Back in Dalmatia, where the journey around the world began
Luka, Jane and little Marta Bilich are at home in San Pedro in California with their puppy Ben. They have just finished watching a film about the adventures of some Dalmatian puppies. They decided that it was time they visited Luka’s family in the ’old country’. They live in Croatia, in Dalmatia, in a village called Komiža on the island of Vis, and in Zaostrog.
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A few months later they arrive at Split Airport. 5
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The family heads to the city of Split, where they’ve arranged to meet Luka’s brother Ante and his son Roko.
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They meet at the statue of Gregory of Nin. Ante has a plan - the Sinjska Alka is taking place today! They drive to Sinj.
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The Sinjska Alka is a historical knights’ tournament. It takes place every year in early August to commemorate a victory over the Ottomans in 1715. It’s really worth seeing!
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In the Alka of Sinj Museum they saw the uniforms, equipment and weapons of the Sinj Alkars, while Ben marvelled at the magnificent statues of their horses. 10
The Alka. Enjoying the excitement of the tournament! After the announcement of the winner, it’s time to head back.
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Upon returning to Split, they board Ante’s boat and sail towards Komiža on the island of Vis.
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That’s enough excitement for one day. They spend a quiet evening in Komiža.
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The next morning they take a trip to the Blue Cave on the nearby island of Biševo.
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In the cave, Ben thought he saw a Mediterranean monk seal that once lived there. 15
They emerge from the cave with the monk seal gazing after them. It’s still here after all! It’s time to continue the journey, towards the sunniest Dalmatian island - Hvar.
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Here they are in the town of Hvar. But first things first…
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Hvar town is also home to Europe’s first civic theatre and the famous Arsenal. But it’s time to move on … it would be a shame not to make the most of such a lovely sunny day.
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Next is a swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world Zlatni Rat in Bol on the island of Brač.
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Ben, Ante and Roko are having a go at parasailing. They’re enjoying the adventure and the amazing view. But it’s over too soon. Let’s keep going, we want some more excitement! 21
They sail to a beautiful beach in Brela, on the Makarska Riviera. A stroll by the sea is very relaxing.
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Ben has a chance to show how well he can swim.
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At the end of the day, dinner at a traditional Dalmatian konoba. Tomorrow new adventures await: an outing to Mount Biokovo, which towers over the whole Makarska Riviera.
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The view from Biokovo is amazing.
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The blue sea and the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, Lastovo, Mljet… It’s time to take some photos!
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And then there’s the wondrous Biokovo Skywalk lookout where it’s as if they’re floating high above the world.
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Ben is also amazed by the beautiful view that stretches out beneath him.
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After coming down from the mountain, they head to Zaostrog to the Franciscan monastery where Luka and Ante’s brother, Brother Ivan, lives. It’s a joyful reunion for everyone. Guests can stay overnight at the monastery, and Ben’s family decided to do just that. 29
A morning walk through the monastery. But Ben, curious as always, went his own way. 30
He went into a picture gallery. But what’s that?
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What a surprise! In the painting “The Last Supper” from the beginning of the 18th century, he spots one of his distant ancestors! 32
The whole family gathered round. At last, after travelling from the other side of the world, they are all home!
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PUBLISHER Split and Dalmatia County Tourist Board
AUTHORS
Maja Cipek and Niko Barun (illustrations) Robert Škiljan (story)
FOR THE PUBLISHER Joško Stella
TRANSLATORS
CONTACT
Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/I, p.p. 430, 21000 Split Tel/fax: +385(0)21 490 032, 490 033, 490 036 info@dalmatia.hr www.dalmatia.hr
ZAGREB
Split
Mirjana Marion Čakanić (German) Alisa Glavić (Italian) Agnes Hong (Korean) Mirjana Komočar Ljubić (French) Natali Munitić (Czech) Agnieszka Puszczewicz (Polish) Sarah Puškaš (Chinese) Elizabeth Ashley Relić (English)
PRODUCTION
Crno na bijelom j.d.o.o. Samobor
PRINTED BY
Tiskara DES Split, May 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information system, for storage or retrieval, without the written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-953-6933-06-8