The human mind is a strange thing. At one moment it can be the most impressive creation in the history of the world, completing countless tasks and being a genuine marvel of nature. Then it can be an anchor, weighing us down in thoughts of negativity and inflexible misconceptions. We all deal with the duality of the brain and I experienced it recently before a trip to Croatia when, in spite of everything I knew, the first thought I had was of the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.
And I know I’m not alone, my traveling companion experienced the same thing when friends asked her if traveling through Croatia is safe. Now, looking back at that question it seems impossibly silly, but I do understand its origins.
In the early 1990s I was in high school and as an avid news junkie remember well the wars that plagued Croatia, the violence perpetrated by the Serbians and the eventual entry of the US and NATO forces. I remember the stories of atrocities, bombardments and human misery on a frightening scale. That was my first introduction to the former country of Yugoslavia, just as it was for many of my countrymen, and because of that those images remain as the only information we have on this part of the world.
And that’s what Croatia is up against. Think about it for a moment. When someone mentions the word Ethiopia to you, do you think of its impressive history or of the famine in the 1980s. I’m willing to bet it’s We Are The World and the famine, something that took place (and ended) 30 years ago. The Yugoslav Wars ended 20 years ago and yet here we still are, thinking about them and letting them color our perception of what is in my opinion one of the most beautiful and engaging countries I’ve ever visited, Croatia.
I thought Croatia would be dark at times, full of Communist era buildings, dour people with no humor and so on. None of this proved to be true. Walking around Zagreb, the capital, I saw some Communist style buildings but more often I saw architecture from far earlier periods, marvelous eras when design clearly shined. I also learned that no one likes the ugly block buildings and gradually they are disappearing one by one.
I learned that the Croatians not only have a sense of humor, but they thrive on a keen sense of sarcasm. Having gotten into trouble more than once with entire countries full of people who don’t understand my sarcastic nature, I fit right in while visiting Croatia. Not only were they funny, they were warm, friendly and incredibly generous. The little moments of simple gestures of good will are too many to name, but they transformed my trip into something amazing.
I was in Croatia in partnership with Croatian Tourism to show the true face of the country, to show people around the world what traveling there is really like and what a first time visitor should try to experience. I’ve visited a lot of places but Croatia made a special impact. Its diversity in natural beauty, grand cities and effusive people made my travel experience there joyful in every way.
I left the country incredibly grateful for the opportunity not just to visit some nice new places, but for the experience itself. In less than a week my entire perception of Central Europe and the Balkans shifted dramatically and I gained new respect for Croatia and her people. They have some problems, no doubt there. They’re dealing with a bad economy, high unemployment, post-Communist capitalism and of course the horrible scars of their War of Independence. I am confident though that these crosses to bear will only make them stronger as they intuit their way to a new future and I can’t wait to visit again and again and watch this transformation for myself.
In short, I thought Croatia would have physical beauty but little else to offer. I was wrong. Horribly wrong. I loved the country, her people and everything I saw and did. I can’t wait to share with you everything that makes the country special, but more importantly like me I hope you will avoid prejudging a country before you visit. As I’ve learned, there’s something good, and sometimes many things great, about almost every nook and cranny on this beautiful planet.
I often wonder how many countries I have similar “misconceptions” about…places that I am hesitant to travel due to past history or impressions from the mainstream news media that in reality are in reality perfectly safe and wonderful places to travel…and I think about how these misconceptions could keep me from seeing some of these remarkable places (Jordan and Egypt fit into these categories in my mind…)
Can’t wait to read more posts about your time in Croatia!
Thanks Shanna and you’re right! We’re all human after all
I loved this entry. You explained the dichotomy of knowing a country’s sometimes sordid and controversial history and seeing the beauty in front of you so well. I experienced the same sort of dissonance when I lived in South Africa. I had so many people ask me if it was really safe to go there – to the point where I was told not to ride trains because I’m a woman and other things that didn’t match the reality I saw. Your Croatia tweets already had me researching the country and looking for airfare… I can’t wait to read the rest of your posts on the trip!
I love hearing that Cyndi! I guarantee you’ll love it :)
Great article! Most places I travel to seem to fit what you have written. No where is as it seems at first glance. One reason I feel people should travel more!
Without a doubt!
Croatia has always been on my list, but the whole misconception part and the fear of lost land mines have pushed me away somehow.
I can’t wait to see your upcoming essays on the places you’ve visited as I know you will have amazing pictures to show and stories to tell.
Can’t wait for them as they will be invaluable as I get on my drawing board to “sell” the trip to Croatia to my family.
Thanks for sharing,
Monique
Monique – Thank you for your very honest comments and for keeping an open mind! I’ll do my best to share the best of Croatia from my point of view :)
Matt I loved reading this post because we just finished writing a series on our road-trip through Croatia over at Bruised Passports. Croatia is indeed a stunning country and we met the friendliest people there.
Croatia changed my life. It was a trip to Split and the Dalmatian Coast that made me want to travel full time. I very much hope to go back one of these days.
Beautiful article Matt. I agree that our perceptions need to be updated. Especially living in the United States, the vision of Eastern Europe is out of date for most. We all need to travel more!
Great post – I personally love Croatia and have spent time in Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro too (Bosnia next!) all of which are amazing countries to visit but I am always amazed by how many people are taken aback that I would want to travel to such ‘war torn places’. I am forever pointing out that for the most part they are moving on from those times and not only are the people friendly and welcoming but the countryside and coast is gorgeous…and the wine is quite agreeable too!
Misconceptions. Misconceptions everywhere. Croatia is beautiful. That’s it. Nice post :D
Great Article! I really want to visit Croatia. It looks so beautiful.
Great piece Matt – Croatia has never been high up my bucket list, but that could well change!
I am always fascinated and wanted to travel to as many places as I can as long as I live. I want to visit places any places that I can afford and am able to go to. I never have any misconceptions and fears on any country. But of course caution is a must. I find Croatia beautiful and fascinating, I haven’t been there but hopefully in the future trips Im planning will be the next one. Thanks for this informative article!
Croatia is great. My wife’s Grandmother is from there. Very misunderstood part of the world. Just as good as Italy, Greece etc when it comes to a Mediterranean holiday.
Also don’t be so quick to denounce all of the brutalist architecture. There are many shockers for sure but there are many gems too. Don’t want to repeat mistakes of the past in knocking it all down because it’s not in vogue now.
True and a good point!
I’ve read your Croatia entries and see that you went to cities like Zagreb, Zadar and Dubrovnik. How did you get between cities? Train, plane, etc. Thanks!
Car!
Nice to hear all the good things about my country!
Greetings from Croatia! :)