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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!
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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