Saturday, May 12.   We spent the day on Medvednica (Bear) Mountain.   The mountain rises 1058 meters above the ground and the views are breathtaking!   The most stunning view enabled us to see Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary side by side on the other side of the mountain.  So – now we know what the bear saw when he or she - as the case may be – went over the mountain! 

The road rises straight up at times and twists and turns with great frequency.  We were amazed at the number of bicyclists on the road.  So, if anyone is looking for a real biking challenge, this may be the place.   It was a very restful day, interspersed with great local food and excellent white coffee  coffee with hot whole milk – which is preferred by Croatians), and great wine that traveling companions keep praising and exclaiming “Wine can’t be this cheap!  But it is and they love it.  It’s cheaper than soda in the states. My fruit juice here is more expensive than  wine!!!

Will back up to say that, Vesna, our incredible hostess made us palacinkas (crepes) for breakfast.  The best I have ever ever had and they are served for breakfast and/or are a very popular dessert.  So, next time you visit…please request them and I’ll be happy to share this Serbian/Croatian delicacy (using Vesna’s recipe, of course.) 

It is also important to note that Rose and I were traveling in search of our Serbian roots in Croatia, a land which has know ethnic strife between these two groups for a very very long time.  We were all welcomed  into a loving Croation home and now,  as extended  family,  look forward to a  reunion in Delaware and Pennsylvania.    

Am adding a few photos including some paintings from Vesna’s father Rudolph Vesligaj (a well known Croatian painter), a photo of Vesna with her husband and son, and the members of our traveling group with Vesna and on the mountain.