, piling on the pounds is easy. I only have to look at food, and I get bigger. We have decided to do a long walk each morning to keep us as fit and healthy as possible. When I was working at Tesco, I would do, on average, fifteen thousand steps a day, so I need to do at least ten thousand to keep the weight off, especially when I am having a beer or two each day.

    On Wednesday we walked from Darrell's Cousin's flat in the East of Makarska to the town centre, following the St Peter's Peninsular trail, across the mountains and down into the marina. As you walk along the cliff side, you are struck by the amazing views, everywhere you look. I was in awe of the landscape; it really is absolutely breathtaking. The walk can be quite treacherous at times, especially with the erosion along the tourist pathways, but the panorama, makes it worthwhile. Most people who come here, just sit in a bar and drink, and although I do that myself on occasion, I am also finding my feet once again and experiencing the diverse topography that makes this part of Croatia, so unique!

    As we finished our walk at the monument of St Peter, overlooking Makarska harbour, I just stood looking over the bay, sun glistening, bouncing off the yachts, dancing in the heat of the day. It was a beautiful sight. Standing there, with my hands on the chain link fence, adorned with padlocks, I suddenly felt at one with myself. This is the life I was born to live, but sadly am unable to afford. Still, it is nice to dip in and out of this gorgeous country at will and return when we are able. Yes, I was tired by the end of the walk, but the vista made it all worthwhile. I have been to most places in the UK, but nothing resembles the dramatic terrain that Croatia is famous for!

    Once again, in the evening, we went to Podgora to see family. While Darrell swam, I made my way to the end of the promenade, just soaking up the atmosphere. Stopping occasionally, I sat for a while having a drink, just looking out to sea. Podgora is a place to sit quietly and think, contemplate life and make plans for the future, it always has been. It is akin to paradise on Earth, when you compare it with the UK, but it is more than that, it is a connection to family that we wouldn't otherwise have.

    It warmed my heart to see Darrell spending time with his kin folk in Podgora; arm around his Cousin Zana, swimming with others he hasn't seen for so long, these are precious moments for him, as we both travel to Australia. Furthermore, it is important now, more than ever, that he takes the time to be with all those closest. We are still here for the next six days, so we need to be with them as much as possible. Podgora is the backbone of Darrell's family and the reason we return over and over again. I am glad everyone here has played an important part in my lifestyle break, and hope to see them once again as my year draws to a close.
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    The Croatian Island of Hvar!

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    On Tuesday morning, we took the TP Line Catamaran to the beautiful island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea. The boat left Makarska at 8.30 am and took approximately two hours to journey to this large Croatian island. Half way, we stopped at the smaller, less well known island of Bol, famous for its stunning beach. The sea was calm and the boat less than half full, so all in all, it was a pleasant journey; in fact the trip was so relaxing, I fell asleep several times, with the gentle rocking motion of the boat. At a cost of 600 kuna, or £69.00, it wasn't a cheap excursion, but after arriving at Hvar Port, I can safely say it was worth every penny!
    Walking around the small, narrow, cobbled streets of Hvar, you are transported back in time. To say the place is picturesque would be an understatement, it is seriously other wordly. The buildings are perfectly preserved and nestle alongside modern hotels, up and down the length of the harbour seamlessly. Crowds of tourists, disembarking from the seemingly endless supply of ships and ferries, fight valiantly for their share of the promenade, making their way towards their final destination. Meanwhile, the great and good of Europe sit sipping champagne on their very large, expensive yachts moored in the marina. Rich and poor mingle together in a melting pot of cultures, all there to experience the delights of this jewel in the Adriatic Sea.
    It was an exceptionally hot day on the island, 35 degrees and rising, but we decided to make our way to up to Hvar Fort at the top of the mountain. This is highly unusual for me, since I detest heights, but I have been feeling particularly good within myself lately, since arriving, so gave it a go. To my absolute surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it. The walk was extremely tiring, but the views were stunning the further up the mountain we walked.
    Standing at the top of the fortress overlooking Hvar Harbour, I was absolutely taken aback by the views, they were to die for. I could have stayed there for hours just looking at the scenery, but the heat was getting stronger by the minute, so we took shelter in the bar at the top of the mountain, where we chatted for a while. This is what holidays are all about, being able to do things you wouldn't otherwise do, visiting places you have never seen before. This is only the second time we have visited one of the many islands in Croatia, the first one being the late Marshall Tito's personal Island, Brijuni, which we loved, and once again we weren't disappointed.

    From the Fortress, we made our way back down to the town below, where we had lunch in Kogo Pizzeria in the square. The food was delicious enough; the only time I eat pizza is when I am in a specialist restaurant, who know just how to make it properly. Frozen pizza from a supermarket just isn't for me, and tastes nothing like the authentic Italian staple.

    What I have noticed in Croatia is just how expensive everything is in 2022. The last time we were in this part of the world, in 2014, prices were probably half what they are now, so for two pints, a small bowl of olives and two pizzas we paid a hefty £50.00. Not too bad on English standards, but a huge hike in Croatia. I can only assume that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has pushed prices up dramatically. Equally, the service wasn't as good as it could have been; the olives were too hard, there was no bread for the table as there always should be and there was little in the way of accompaniments. I really shouldn't have been too surprised about this, especially because we were in a large tourist area. There is no real need to give great service when you don't have to fight for customers.
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    After lunch, we walked to the opposite side of the island, following a designated coastal walk. The weather was just perfect, as we took in yet more spectacular views. Hvar is clearly popular with holidaymakers, especially the young, under thirty years old. There were many more younger people there, than people of mine and Darrell's age, and it did have a distinctly youthful vibe.
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    By now we only had a few hours left before the catamaran returned to take us home, so we headed towards the BB Club, right on the edge of the marina, for a few well-earned beers. This was the most expensive bar we have been to yet, where prices were comparable to British prices. The beer arrived warm after a forty-minute wait and was only three quarters full, since most of the head had disappeared. This is not a place I will be returning to. Despite the relaxing atmosphere, overlooking the bay, I found the waiters extremely rude and had absolutely no customer service skills at all. No matter how much I enjoyed visiting Hvar, I just found everything else totally below par. This is clearly part of the course when you visit popular tourist attractions, but it shouldn't be. Unless people like me complain, things will never change - my advice, vote with your feet.

    All in all, Darrell and I had a memorable day in Hvar. I would like to visit more islands in the future when we have time to return, but at least I am taking some wonderful memories with me on my travels. Don't be put off by the bad service in Hvar, I'm sure it's not universal; we may well have just picked the wrong restaurants and bars. Go along for yourselves and make your own minds up. You should go for the experience more than anything, and in the main it was a positive one for us.
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    Makarska!

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    On Monday, we went into Makarska; it has been a long time since we were last here, so we wanted to reacquaint ourselves with this large town on the Dalmatian Coast. It has changed little over the years, but it does seem far more quiet than I remember. Of course, after the pandemic, I would expect nothing less. It feels like there is only a trickle of tourists at the moment, but we have arrived at the tail end of the season, when most people are heading home, if they haven't done so already. However, it was no loss for me, the fewer holidaymakers the better.

    It was an extremely hot day, as we sat drinking coffee in Romana Café along the promenade. This was the first time I've been here, and it was nice, sat chatting with family, watching the World pass by. Our Croatian Cousin, Marin, pointed out a famous football player, Alen Boksic, who was sat in the corner of the café under the television, apparently he played for Middlesborough and was particularly well known in his time. I had absolutely no idea who he was talking about; I suppose it's a man thing, just not on my radar!

    Vlatka is heavily pregnant with twins, so after Romana, we left her in another local air-conditioned café, where she could relax while Darrell and I went for a walk, around the market stalls near the beach. From there we walked the short distance to the harbour, which was teeming with boats and small yachts. Makarska is predominantly a tourist destination and a port where ferries leave to take visitors to the many islands that make up Croatia, but it is also a working harbour, where local people strive to make a living. Architecturally and spiritually, Makarska always reminds me of Italy and a style of building I am comfortable with. This would be my ideal place to live, but as Darrell and I know all too well, it will never happen; Brexit has put pay to that!

    Meandering around the small marina, I was struck by how beautiful Makarska is. Surrounded by limestone mountains, the scenery is simply breathtaking. It feels very much like the Swiss and Austrian Alps; navigating the coastline, taking in the sights and sounds, is an unforgettable experience. Croatia, as a country, never ceases to amaze me, just when you think you have seen everything, there is something even more wondrous around the next corner. This is the same for Makarska, it never disappoints and never lets you down, that is what keeps me coming back, time and time again!

    As the afternoon became hotter, Darrell and I walked back to where Vlatka was sitting and made our way home for lunch and a rest. The heat does take its toll on you, but I am getting used to it once again and to be honest I am coping far better than Darrell. The older I get, the more I appreciate the sun; even after a few days, my usual aches and pains have disappeared, and I am once again feeling top of the World. The climate suits me far better now at my time of life; I need to feel the sun on my skin.
    In the evening we drove to Podgora where Darrell went swimming, and I sat leisurely in a local restaurant. Eating a mushroom omelette and drinking a pint of Croatian beer, overlooking the fishing harbour, I felt at peace once again, something I haven't been feeling in the UK for a long time. Podgora is my second home, and the calming nature of the village is great for my sense of wellbeing. If I am completely honest mind you, I have been drinking a little too much beer over these last few days and need to reign myself back in. I can feel the pounds beginning to pile on, and that isn't what I need right now.

    As the day drew to a close, Darrell and I walked slowly to his Cousin's house, just off the main thoroughfare, and had yet another beer with family before heading the short distance home. Chatting well past midnight, it was lovely just being in the company of loved ones, sharing ideas, talking about the future and enjoying some well deserved quality time. This is the reason we came to Croatia, and it does feel good to be a part of such a loving family unit. It is perfect spending time in such a special place, with those 'to die for' scenic views, but it is more than that, it is also a connection to Darrell's heritage and the positive influence it has on both our lives. As the sun set over the mountains, leaving a faint red glow, I felt content being home again and happy to be at one with myself, still trying to find that person I am inside.
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