Makarska!

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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