Mljet / Korcula
After a full and busy day in Dubrovnik, we were all ready for a change of pace with a casual nature morning at Mljet National Park. The western half of this long, thin limestone island is a National Park protecting the original forests of Aleppo Pine and Holm Oak, as well as the exemplary Adriatic marine environment. The freshness of the air was exhilarating as we hiked from the fishing harbor of Pomena into the park.
Walking along the small lake Mali Jezero, taking the local boat to the miniature island of Sveti Marija, riding bicycles along the large lake of Veleko Jezero, or just taking a swim--- this was a morning to enjoy a little bit of unguided freedom and reflective nature.
The winds were barely more than a breath, but we set sail anyway to see what we could catch on our 10-mile transit to the neighboring island of Korcula. In preparation for an afternoon of rich Venetian influence, Grace gave a talk on the often misrepresented and misunderstood “Fourth Crusade”. As soon as we finished, we were out on deck for our approach to the quintessential medieval town of Korcula.
Andrea and her mother Catie gave us an enlightening and succinct introduction to this town of disproportionate wealth and influence, which also lays claim to the birthplace of Marco Polo. We finished with a surprising performance of a traditional medieval dance called the “Moreska Sword Dance”. This dance that depicts a battle between the Christians and the Ottoman Turks has amazingly been maintained by the Korcula community for over 400 years! Swords were swinging, sparks were flying, trumpets were blaring, the good king won the princess, and we all lived happily ever after…
After a full and busy day in Dubrovnik, we were all ready for a change of pace with a casual nature morning at Mljet National Park. The western half of this long, thin limestone island is a National Park protecting the original forests of Aleppo Pine and Holm Oak, as well as the exemplary Adriatic marine environment. The freshness of the air was exhilarating as we hiked from the fishing harbor of Pomena into the park.
Walking along the small lake Mali Jezero, taking the local boat to the miniature island of Sveti Marija, riding bicycles along the large lake of Veleko Jezero, or just taking a swim--- this was a morning to enjoy a little bit of unguided freedom and reflective nature.
The winds were barely more than a breath, but we set sail anyway to see what we could catch on our 10-mile transit to the neighboring island of Korcula. In preparation for an afternoon of rich Venetian influence, Grace gave a talk on the often misrepresented and misunderstood “Fourth Crusade”. As soon as we finished, we were out on deck for our approach to the quintessential medieval town of Korcula.
Andrea and her mother Catie gave us an enlightening and succinct introduction to this town of disproportionate wealth and influence, which also lays claim to the birthplace of Marco Polo. We finished with a surprising performance of a traditional medieval dance called the “Moreska Sword Dance”. This dance that depicts a battle between the Christians and the Ottoman Turks has amazingly been maintained by the Korcula community for over 400 years! Swords were swinging, sparks were flying, trumpets were blaring, the good king won the princess, and we all lived happily ever after…
