All about Istra (Croatia)

Rockwool pollution in Istria

2007-02-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately probably one of the biggest factories of stone wool in world is currently building in Istria. It is really sad, especially when we know that is situated in the walley with just under natural park “Učka”.
What are the effects of the 3 times smaller factory in Norway, you can see in video. In the meantime petitions are been signed, public demonstrations held (video in croatia), but with little effect for now.
And more, if we speak in terms of profit, seams that people of istria has paid to rockwool to come, with all concession made to them. For example, we (Istrian tax payers) will finance infrastructure (water, electricity), and Rockwool will be free of paying income tax for 10 years!

Art exhibition “Dolce stil nuovo” in Pula

2006-05-26T05:08:00.002-07:00

CITY LIBRARY IN PULA

We announce with pleasure that following picture exhibition will take place In Pula

Twelve talented artists from "SCUOLA DANTE" artist school

The exhibition will be opened by Lena Puha

Monday, 29.may 2006 u 19 hours

Pula central library, Kandlerova 39

Your visit will be very welcome and appreciated…

Ivan Bavcevic - Photography Exhibition

2006-03-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
What is read, and what is not? What is the truth and what is the lie? What is up and what is down? What is the reality and what is the illusion?
We live in the world of duality. Are we sure that this world is not just an illusion and reflection of something more real?

I have a great luck to invite you to the opening of my photography exhibition in Zagreb, Croatia. I am sending this invitation earlier so you could reserve the date April 8th and join me in that happy moment. Please take a look at the attached invitation for all details and feel free to invite others.

Veliki pozdrav,
Big greetings,

Ivan.

Event announcement

2006-03-17T02:28:00.000-08:00

What: JAZZBINA CLUBING, 10 Years on the Air and Stage
When: 24.03.2006./Friday, 22:00
Where: HP Club, Hotel Pula, Pula

About performer

VASIL HADŽIMANOV BAND
www.vhband.com
Vasil Hadžimanov, keyboards
Vlada Samardzic, bass
Bojan Ivković, percussion, scat
Srđan Dunkić-Johnny, drums
and ...

VASIL HADZIMANOV BAND

Vasil’s (born June 23rd, 1973, Belgrade) classical training began at the age of 5,

and included attendance at one of the oldest music high schools in South East Europe,

Stevan Mokranjac in Belgrade (prof. Ljubinka Hadzi-Jovancic). It was his interest in jazz, however, that won him full scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers in a row and afforded him the opportunity to study and perform with Milt Jackson, Curtis Fuller, and Bayron Stripling among others.

He moved to Boston in 1992 to study piano and arranging at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship. He graduated in 1995 and his piano teachers were Ray Santisi and Lazslo Gardony.

While at Berklee, he performed with Matt Garrison, Rick Peckham, Leroy Jenkins (in his rap opera “Funky Faust”), George Garzone, Ayib Dieng, and toured nationally with Paskal Bokar’s afro-pop band.

In September 1996 Vasil moved to New York, where he continued his work with some of the best young musicians like: David Gilmore, David Binney, Cris Cheek, Marko Djordjevic, Danny Sadownick, Adam Deutch, Antonio Sanchez, Reuben Rogers, Rodney Holmes, “Ultranate”… At the same time he worked as a music programmer at the “TOMANDANDY” studios (authors of the “Killing Zoe” soundtrack).

Vasil also performed with the following SCG artists: Jovan Maljokovic Balkan Salsa Band (Rothweill Jazz Fest., Montreaux Jazz Fest.), Dusko Gojkovic (European tour), Steve Gut (Segedin Jazz Fest.), Mimo Mitrovic, Bisera Veletanlic, Zafir and Senka Hadzimanov, Rambo Amadeus (ex Yu tour)…

After spending a year in the Big Apple he decided to move back to Yugoslavia and finish what he started with his own: VASIL HADZIMANOV BAND.

His ideas of mixing Balkan traditional, folk rhythms and melodies with the western, modern musical styles (jazz, funk, world music…) in his own music is completely authentic and a new approach to jazz music. For the last 5 years, Vasil and his musicians have continuously played his compositions on concerts and jazz festivals all over Serbia and Montenegro and other countries with big success (Belgrade summertime Jazz Fest - following Joe Zawinul, Novi Sad Jazz Fest., Nis, Smederevo,

Kragujevac, Podgorica, Budva,… Banjaluka, Sarajevo, Mostar, Zelenkovac Jazz Fest (Bosnia), Skopje Soul and Blues Fest., Kumanovo Jazz Fest.(Macedonia), Maribor Lent Fest., Cerkno Jazz Fest. (Slovenia), Opatija Jazz Fest., Promotion concert for the PGP publishing house in Stuttgart, Pula (Croatia), Berlin (benefit concert), Porgy and Bess jazz club in Vienna (Austria), Bratislava Jazz Days “Jazzove dni” (Slovakia)…

In the year of 2001, Vasil Hadzimanov Band released their first CD and tape under the title “11 reasons for…” published by PGP-RTS. Its first edition sold out in three months. Also for their first release, they won the award Beovision 2002 for the Best Debut Album of The Year 2002.

In the summer of 2002 Vasil Hadzimanov Band joined famous director Goran Paskaljevic and his film crew, in making of a documentary about Belgrade, for the ARTE television. Vasil composed the music and the band fronted by their percussionist Bojan Ivkovic, acted and performed music in the movie. Vasil’s music can also be found on “011 Belgrade”, a movie by a young Austrian director Michael Pfeifenberger and a new movie by Rasha Andric "When I Grow Up I Wanna Be A Kangaroo".

In the year of 2003 they released their second CD “Kafanki”, again published by PGP-RTS, which they currently promote across Europe. For this one, they won the award Suncane skale 2003 for the Best Instrumental Album of The Year 2003.

19th of November 2003 VH Band performed on the “Enter Music Festival“ in Belgrade sharing the stage with the great Joe Zawinul and his Zawinul Syndicate. After hearing the band perform live, Zawinul himself invited Vasil and his mates to perform in his new club in Vienna, called "Joe's Birdland", in the spring of 2005. In the summer of 2005, the band will represent the sounds of the Balkan on Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan.

In June 2004 VH Band were invited by the violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy to perform with him on his big Belgrade concert. This was quite an experience for both parties involved, as well as for the audience...

Confident that the quality and originality will turn many heads and create new opportunities for them, this young band is eager to expand its audience and a place in your programme.

Vasil Hadzimanov band featuring:

Vladimir Samardzic –el. bass guitar (born in 1970 in Novi Sad, Serbia) As a self-thought guitar player he picks bass guitar at the age of 19 and starts practising and playing in many clubs in Belgrade and Novi Sad with domestic jazz musicians. He meets Vasil Hadzimanov in 1993 and the same year became a member of the Novi Sad Big Band Orchestra. 1995-1997 Vladimir records and performs with the legendary rock band SMAK and studies with the bands leader and one of the most famous guitarists in ˝old˝ Yugoslavia, Radomir Mihajlovic – Tochak. At Berklee College of Music, which he enrolled with the scholraship in 1997, he wins the reward for an Outstanding Achievemnet from Berklee Bass Department, BMG Jazz Award and he gets the scholarship from Studenica Foundation (for talented students from Serbia studing in America). During his studies in the States, he intensively works with Bryan Oliver funk band and latino ensemble named Papa Loves Mambo. He colaborates with great singer Gabrielle Goodman, world known vibist Dave Samules (Spyro Gyra, Caribbean Jazz Project), percusionist Jammey Haddad (Dave Liebeman, Paul Simon), rumenian pan-flute player Damian Dragichi and new york drummer Marko Djordjevic (SVETI). With his own sextet Vladimir performs originals at many clubs in Boston. He graduates with ˝Summa Cum Laude˝ in 1999 under supervision of his mentors Oscar Stagnaro(Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Valentin) and Anthony Vitti. After gradution from Berklee Vladimir comes back to Yugoslavia (2000) and continues playing with Vasil Hadzimanov as a full time member of Vasil's band. He also colaborates with singers Bisera Veletanlic and Hana Vuchicevic (Speed Limit, Just), latino band Mambo Stars, multiinstrumentalist Slobodan Trkulja (Balkanopolis) and Groove Masters band which follows the most popular pop singer in this region Vlado Georgiev. Among taking part on many jazz festivals all over ex–Yugoslavia with Vasil Hadzimanov Band, Vladimir played at the festivals in Austria, Slovakia, Germany and Holland (tour of five World Music festivals 2004 and North See Jazz Festival 2002 with the Balkanopolis ethno project). Since his return from United States he has been active as a private instructor, and music workshops lecturer for bass guitar and harmony. As bass guitarist he was involved in realisation of many domestic music edtions and several independent american editions. Vladimir Samardzic lives with his family in Novi Sad where he works on his first lesson book for modern bass guitar.

Srdjan Dunkic - Johnny - drums (born April 6th, 1976 Belgrade, YU)

After finishing one of the best private drum schools in Belgrade, at the age of 12, he already became an active professional drummer with many Yugoslav bands, playing original and cover material.

From 1997 until 1999 one of the most popular TV channels in the country, broadcasts a music show where Johnny, with his own “Mega Band”, had a chance to perform with the biggest stars in Yugoslav pop/rock music (Bata Kovac, “K2”, “Zana”, Kiki and the “Pilots”…)

Performs with Cosey Powell on his European tour. Collaborates with Djordje David, Dragoljub Djuricic( Germany, Austria…) and “Fuzzbox” band.

On behalf of a great experience he gained in working with the best, he is most wanted as a studio musician.

Bojan Ivkovic - percussion, scat vocal (born October 15th, 1975, Vrsac, YU)

1990 - 1994 performs with local bands. In 1994 he moves to Belgrade and becomes a drummer of one of the best blues groups in Yugoslavia “Hush” with their front man Ana Popovic. After numerous concerts with “Hush” (Summertime Jazz Fest., West Rhythm Fest., Pachs Blues Fest., Senta Blues Fest...), he takes interest in playing percussion as well.

1996 -2001 Bojan records and performs with: Pavle Aksentijevic (Bemus fest., Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Canada), Sanja Ilic and Balkanika (Maribor Lent Fest, Mexico, Austria…), experimental band “Vroom” (Trn Fest. Slovenia…), neoswing band “Havana Whisper” (Belgrade Jazz Fest., Zelenkovac Jazz fest….) and Vasil Hadzimanov Band.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vasil Hadzimanov Band, other than in a form of a quartet, can also perform with their special guests, some of the best musicians in the Balkan area:

Brankica Vasic - vocal (one of the greatest ethno Balkan voices of our time, performed with Goran Bregovic, Sanja Ilic…)

Teodosii Spasov - kaval (greatest Bulgarian kaval player, recorded and performed with Trilok Gurtu among others)

Antonio Kitanovski - guitar (Berklee graduate, his approach to music is completely new and original, performed with Charlie Mariano, Greg Hopkins…)

Orhan Maslo - percussion (a superb Bosnian percussionist, performed with Mostar Sevdah Reuninon among others)

And others that were guests on our two realeses ("11 reasons for…" and "Kafanki")

ETC.

Croatia wins Davis Cup

2005-12-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Today and yesterday, probably all blogs, newspapers, portals and TV stations talks about great Croatian victory in Davis Cup. After defeating US in the first round, Croatia has come to the end: in the 105 years of history of Davis Cup, there have been only 12 winners - including Croatia. It is one of the most prestigious competitions of the world, so it is really a big thing for so small Country as Croatia.

We can ask our selves, how can it be that so small country, with only few thousands registered players, and less than 5 million of people can win Davis Cup, come to world’s tennis throne out of more than hundred other nations including big and rich countries as US, Russia, France, Spain....
In Croatia, small money is invested in tennis, most of achieved is fruit of individual efforts of players and parents. For example Ljubičić, who won 11 live matches this season (what is absolute world record) was 12 year old outcast form his home town, he had to run to city of Split where he begun his first step in tennis. He was at his own, there was not Nick Bollitieri’s camps, he was not Agassi or Roddick who was discovered early as talents and then pushed through well known paths to become great players… He was playing in broken shoes because he could not afford new ones, it was “to be or not to be” choice made by him! Such things has to be respected, no one of top 10 players had have so difficult path to success.
Off course, every path to great champion is hard, but some are harder. Not only that we are only 4.5 million, but we have also worse conditions that most other countries that invest great money in sport. In certain sense it’s some sort of miracle, especially if we consider that this is not first world championship in Croatian sport: handball, skiing, world bronze in soccer, silver against first US dream team with Michael Jordan, are some of the great sport achievements.
So once again, great homage to new Davis Cup champions, especially to Ivan Ljubičić, great fighter and hero, and Mario Ančić who for long time was in his shadow, but in finals he brought a winning point! Details abouth match can be found on official davis cup site.

First vegetarian restaurant (club) in Istria

2005-11-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

Recently the first vegetarian club in Istria has been opened. It is small restaurant which run two persons with rich experience in preparation of vegetarian food.

Here you can see some photos from inside. They offer daily menu for affordable price of 30 Kn (about 4 Euro), various (big and tasty) sandwiches and delicious cakes with natural sweeteners.

Beside of this, they are organizing cooking courses for those who want to learn how to prepare such a delicious food.
So, considering recent health threats from meat dishes, some sort of vegetarian alternative is positive, isn’t it?

Their phone numbers are: 098 95 48 360 i 098 161 27 82 (when calling from Croatia, from outside you must use prefix +385).

Bon appetit!

Old olive tree

2005-10-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about You, but for me olive trees has special charm and special place in my hearth. It was also very important in the life of our elders, for welfare and survivor when people depended on nature gracefulness. So, today I want to share with you one special olive tree: 1000 years old, and 6 meters in circumference.

I found it by case, it is property of Mr. Tone Cerin from Pula, who let me gladly take some pictures of it. In the meantime we spoke a little about old times - new times, where he expressed wish that the memory of this old and beautiful olive tree is kept and documented.

So I’m doing my best, see your self and enjoy!

Istrian Artisan Fair

2005-09-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven’t been around for a while, because I was somehow busy with my regular duties, and with setting up our new collaborative blog: InfoCroatia.com . This blog has already gained excellent results (compared to investment – 0 USD, and free time engagement), what means that it was a good idea. We have more than five active bloggers who post regularly (eleven registered), and many excellent posts (49). I’m sorry that I’m not able to translate some quality posts here because of lack of time, and skills in English. But, here is one post which will bring You the atmosphere of Istria as in past times.

This regards Istrian Artisan Fair held in small Istrian place: Svetvincenat, where people could see tools, costumes, instruments as they used to be. Here are some photos to make you a picture of what I’m talking about.

In some sense I’m a little nostalgic for those times of peace and quietness, without cars, electricity, artificial lights, TV (well I would keep the internet), globalization, terrorism, atomic weapons, junk food, air and water pollution… Well, compared to last few items on list, our progress doesn’t seem so attractive, and desire to get rid of some things seams very reasonable. Progress of our civilization is neither completely good, neither completely bad: it is somewhere in the middle.

I’ve said many times that it is very pity that every next generation consider itself more clever and advanced that previous (they are “old fossils”), and thus repeats some common and disastrous errors. One of the biggest errors is war: the generation who passed it know that there is no winner in war-everybody looses, but new generations forget the dreadful war consequences and let the fear, ambition and greed guide them in new conflict, in new suffer.

But, It’s a life… What can we do? Be good, Do good, See good and world will soon become good too.

Rainy August, Sunny September

2005-09-05T01:50:00.000-07:00

This summer was very interesting from a point of weather… In Croatia, such a heavy rains during summer hasn’t been seen even from oldest people. So, my father (that is almost 60) has never seen green grass in summer time. The grass in Istria is always yellow and dry (caused by high temperatures and lack of water) till later autumn and winter.
Because of that probably tourist were very unhappy, but in other hand for us, that work here in hot summer days, this wasn’t bad weather at all. Now there are many good mushrooms all around (for those who know how to collect then) so in the last period we enjoyed in various top quality plates prepared from those mushrooms that we’ve (or our relatives, especially my father and my wife’s mother) collected.
But now in September, weather is excellent: cold and sunny. Interesting is that I’ve seen on TV and internet that some other parts of the world (like Australia and Portugal) are hit by opposite situations, incredible dryness. And what to say about last events in USA, where “Katrina” has literally destroyed New Orleans.
And what to do now? It is obvious that climatic changes are on the road, so similar situations are to be expect in future also. Why? Man has disordered natural equilibrium, and now nature has to find new balance: Some parts of the world will become deserts, some ice cubes, and some green gardens… But maybe distribution of this areas will not be same as today. I find this thing very logic. By now, probably is too late to stop this process, but we can ease it. For this, raise of people’s consciousness is required, it is choice that is before us: learn lection in easy or hard way.

My new blog

2005-09-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
only to place brief information that I’ve started new blog with couple of friends on the address http://www.infocroatia.com/blog/. It will be in Croatian, with more frequent posts, probably daily(as more persons will be posting, so watch the author's name below the post. I am Administrator or maybe it is better to change to dragan? ;). For me it is easier to write in Croatian than in English, but I will continue to maintain this blog also.
The fact is that I've installed great software called wordpress, for managing my blog with so many possibilities, that I really enjoy using it!

Info Croatia Blog will be focused on all Croatia, but sometime we will write about events in the world also. So, best regards and see you here or there!

Rivers of steel

2005-08-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Rivers of steel....

Today and Yesterday was raining… Very strange weather for summer, almost seams as autumn, September – October… Yes, yesterday Croatian soccer club Hajduk from Split, lost from Anonymous Hungarian club Debrecen 5:0 in the center of Split, so it may be that sky over Croatia is crying of shame… But most likely cause for this are climatic changes, caused by man’s indolence and ignorance.
So why rivers of steel? Well, all of You who have come to Pula, Poreč, Rovinj or some other tourist place in Istria (and probably elsewhere ), knows that roads all around the place, entrances in the city especially, looks like rivers of cars (which are of steel) , rivers that are more like lakes: they are not moving. Now with such a weather, it is even worst. Today, I’ve visited Croatian tourist portal www.adriatica.net and looked at their wallpapers section, where all wallpapers are picturing Croatia as idyllically natural place with solitary beaches…
But dear tourists: it is not like this!
If You are going on holidays most likely you will meet a river of steel, or classical rush hour. So You’ve probably run from an rush hour to take a rest in another rush hour… My recommendation is: go on holidays in June or September! September is beautiful also, even more than august. I’m waiting for September to begin bath season ;). This year, I was only 2 times at the beach, tomorrow I’m going on holiday: and I’m going far away from here to take some rest. But if You like rush, many people everywhere, no place for parking, full beaches, some cultural and fun events: to come in Croatia right now is excellent choice for You.

Croatia from postcards: popularity deteriorates quality

Idyllically place pictured on the internet and magazines is thing of the past, or is vanishing right now. Now all you can find is crowd and business. It’s very hard for average tourist to get a holiday like those pictured in magazines. If You are very rich: you can, but otherwise… But this is natural, with groving popularity, quality deteriorates. Very funny(and sad): Croatia is becoming world wide popular as land of virgin nature, but with its grooving popularity this virgin nature is vanishing.
What a paradox, it’s like sawing the branch on which you are sitting. Everybody is talking about virgin nature, delicious food, but nobody is talking about devastation of nature, about deterioration of beautiful coasts in order to build tourist resorts, about malversations with land, about impossibility to handle all this waste during summer, about car rushes, about bad smell from port of Pula and other similar ports, about high prices caused by high number of tourists…
This is not a negative publicity, this is reality: you will meet both sides, except if you are rich. In that case, you may meet only idyllically pictured Croatia (like many celebrities and royalties that are currently visiting Croatia), a land of thousand of virgin islands.

About ecology and virgin nature: Differentiated waste

Did You know that in Pula it is almost impossible to find place to put differentiated waste: plastic, glass, organic… Last day I’ve wanted to throw away some plastic bottles (of mineral water), but I was unable to find a place where I could do so?!! I was driving around with car, but without success! And we are talking about virgin nature, ecological destination etc??! There is no differentiated waste: and it is not so hard to put here and there few containers... what can we expect from more demanding issues?

Municipal Tourism Office Medulin

2005-07-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

Municipal Tourism Office Medulin

Medulin is one of the most developed tourist district’s, but unfortunately, till now they had old and ugly web site. Now the launched brand new and good looking, with lots of information's for tourists: including beaches, photos, accommodation, sport and destinations: Medulin, Pomer, Banjole, Pjescana Uvala, Vinkuran and Premantura which contains one of the most beautiful natural parks in Croatia.
By the way, Premantura recently was on the target of construction entrepreneurs who wanted to deteriorate this beautiful coast:

(check more on medulin’s web site by your self) to be able to build some hotels and apartments. Recently there was elections, and municipal governance has changed, Younger people has arrived, so let’s hope that their level of consciouness is opposite of their ages: what means higher, and that they will know how to recognize priorities in rural development….
Municipal Tourism Office Medulin -->

False accusations for pedophilia in Pula

2005-07-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

False accusations for pedophilia in Pula?

Today’s newspapers has brought the news that accusation for pedophilia in case of children refuge in Pula was false, so seams that there is not case at all. I’m happy that things finished this way, because public opinion was rampantly going in direction of deprecation of employees in this activity. In effect it is good that things has resolved so quickly, this has eased a lot a life of accused people. But, and often there is one but, remains suspect that something has really happen. And in fact, according to my private sources which knows in first hand some of involved persons, there is at least one person for which this accusations are true. This fact, for me puts even more suspect in the fairness of our law and jurisdiction.

Power and responsability of media

However, seams that most of the named persons in that case are really innocent, and that some emotional and professional damage to them is done.
In last time I noticed that I’ve written more about medias and their attitude, than about situation itself. In our regional newspaper (“Glas Istre”) the first page is dedicated to this case today, but in Croatian biggest newspaper “Jutarnji list”, there is nothing more than little article somewhere in the middle of papers, while when scandal has emerged, they dedicated it first page!

Our wicked mind

This also reflects our wicked way of thinking: we always give more weight and attention to bad things than to good ones. And this is one of the reasons why we have the problem to see our life as joy - as we get older we see it more as sorrow. Our mind have to be purified properly if we want to sense real life joy, not only sensual pleasures, which are far below experiencing every moment in full.

Light side - Dark side

Have somebody watched “Star wars: Revenge of the sith”? What was the power of sith lord Darth Sidious, that bounded Anakin Skywalker in the darkness? it was not his battle skill, it was his power to recognize our inner fears and bondages: bondages with people, with concepts (philosophy, religion, science), with things(houses, cars, possessions). He used Anakin’s fear of loosing his wife (as he lost his mother) to turn him to the dark side. Dark side means surrender to the fear, anger, will to dominate… Dark side makes us do bad things: that harms other, that brings pain and suffering, that breaks balance. Fear makes us sometimes lie, desire make us sometime cheat to achieve object of our desire. And we consider it as normal, we always have excuses for our little lies. This is all dark side because dark side means shadowing the clarity: falsity that shadows the truth (we cannot see in dark). Thus our selves become unable to see clearly(what is truth and what untruth): this is the price of the dark side. When we lie to others, we will lie to our selves also; the dark side has no friends, dark can overcome light only by complete annihilation of all existing, because every being has a light of consciousness-awareness inside, everyone is enemy of dark side: in fact it will destroy even its “servants”.

Our real self

Everybody, knowing it or not, strive to self realization, strive to become light and not dark, regardless how one can be seduced by desires, power, fear… his deepest wish is to become one with the light, to be fully aware of its own existence - of itself. Thus, there is no bad man in his core. Even the most cruel terrorist deep within has same longing as we are. Think about worst thing that may happen to you: Isn’t this loss of self consciousness? Think for a while what is use of anything other then? In that state You don’t have wife and children, You don’t possess any good or wealth, in that case Your body and senses are of no use. So, the mythical battle of good and bad, dark and light happens right within our selves. It represents our rise from complete self oblivion to fully awareness of our being.

Fear and happiness

As long as we have fear (fear for our children’s, fear of losing job, fear of nature, fear of terrorist) we will not be able to experience bliss or even happiness, because our attention will be always drawn away by potential threats, and thus we are unable of sensing or seeing good things that in the same moment coexists with the potential threat. So every moment has good and bad (dark and light side) potential, and what we experience depends on which side we will turn our attention. All depends on color of our glasses (our way to see things). But while we are bound by the dark side, we are not able to sense real happiness: only worries and fears: So Darth Vader, regardless of his great powers was not happy, and one of our highest duties is to be happy, since this precious gift of life was given to us.

2005-07-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Pedophilic scandals in Croatia

• Well, this is an topic that I must write about for several reasons:
• It concerns society and education
• It concern children’s with special needs
Most recent case happened to be in Pula (Istria), my hometown.
Recently many cases of pedophilia went out, maybe most exposed cases was of catholic priest’s (at least here in Croatia), but seams that such an awful sexual deviation is running rampant all over the world. Is such wide dispersion a new phenomenon, or it was always like this, only we didn’t know it?
I know that events I’m talking about are shadowed by London Bombing, but this is a regional blog, and for our region this is maybe even more important topic.
Recently two cases went out: one in caritas home in Brezovica, and other in refuge for children’s with problematic behavior in Pula. I will not go in details what has happened, but it is enough to say that some were accused for sexual violations over minors, and others for covering up the crime. It is interesting to note how organizations and institutions which should protect children’s, are often abusing their position (we can only ask our selves how many other public functions are abused for personal profit also?). And more, it has came up that many cases where known to institutions before public scandal, it is to be asked why they did not reacted before? Do we have to wait for journalists to discover what is happening around us? So we can easily come to conclusion that it is difficult to trust one’s honesty, the institutions are not performing their tasks, there are composed of corruptible people afraid for their own positions and welfare more than for fulfilling their mission.

So is any remedy here?

Yes, but people’s mind, preferences and priorities has to change. As long as we look at this world 99% materialistic, thing will not change. People that are performing such and other evil acts are nothing than a product of our civilization, out way to think, our medias and frustrations produced by everyday life.

The other part of the coin

So media has made a big rush around this two cases, many people were publicly accused and thus extruded in front of friends, relatives and community but not all of them are guilty. How will they wash their name? For a lifetime a scarf will remain. So this is the other part of the coin, where innocents are accused, and again the media here bear a great responsibility to find right balance: but borders are often overpasses, and big damage is done. I here especially refer to the case from Pula, where name of the principal Aleksandar Tašić is one of the most exposed, but it seams that he does not bear the guilt. My wife knows him from the childhood, and she knows him as very good and honest person. She can be wrong, but the charges can be wrong also. In the meanwhile, his name was spotted as also the name of many educators, which may not be guilty at also. They are described almost as insensitive animals. Some of them can be like this, but others (majority) not for shore. Who will provide them job tomorrow, if they loose this one because of bad name acquired in this situation?
Here I remember Jesus word’s: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged”. This is second commandment, and first is also very interesting in this context: “Do not swear oaths at all. Just say Yes or No.”. So I’ve already talked too much…. Let’s say only good bye!

2005-07-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Announcement: 10th Smrikva Bowl Finals

Event Place: Štinjan (Pula) – Croatia – Istria
Event time: 02 july 2005 at 9:00
Entrance: free
“Smrikva Bowl” is biggest European tennis tournament for boys and girls under 10. It is organized by tennis club “Smrikve”, based in little place near Pula, called Štinjan. You can check Smrikve’s website, and Last Year’s tournament and photos! Very nice, as You can see from the photos, the children’s are having much fun, and stellar treatment!
For last three years, also, US vs. Europe was organized: Best players from US’s “Little Mo” tennis tournament (Andy Roddick won Little Mo in 1992) and best players from “Smrikva Bowl” compete for Little Mo/Smrikva Bowl championship, which is very exciting, because we are watching future champions!
Imagine that whole families with children’s have came from 3 continents to participate at this prestigious tournament, to gain new experience, find new friends … The children’s from US are willing to travel for more than 20 hours to get to the tournament, so it must be something special.
With 95 participants from 21 countries, it is one of the biggest sport events in our town, with tourist importance also: it gathers more than 400 people (children’s, parents, trainers…), and most of them decide to spend some holidays here also. Manny participants and parents will gladly remember this tournament, they will spread the word about Istrian beauties, and perhaps some of them will return to visit this place as big tennis stars. So, the positive impacts on our community are multiple, and it is pity that this great work, which would not be possible without support of number of enthusiasts and volunteers, is not better supported by our official district or tourist board.
So I highly recommend it to everyone interested in tennis, you will have the possibility to see future Wimbledon winner, the best boys and girls from Europe and US, are already there, they wait only for You… Enjoy!
ps.
We will know the finalist’s this evening, but probably I will not publish this, only final results….

2005-06-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

Warming up, taking control

Hi everybody. To be honest, my focus of my interest is moving from Istrian peninsula, more toward social and environmental themes. But, place in which we live is model, by which we can come to some conclusions. All around me I see busy people watching only their own affairs, which don’t care much about anything else. Usually they say, why bother when it is impossible to change anything.

Sooner or later the world will change. All civilizations has seen their raise and fall, and fall has always begun when people loose their sense of community, respect and morality. So, the world in which we live will vanish forever, including all cruelties connected with our way of life. We are controlled by unscrupulous people, who don’t hesitate to take most drastic actions to keep or conquer more power and control, including human life destruction, destruction of environment and destruction of social structure.

But we have chosen to give them power to control us. We are giving the power to criminals without scruples, great wealth to individuals who by their moral and character doesn’t disserve it, who use it only for their own happiness, who are obtaining their aims over “corpses” of ordinary people. They don’t care much if common people every day falls as a victims of bureaucracy or intolerance, war or hunger, if they can’t find a justice although somebody say’s that law can provide justice? But law is often used as a mean to exercise power and control, don’t you feel sometimes like this? “Wait, but who care for character? Money is important not character?!” Such thoughts give power to some and suffering to majority, fear and desires, ignorance and negligence, lack of self-esteem and patience can have the same effect. But this will change, life and world we se is already past: as a resound of old days, designated to extinction. Leaders of today, are leaders of past, economy of today is economy of past, life of today is life of past. You may say, I don’t think and feel like this, but we can ask our selves: aren’t wee too busy to see anything? We are even unable to see, here and understand our wife and kids, because we don’t take the time to understand them. In one of the past posts, I’ve transcribed some verses from Veda’s with prophecy about our age, old more than 5000 years, which means that everything can be seen if we have eyes for it. Be happy.

Because English is not my native language(and I’m neither an English expert), I apologize to those who may feel uncomfortable because of imperfections in this text. All comments and correction are welcome.

2005-03-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming

Finally, weather is worming up. It took some time. Usually, in this period of year, all have already flourished, leaves on the trees and plants are out, birds song can be heard. But now seams that we are one month late. I am not complaining about this, at opposite I am happy for longer winter, because last years it was very worm, and this is not good for environmental balance. Maybe this winter was some sort of temperature balancing.
This reminded me, a film about new Ice Age, called: “Day After Tomorrow”, where entire north hemisphere gets frozen due to temperature balancing of atmosphere overheating caused by humans.
Here the nature teaches us that balance is very important, and that everything, before or after, has to be balanced. So the man should maintain balance between words and deeds, balance between taking and giving, balance between our possibilities and desires, balance between family members, balance between work and rest… We could list many more things. Maybe the balance could be observed also as a rule of action and reaction: if we are careful we could notice this. For example, if we do something bad to others, a reaction could be that something bad happens to us also, in order to balance our action.
Last 100 years we are doing much harm to nature and earth, we are not respecting her and we are overusing her resource, without caring much for natural balance, caring mostly for our comfort. This way, the nature could react in unfavorable way for us, not as a revenge but in order to balance subtle environment. This way more tsunami’s, tornados or other natural calamites could happened, as way to prevent total environmental disaster.
Off course, it is only my theory, I’m not a scientist, so things could easily go some other way, and probably will, because man very rarely guesses about his own life, so this should be taken as my vision on how man should manage his life: to be in balance.

2005-03-08T04:37:00.000-08:00

No cash, no Europe!

In Croatia “Gotovina” means “cash”… It is known that on march 17, Croatia hopes to begin the negotiations for joining the European Union. Ante Gotovina is name of Croatian fugitive who is requested by international court for war crimes in Haag. Seams that extradition of Ante Gotovina is only obstacle to the process of Croatia joining to European union. This is the meaning of post’s title: Without Gotovina there will be no negotiations, “Without “cash”, there is no European union. It is funny that wherever you go to buy or pay something in Croatia, they will always ask you “Gotovina?” (cash?), so maybe this is the cause why Carla Del Ponte and other International instances thinks that Gotovina is still somewhere in Croatia. Even more, on every bill you pay with cash, there is written something like:
Gotovina: 100,00 Kn.
So to the foreigners(or foreign secret agents) it may seam as total conspiracy, in which all country, men and women, young and old has joined together to hide Ante Gotovina, praise his name, and help him to make fool from International Court… And more, in this total conspiracy, from every bill you pay some amount goes to Gotovina, it is even explicitly written (remember? Gotovina: 100,00 Kn.) as some kind of legal tax!

Gotovina in Croatia?

European instances may state with reason that “Gotovina” is still in Croatia! Fortunately there is still some “Gotovina”(cash) left in Croatia, in peoples tiny pockets and bank accounts… But what will happen if we send “Gotovina” to Haag? Will also cash from our pockets leave same way (which direction is already going), or is it kind of trade: “Gotovina” for cash! The most funny thing is that name of the main suitor is Carla Del Ponte(from Italy), which in Italian means something like “Karl of Bridge”. So, Mrs. Del Ponte (Mistress Of Bridge) is standing on the “bridge” that takes Croatia to European Union demanding for cash! “Give me Gotovina or you cannot pass”, she says! And poor people in Croatia are thinking: “Do we have to give all our ‘cash’ to join?”, “They took us all, and now they want even ‘cash’?”, so they came to conclusion: what is use of this European Union anyway?

And what is so funny in this?

Well, I think all this story is very funny, and not complete senseless. Countries with less developed democracy and economy than Croatia, already joined European Union. How can be that only one man can deny one country to join European union? Especially if everything else mach the criteria? Excuse me, but I see this as complete nonsense. If Croatia is not ready, if democratic standards doesn’t match: this is valid reason (but then say it), but if everything else is OK except Gotovina, there is no sense at all. Is Gotovina used as mean of achieving better positions in negotiations? Some kind of blackmailing? So there are two possibilities: Or our leaders are laying to us about Gotovina, and Gotovina is their excuse in front of people for incapability to setup European standards, or Europe is using Gotovina to blackmail Croatia. Funny story above may be some illustration of this case. Sincerely, knowing our situation, our democratic standards are far below European, so story about Gotovina doesn’t surprise me at all, it is only that we in Croatia lack of complete picture. What is to be concerned about, is wont that democratic standards continue to fall if we don’t join EU?

2005-03-07T04:14:00.000-08:00

Every day remains the same

Every day remains the same
All that change is shadow’s game.
Nothing comes and nothing goes,
No one wins and no one looses.

And nothing ever changed:
All that was has remained,
While people lost in shadow's play
Spend their life in foolish game.

Exchanging the shadow for what is real,
They cause the pain that won’t pass,
They cause the sorrow that won’t fade,
Until the light reveal: the shadow’s game.
-----------------------------------------------
Well, I’ve not been around for a while, and with this song want to say, that little is changing. And more, that people are foolish to cause sorrow or pain in any way, when all is so transient., as shadow’s game.
The last period (3 – 4 weeks), was extremely cold. Seams like snow was fallen asleep, and then, suddenly awaken is trying to catch up missed. But, in any way sun and spring are coming.

US vs. Croatia, Davis Cup

So this night Croatia has attained most valuable victory, those over US in first round of Davis Cup. Croatian no1 Ivan Ljubicic has shown it self as very strong and stabile player, winning Agassi in 3 sets, an Andy Roddick in titanic 5 set (almost 4 hours) match. I was amazed by his persistence and stability, steadiness in play and positive respect for opponent. He said that he was breezed by Agassi’s congratulation after the match, expressing al his respect to Agassi as player and person, and setting him up as real example to younger generations.
Mario Ancic, Croatian No2, played also excellent tennis, he shows great potential, regardless he is even now one of the best world players. As a conclusion, this US loss is maybe unexpected, but it cannot be surprise because of Croatian’s team quality.

Bale as example

Those who read my blog sometime, has noticed that I often write about tourism, and tourist infrastructure development in Istria. It is because the interests associated with tourism are so strong, that are causing most environmental, social ,cultural and political problems in Istria. Building lobby is ruining the coast with non environment friendly constructions that will bring fast profit bat long term problems to people, shady brokers are making profit on all this, and our loved peninsula is every day becoming opposite of those marketing slogan: “Adriatic that was once”. Unfortunately our leaders are not making enough to put some order, to build people-friendly society, and even worse, some of them are engaged in such businesses also. They are building profit-friendly society, where small number of people will be extremely wealthy, while others life standards will low, regardless all wealth and glow around.
As opposite to this, Bale, small and traditional city gave until now unseen example, where most political parties has joined together in interest to keep one of the last authentic coasts safe from deterioration, and to bring prosperity to citizens and common people not only to “big pockets”. The plan is to revitalize all potentials already present derived from historical and cultural heritage, to include citizens as part of project, to save natural potentials and shape them in order to become available and profitable to tourists. There are many detail in this plan, so it would be out of scope to present them all here, but lets say that plan is fully compliant with tradition and environment, that does not implies radical changes but evolution of existing, which will ensure continuity in life and tradition as easy integration in existing structure.
What an opposition to hotel and apartment resort that was planed before, that would bring some profit in city budget, and employ some people, but that would also destroy valuable historical and natural resources forever. Essentially, people from Bale, by this scenario, would be left aside from any vital circuits in their own homeland. Without talking that development of continental part of Bale would be left out of systemized plan, slowing its development down, and leaving it to random circumstances for years. So congratulation to people who fought this battle to save Bale and transform them to real and authentic tourist oasis, “Adriatic as before”, and not to deteriorated copy of Spanish or Italian massive tourist resorts. If they made mistakes, do we have to repeat them? I hope not, for sake of all…

2005-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Istrian master plan for rural development

Today, Istrian district-perfect Ivan Jakovčić, has presented master plan of rural development of Istria. He hopes that we will get some support from SEENET program for development of local communities of south-east European countries in the form of financial founds and expertise.

What means development

Well, development is an abstract concept, because what is progress for someone, for somebody else it may be vandalism or deterioration. So what should be development of Istrian rural county? As any part in the world, Istria is specific, with strong and long tradition. So development should include care for traditional values. Istrians also like their specific cuisine, they love nature and land. So, plan of development should include care for these values also - but this is not enough: the freedom and life of every single individual should be respected, and plan of development should be in accordance with those individuals. This means taking master plans to micro level, by which we can develop strong and creative society, develop recognizable individuality of Istria, as place to live or tourist product.
Today we can see globalization everyway, it seams like we will become one culture, one language, and one economy … My opinion is that tradition and differences has to be cultivated as precious and not considered to be obstacles. Obstacles have to be removed by mutual understanding and respect. We should respect different cultures, languages and traditions as equally good and precious as ours, and this is the way to equality. Differences are good to keep the world interesting and fair place, and they shouldn’t be considered as point of separation, but as the point of union what every border is. Non respecting the border is sign that the stronger one doesn’t respect weaker. This is the case in marriage, family, between cities, regions, countries, races...
Finally, we should say yes to development and progress, but by improving, and not by copying.

Macro and Micro levels

While all this stories of advance sounds pretty in the words of politicians, they are not at all so nice in reality. The ecology, tradition and culture are not respected if they are not in the service of profit. I’m not saying here that our leaders are doing this because there are bad, but the lack of understanding and competence in some fields. More, they are under big pressure from various parts, various interests which they are not always able to properly. System mostly falls in applying concepts that are set to micro level. The system is in service of individuals, and individuals are in service of society, or system. Mostly this is not respected, and system often neglects right of individuals, as people that are responsible for system has “big” and “small” concepts in their heads. They don’t understand concept that macro cosmos is derived from micro cosmos, that macro and micro cosmos are not able to exist separately.
Society, cultures, states etc. are made of people, and on the other part they are the frame for human existence. So individuals should care for society, and society should care for every individual. In effect, the things are made and intended to be this way, but because lack of understanding and skill from people that represents big instances (city, state…), the theory hasn’t become truth. To be honest, “Little” people also lack of understanding of this concept, and they don’t understand the importance of their engagement in the society and things of common interest.
If “big” instances neglect little people, or take care of them only as it’s needed to retain system functionality, we came in the danger that system voids it self from its “content”, in which way becomes as an empty balloon with risk of explosion. I think that we are now on that critical point of history, when everyone should understand his position, duty and responsibility towards people and society, because system could fall otherwise. Human creativity and effort creates economy of the country, human mind creates science, human wisdom and intellect creates philosophy, culture, theology… All society is based on human values and virtues, without them system does not exists.
Here is an example for lack of care for “small” people. In the strict center of Pula there is a little park called “Park of city of Graz”. During summer days people find there some rest and freshness, tourist stops for some brake, small children’s find there little playground in center - otherwise dedicated to adults… Now, from this point of view it is obvious that this little park greatly improves life of “little” people. And improving their life quality means feeding the “micro cosmos”.
But as we said earlier “big” people often neglect needs of “little”, and city of Pula decided to build an business building on the site of current park. Why? It is easy, it is attractive, it will bring us profit, but effects on the human life are not so easily predictable. What is predictable, is that modern business building in the center of old roman city will not be attractive at all to tourists, with doubtful improvement to our identity and culture.

2005-01-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

Kosor vs. Mesic update: Results

In last post I was booth right and wrong: I said that Mesic will get at least 60% of votes, and without emigration that he could get as double as Kosor. The final results are as follows:
Mesic – 65,93%
Kosor – 34,07%
So, Mesic get even more than I thought, he finally got almost double as Mrs. Kosor.
Counting only Croatia, without votes from emigration, Mesic got about 70% of votes, what speaks for itself. The higher percentage Mesic won in Istria, almost 90%! He got high percentages also in Zagreb, Karlovac, and other north regions. He lost only in Lika, where Kosor won with 52,76%, and close result was also in Dalmatia. You can see more detailed info here.
It is interesting to see the voters profiles, as shown by exit pools statistics. Voters with lower education, and voters from smaller places more often voted for Mrs. Kosor, while Mesic won in all bigger cities.
The interesting was voting of emigration, where Kosor won 82,56%, mostly due to votes from Bosnia & Herzegovina(even this time there was irregularities like double voting). Now Mesic is trying to take them off the right to vote in Croatia, because Croatians in Bosnia & Herzegovina are constitutive people, not minority, and they are not the emigration because they never lived in Croatia. Most of people here agree with initiative of president Mesic.
It is considered that votes from Bosnia & Herzegovina was “invention” of ex. president Franjo Tuđman, to gain advantage on the elections, and also to emphasize their belonging to Croatian people, as current president states that dr. Tuđman had the policy to incorporate the Herzegovina as the part of Croatia.
Now Mesic is saying that Croatians in Herzegovina has to defend their right of constitutive people in Bosnia & Herzegovina, which is in certain sense denied by voting as minority in Croatia. Economical relations has to be built on more transparent basis too, not on shady interests of some individuals. I think this is long term interest for booth sides, because borders and limitations has to be respected, and relations has to be built for benefit of all, with clear and fair interests. This means investments, cooperation and development on healthy basis.

2005-01-14T06:04:00.000-08:00

Mesic Vs. Kosor

This Sunday second round of elections for president will be held. And some interesting things has emerged out. This elections are interesting to observe, as I feel that today people has more freedom, more right to information, and less respect to someone because his “backup” in various organizations or parties. Astonishing number of facts and scandals has emerged out during this elections, so I believe that politicians were surprised about this. They didn’t expected it because in the past, media freedom has been restricted by ruling structures, so they neglected the possibility that their fault will come out. I hope this will bring us more honest and qualified leaders in the future.

Rising of democratic culture

The other thing tat surprises me, is the opinion of political experts and analysts about validations of the candidates. I will go back to question of spirituality. As human consciousness is changing, the way that people act is changing, and this cannot be predicted by old means. As we in Croatia are fast changing society, people become to feel differently in very short time, they learn much, and they change the way of looking very fast, mostly due to impact of information’s available through internet and other media. As an illustration of this statement we can use the fact that voters from less developed regions(where less people use internet, and where people have slightly different perception of reality and information’s) are changing much slower than in Zagreb or Istria for example.

What’s experts prevision?

Lets go back to political experts. I’m very surprised that most of them gave advantage to Mrs. Kosor in TV debates held during this week. Their arguments was that Kosor was more concentrated, more prepared (she had paper materials with her), that Mesic looked bored during debate and so on. But, US election has shown that people doesn’t elect the president because of intelligent look, or good language expression, but the key factors are credibility, consistency, and leadership qualities. Off course, those things cannot be determined only by listening to words, but it is more like a kind of feeling that one has about a person, and in those qualities I see clear advantage of current president Mesic, he seamed less fake and more natural, and such persons tend to be more credible in eyes of people. Kosor has concentrated her strategy around pointing to weaknesses and errors of current president in past years, but this doesn’t prove that she could do better. Again, here also I see parallels with US election, and Bush vs. Kerry debates.

Elections in Bosnia And Herzegovina

Some interesting facts emerged yesterday, about elections for Croatian president in Bosnia And Herzegovina. Yes, you have read correctly, Croatians in Bosnia have the right to vote on elections for Croatian president, regardless that they live in Herzegovina for generations. Now, not only that they vote, although they don’t live in Croatia, but, according to yesterday news, there was severe violations of electoral rules. Manny officials of Croatian ruling party HDZ were sitting in electoral boards, which is against law, thousands of people where inscribed on electoral list on the day of elections(which is against the law also), what fires the suspicion that some of them voted two times. Some people that are dead for years are found on list as they “voted” for someone, probably for Mrs. Kosor as about 90% of voters in Bosnia has voted for her! In some places 90% of voters has come out to vote for president: president of other country! Incredible isn’t it? Especially if we think that in Croatia about 50% of voters has came out. Now, their “huge” patriotism should be put on severe examinations, when they gave the country they “love”, by illegal means additional expense of about 10 Million of euro, needed for second round of elections. In any way, I personally consider that it is wrong that people who live from generations in other countries, decide about our leadership, especially when their opinion is opposite to opinion of majority in Croatia.

Prediction

To test my "prediction capabilities", I will try to predict the result according to my perception. Let’s say at least 60% for current president Mesic, because Kosor has failed to establish her as leader and serious candidate, as most are perceiving her as an instrument of prime minister Sanader. Most of them who will vote for her will actually vote against Mesic, and it is well known that elections cannot be won this way. Her strength on the other hand is support of ruling party with waste volume of voters and mechanism to mobilize them. But some of them will vote for Mesic also.
On the other hand, Mesic has shown him self as more stabile, secure, and persistent although some imperfections (for example his tendency to make jokes, or some statements that he made which Kosor tried to exploit in her campaign) that are well known, and he is not trying to hide them at all.
Recent events regarding electoral fraud, information according to which(source index.hr) Mrs. Kosor lives in the flat where two minors where evicted prior to Mrs. Kosor arrival, and publication of Mr. Mesic testimonial from Haag Court in the status of protected witness (according to Court of Haag punishment for this is 7 years of prison) certainly aren’t going on her hand. We will know on Monday.

2005-01-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Elections for Croatian president

This elections was very interesting to me, because I've observed methods and psychology that candidates were using during campaign. First let’s recapitulate:
From 13 candidates, we have two who has qualified for second election round. Those are actual president Stipe Mesić (with 49%), and HDZ party candidate Jadranka Kosor (with 20%).

Votes of Croatian emigration

Very interesting is the fact that elections was taken to second round by votes of Croatian emigration, who has right to vote, and who traditionally vote for HDZ and their candidates. I don’t know their motives for such preferences, but the fact is that in Croatia people gave to Mrs. Jadranka Kosor about 18% of votes, and Croatians who live in other countries (US, Australia, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina….) gave her whole 60%! Amazing if we consider that those people don’t even live in Croatia and apparently will not share any consequence for electing one or another candidate.
And more they don’t pay taxes in Croatia, but thanks to their votes, new election round will cost us(who pay taxes in Croatia) some 10.000.000 EUR. I may sound a little critical toward Croatian emigration, but I hope they will understand that it is not in evil faith, but that I am trying to explain our situation, and situation around election. Most of us here in Croatia agree with fact that electing Kosor for president, would put almost all power in hands of one man: current prime minister Sanader.

Boris Mikšić

A surprise of this elections was Mr. Boris Mikšić (Boris Miksic), an American businessman, which many people perceived as someone new, unburdened, and capable, who could change our actual economical situation. Here I will not talk to much about him, you can visit his web site, but with almost 18% that he won, Croatian people has send strong message to our lead politicians, that people want changes, that they are sick of all fake promises, affairs, corruption and other things made during last 15 years. Unfortunately, after initial great presentation, Mr. Miksic has shown him self as very undemocratic by not recognizing the electoral results, his loss from Mrs. Kosor. Instead of capitalizing his popularity for some other occasion(after all, ass people perceive, he is very new in politics), I think that he has ruined his positive image by introducing some very doubtful imputation without giving any proof. Even more, he has called people to the streets, so I cannot understand his motives for such behavior, or is it political incompetence.

What makes people voting decision?

One of the most interesting things on this elections, was to observe peoples way to choose candidate to vote for. There are few main factors which decide who we vote for (sorted by, my opinion, importance):

1. Credibility and merits
2. What option, and whose option (in sense of political party) is he/her sustaining
3. Who I am against (in that case who could won over him/her)
4. From those who I like, who has greatest chance to win
5. Capabilities and personality
6. Political program

So I’ve came to conclusion (I repeat that this is only my opinion) that competence, personality and political program are at the end of the list. Criteria No1 is most important, and people are correctly perceiving it’s importance. But what is bad, that we are giving less weight to capabilities and personality than to Criteria No4. That way some good candidates can be eliminated. Best example on this elections is Croatian Liberal Party candidate, Đurđa Adlešić, which was rated by all as maybe the best and more competitive, but no one has gave her much chance (analists, statistics), and because of this people hasn’t voted for her. Almost all persons that I spooked to, has rated her at the top, but at the end she got only about 3% of votes.

2004-12-31T05:06:00.000-08:00

New Year Advent

Today is Advent of New Year. We are saying goodbye to Old Year, and welcome to New! Recent events in Asia makes this goodbye and welcome very sad. But other events also has put dark spot on the last Year: if we remember various terrorists strikes(especially that one in Russia, where victims were completely innocent children’s), war in Iraq, ecological and economical problems, together other less or more “important” events, seams that last year is not something to be proud off for us, human beings. It looks more like something to be forgotten as soon as possible, as fear, tensions, violence social and other problems are increasing significantly. Will 2005 bring us something better? To answer this questions it is to be considered what is better.
Some people that believe in God consider that we are punished for our sins. In that concept, God may seam as evil Judge who is watching only for our failures to condemn us. With this concept in mind it is difficult to perceive God as loving and caring. Some people that don’t believe in God are feeling even worst about world around us. They perceive everything as potential danger and threat. With that concept life becomes fight for money, position and sensual pleasure: in such a case nothing can be holy. And in many cases such a life, regardless if bring success or failure, can become very miserable (consider for a while cases of very successfully people, which are in same time very unhappy).
But there is other concept of belief, that God is doing everything for mans sake. That everything in final, which is often hidden to us, will turn Good: In other words, that God has a good plan not matter how cruel it may seam to us. And it is not so crucial to believe in God to accept this point of view, it can be seen by naked eyes also. For example this recent cruel events has raised human consciousness about need for tolerance and mutual understanding, caring and sharing. Manny people now begin to perceive peace, love, family and tolerance, as more important than money, glamour and success. This year we have gifted our dearest with useful(often ecologically accepted) things that reflect our love and care for them, and we were not willing to gift something that would impress with price and exclusivity, like jewelry or perfumes. Love and care is of course most precious gift, that bring with it all wealth and happiness that we need. We have become aware of need to protect nature, also. More and more people everyday are joining to this wave of newly awaken human consciousness, and this people’s awakening I consider as more important positive thing in already passing year. Again, it is proving that in hard times people are joining together to overcome the problems, and in that process learn much about them self, tolerance, understanding and other crucial things in human life.
At the end, will 2005 be better? In my opinion, we are in process of strong polarization: human race has to pass on higher level of consciousness, and on number of people that understands this, depends if we will be spared of bad events next year. And this growth is for human sake.

New Year Advent In Istria

Maybe it is not important, but today are almost ideal weather conditions. It is warm, clean, sunny and without wind! Manny people will stay at home today, in the circle of friends and family,and many will go out also. City of pula is preparing good program this year, with participation of some of the most popular bands in Croatia, like Prljavo Kazališe. So there is plenty to choose from.

Presidential election in Croatia

Last days of 2004 in Croatia are characterized by race for president. We have 13 candidates among which favorites are actual president Stipe Mesic, and Candidate of Croatian Democratic Party (HDZ) Jadranka Kosor. Although their status of favorites, seams that Boris Miksic, who lived in US for Years, is progressing very fast in popularity, attacking second position of Jadranka Kosor.
But, about this we will talk later, now we have more important things, an I must hurry to take advantage of today’s beautiful, almost ideal weather and take a seaside walk.
All The best to everyone!

2004-12-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

Traditional values

I’ve read an interesting article in Croatian newspaper “vecernji list” about US presidential elections. The pools taken on election places has shown surprising results: Bush hasn’t won the elections on questions of terrorism, Iraq or inner affairs. He won because voters felt Bush as man who will ensure revival of traditional moral qualities, lost during ages of flourishing liberalism.

Why traditional values?

So seams that people feels the necessity of restoring traditional qualities like family, human relations and so on. What is the cause of this? While flourishing liberalism has some advantage because enhances human freedom, many times this freedom proves it self as very dangerous. For example it may (as today is) bring to more criminality, family breaks and so on. Frankly speaking, the man is free only then when he gladly does what he has to do, and not what he wants to do. Often doing “what we want” could lead us and others to disastrous consequences. So, some limitations were traditionally set not to limit us, but to protect us, so I think that many people are in search for traditional values again, because they feel the need for more security and peace in their lives. They want protection that adhering to traditional values can bring. They are probably tired of terrorism, aids, threat from organized criminal that endangers them, their property, children’s.

Pope's speach

In this context is also an declaration from Pope John Paul II, in which he states against legalization of homosexual communities, and says that attacks on marriage and family, from ideological and law aspect, are every day stronger and more radical. He also added That the one who destroys subtle basics of society, creates deep wound to community, often causing irreparable damage.

Family

Family and marriage are very important, they should be guarded as something holy and precious, because in family the basics of healthy and happy society are laid down. We all know how many marriages break up’s has brought suffering to ex partners and especially to children’s. Children’s should be double guarded, because experiences in their early age will heavily impact their future life. This is also the cause for people’s need for more security, because many of today’s adult has experienced bitter flavor of their parents divorce or conflict. Traditionally home is place of peace, security and happiness, so restoring traditional values should restore this happy home atmosphere also. On the other hand unity of family should bring more benefits in sense of economic security. Family members could more easily support each other in some critical situations. From my experience, people with good family situation and communication are generally more successful, and with more balanced and happy life. So this is core of society, which should be well guarded.

Christmas

When I started this post I’ve not realized it’s connection with Christmas, which is coming very soon! But now I think this is perfect topic for it, because Christmas is time when love an peace in family are restored, when traditional values, security and warmth of home, becomes important once again: which should become a part of our everyday life also. In Istria and Croatia, there are many people that follows the tradition: In Istria on Christmas eve “Bakalar”(fish) with ”posutice”(pasta) is prepared, an on midnight, people goes to church to celebrate Jesus birth together, on midnight procession called “polnocka”. All is so festive, all town illuminated, almost every home with candle and Christmas tree.

In the faith that everyone will find happiness and harmony in family and life, that little misunderstandings among us will be forgotten and what is good will be put ahead, in the advent of this most holy day, I wish all a marry, marry Christmas…

2004-12-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Preparations

Well, we are somehow in the middle of the preparations for wedding, time is running pretty tight with all the work that has to be done. I haven’t finish neither thoughts from last week, but probably it’s enough at least for now. Thanks to all for congratulations, and I wish everyone happiness and joy in life also. “May all the being in all the worlds be happy”, say one of the most famous Vedic verses/mantras.
By the way, for those who understand Croatian, there is one rather new, independent Istrian news portal parentium.com. It looks very nice and professional, contains more articles about Istria than other Croatian news sites (like index.hr or iskon.hr), but also bring news about Croatia and world. Then, there are other common categories as lifestyle, fun, health, culture, links etc. Link is here: Independent portal for city of Porec.

2004-11-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

Marriage

Well, in a few days ( actually 07th December), I’m getting married… After all I’m 32, but still not the last in the generation! Some of my school colleagues got the children’s now going to elementary school, some has already divorced also(which is not so nice but it says that some time has gone). So we are somewhat in the middle of preparations for that auspicious day.
Maybe now is time to look little backward and resume one period of life… 32 years has gone very fast, and it is to expect that next 32 will pass even faster, at least if we consider what elders say. 64 years seams so far for me now, but times when we were 7, playing in the yard, doesn’t seam so far. And now, some friends of my age with children’s older than we where at that time.
First period, since 6 – 7 years, I’ve spend in inquiry, wondering and learning. Everything seamed so perfect and eternal: I was supposed to be eternally child, my parents are supposed to be always here for me, having all the answers I’ve needed. It was indeed beautiful period. I have some memories of times when I was under 6 years old. Those memories are all full of colors, flowers, and happiness. I remember sunny days spent on fields collecting flowers, playing with butterflies or other animals, but I don’t remember any cloudy day. All was perfect and death didn’t existed, all who I knew was supposed to live forever. I still remember the day when grandmother of my aunt has gone, the fact that we can vanish in nothing one time has horrified me for years after. So I’ve lived in my little paradise, somehow insolated from outer world. Idea to go to school was not well accepted, as I felt that I will lose something precious forever. And I’ve lost, simplicity and innocence, as grooving older we become more complicated and less playful. It is interesting that at the years of around 13-14, I was so disappointed and unhappy with going older and facing some experiences that I didn’t want to go through, that I’ve decided that I will not grow any more, and that will turn time back to become child again. Off course, this hasn’t worked, and I’ve continued to grow facing what life has brought. Even now I’m feeling nostalgic for this period of innocence, asking my self do we all has to “become” children’s again in order to get back real happiness?
Maybe this is referred by Jesus when he said that one has to become like a child again to enter in heaven kingdom. In lack of understanding, we often hurts other people, bringing them pain even to dearest one. We get in Love: we get hurt, sometimes our friend or family hurt’s us, sometimes we hurt them, but why things has to be this way? When we are children’s usually we bring only joy to everyone, and we feel happy too.
……………

2004-11-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

What's new in Croatia?

Everyday we are listening to news: on the radio, television, newspapers or internet… So, everyday we find something new, but in context of age in which we are living, the way we live, is there something new? I found an interesting article about our age. This age, in which we are living, is called Kali Yuga in Indian scriptures, or translated: Iron Age. Kali is also name for goddess of destruction. According to scriptures, Kali Yuga has begun about five thousands years ago, and since than we remember many wars, diseases and other kind of suffering. There is no much memory or evidence about what has been before, especially not about human character and consciousness. But there are some old Indian scriptures, called Vedas and Puranas, for which is proven that are more than 5.500 years old!
Here we arrived to the main point: Some verses are describing our age, the situation, habits and our way of life. I’m very curious if someone can recognize world we are living in. Verses follows:

What scriptures says about our age

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Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 12.2 tells that during the 432,000-year age of Kali, humanity deteriorates and falls into barbarism. Humans begin to kill animals for food. They fall under the spell of intoxication. They lose all sexual restraint. Families break up. Women and children are abused and abandoned.
The Vedic saints and sages of ancient India describe the people of this age as greedy, ill behaved, and merciless. By Srimad-Bhagavatam in this age merely possessing wealth is considered a sign of good birth, proper behavior, and fine qualities. Law and justice are determined by one's prestige and power. Marriage ceases to exist as a holy union - men and women simply live together on the basis of bodily attraction and verbal agreement, and only for sexual pleasure.
Women wander from one man to another. Men no longer look after their parents in their old age, and fail to provide for their own children. Filling the belly is said to be the only purpose in life. Cows are killed once their milk production drops. Atheism flourishes.
The new leaders emerge from the laborer class and begin to persecute religious people, saints, teachers, intellectuals, and philosophers. Children are killed in the wombs of their mothers. Women who have relations with several men are numerous. The Linga Purana says that in Kali Yuga, young women freely abandon their virginity. Women, children, and cows - always protected in an enlightened society - are abused and killed during the Iron Age. Thieves are numerous and rapes are frequent. There are many beggars, and widespread unemployment. Merchants operate corrupt businesses. Diseases, rates, and foul substances plague the populace. Water is lacking, fruits are scarce. People in this age eat their food without washing beforehand. Water is scarce. Many people watch the skies, praying for rain. No rain comes. The fields become barren. Men are without virtues, purity or decency. (Visnu Purana 6.1).
The men of Kali Yuga seek only money. Only the richest have power. People without money are their slaves. Farmers abandon living close to nature. They become unskilled laborers in congested cities.
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Maybe 6.000 years ago this could seam like a hell, but today it’s our reality.

Miomir Žužul

Probably You are informed about Situation around Croatian foreign minister Miomir Žužul. He was accused to be in interest conflict between his function and private business. In other words he used his function for personal profit. (You can see nice article about topic on draxi’s site). After that, in order to protect him self, he told few lies. But, premier Sanader stood behind him, he has won some “friends” within IDS (Istrian Democratic Party) and now seems that Žužul’s position will be saved. So Justice depend on ones position and power, not on justice itself. Only the fact that Miomir Zuzul has told a lie in order to protect him self is enough to be dismissed of his duty. But in Kali Yuga things doesn’t work like this. The interests and power are more weighted than justice, but It is pity that common people are accepting this as normal: this has brought suffering, terrorism, drugs violence and other dark stuff. One should protect the truth, and not his own interest. Politic has become mere merchantery, there is no more real lidership and sacrifice. They are selling us product, they are fighting for our votes, as Coca-Cola and Pepsi: with commercials, slogans… We are voting not for the best’s but for those who are more skilled in media manipulation, who has more money to setup better campaign… Thin a little, is a president really the best person in the country? Are his qualities noble and exemplary? If answer is not, than why is he president? Even the football team has best and most responsible/exemplary individual as a captain.

Weather update

Well, Draxi has Big Brother updates, and me weakly weather updates. The previsions about bad weather form last week has come true, with strong wind. Please look at Iskon’s portal Photo Gallery to see it by Your self. It’s very interesting.

2004-11-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

Heavy rains in Istria

Last week I wrote about extremely high temperatures for this period. By the end of last week this has changed suddenly: From t-shirts we’ve jumped into jackets, literally in one day. After that, two days ago the rain was falling so heavy, that our regional newspaper dedicated whole front page to this. Today, weather is very nice, moderately warm, with some clouds but without rain. Experts for weather says that we are shifting form Mediterranean clime to something more similar to oceanic: with moderated temperatures and more humidity. Ok, enough about weather: those who are brave can still go an take a bath in the sea… It is not too cold, but I renounced till next spring/summer. Till then: only seaside walks…

Istra Danas (Istra Today)

Today I’ve got into posses of “Istra Danas” (danas means today), regional paper published monthly and distributed free of charge. Although it is official regional paper, there are always plenty of interesting articles. I have sensation that it’s operated by young people with ideas and freedom to choose interesting topics. As usual we can find: news, stories, reports, but also tips and advices for Istrian man or entrepreneur, and what makes me most happy, some interesting yet less known facts and articles about culture, history and Istrian itinerary. And last, but not least, in November edition they shortly presented this blog… Thanks!

At the end…

Well, at the end I’ve remembered one nice nature manifestation that is typical for this period… As this is rainy season, wind named “Jugo” (south wind) is blowing very strong: producing powerful waves that may be few meters high (as on picture below).

In Pula, there is one seaside street, open to south and sea, where one can fully experience power of the wind and sea during days of strong “Jugo”, while high waves splash them self on the rocky shore producing great waterworks…

2004-11-02T01:52:00.000-08:00

Collecting olives in Istria

One of the Istrian “Trade Marks” are olives, olive oil, and especially old olive trees. If You drive around Istria, You can see olive trees all around. They were planted and cultivated by our elders, who lived from them, as they lived from vineyards. It is sad that in last 40 – 50 years, many olive yards were ruined or abandoned by their owners, but it is good that in last few years many of them are reassuming their cultivation, and people are planting new olives too.
By the Years specific, rough form of olive trees and vines has become symbol of hard work that Istrian man, farmer, had to do in struggling for everyday bread. But also, it symbolized all beauty, majesty and health of Istrian man living in conjunction with nature. Below is picture of an more than 1600 years old olive tree found on Island of Brijuni!

(source: istrianet.org)
Today, in most of cases, olive plants are not like this. You can see such olive trees in old olive yards, but newly planted olives their owners keep short and small, because of easy olive collecting. Once, people has kept them high, because they had goats: goats where eating grass under olives, fertilizing the land in the same time. Or, because they tried to utilize every inch of land more possible: people were planting something under the olives. So you can see vineyards which are in the same time olive yards: olives and vines “living” together. In such way Istrian man has utilized land better, in the same way saving on land cultivation, hard work of man and animal that had to be done only once, instead of double work for separate yards. Today it is not so important because of mechanization.
So, this weekend we’ve begun collecting olives, with great weather (high temperatures) which is beneficial factor, because low temperatures and rain can make olive collection very long and painful process. On the other hand, such high temperatures are all but normal for this period, so in effect I don’t think they are very good. Probably it's real and obvious proof of climate changes that world is going trough due to man’s impact. Temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius are expected for all this week, it is incredibly hot, and sea temperature is about 19 degrees Celsius. One month ago I’ve wrote that there is still a time to take the bath, but the same can be applied today also(I’ve tried it last week when sea was even colder)! I hope to not repeat same next month!

2004-10-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

As times go on...

picture from istra-online

As times go on,
Landscapes change,
People comes and go,
but there are some that remains,
as lights in dark times…

Selfless service.

Everyone should be at least sometimes, if not regulary, engaged in doing some service to those who need it. One is not required to become as Mother Theresa, he can do as much as he can, but some effort is beneficial to all parts.

There is one story when one rich man came to see Mother Theresa, and what is she doing.
After witnessing her sacrifice he said: “Mother, for all wealth in the world, I would not do what You are doing!”, and she replied: “Believe me soon, me neither!”
So this anecdote is telling us much. How rich was Mother Theresa? Only her hearth was rich, but with selfless love.

Doing something for others, something for society, make us feel good, and make us forget everyday troubles. Makes us realize that we are in not so bad position as we often think. We often cry over our selves and our destiny, but this is pity and weak behavior, because brave people are bearing their destiny best they can, and through this they are becoming stronger.
Unfortunately, today due to lack in education of character, youth is week and feels unhappy if doesn’t possess newest model of cell phone. Possession has become substitution for personality, character, and virtue.

There is one case of boy in India, who committed suicide because his parent has refused to by him a new pair of Nike shoes. He felt that life isn’t worth without them?! And how many girls around world are suffering and torturing them self because they don’t look like a models? One day of service to very needed would realize them that they are very, very, lucky.

Service to society on the other hand expands our consciousness, make us put common good in front of our own benefit. And what a surprise… Working for best of others means working for our own best also. We are not isolated, we are all connected. Now is time that humanity understands this on global level. And I think that all bad events in last period, terrorism, violence… Will have it’s sense in making humanity realize that we all share same destiny, and that we all have to do our best to help each other, putting our own little interests, desires, animosity behind the common interests and common goals. Every person that helps in this direction is very welcome. Doesn’t matter how big our contribution is, it is important that exists.
So what can we do? Any thing that comes to our mind, or better, something that wee feel that has to be done. For example we can give food to starveling, we can go and clean some garbage in the park, write an article, animate people… I is important, if possible, do this activity in the group. In such way friendship and sense of unity is strengthen, and consciousness about benefits and importance of serving needed and society is spreading much faster and stronger. Other people will join much easier, and this is great contribution to world healing, which is very, very, needed in this moment.

Education

One of the greatest services that can be done, is education: Education is most sacred duty, as Sathya Sai Baba says. In fact his educational program (Education in human values) is probably the best in the India, and world. He has set up many free high quality schools, from elementary to high and university, where every child, can get exemplary education . His effort is now, after years of sacrifice, giving abundant fruits. His student are among best experts in their field, recognized also by theirs character, virtues and honesty. There are many of them who has become exemplary citizens of their country, and occupy role positions. It is enormous contribution to healing of human society: Excellent persons, by their knowledge and character, at right positions can be the key for better future. Such educational system and institutions, built on Sai Baba’s program now exists in (if I remember well) in 112 Countries, including some European countries, UK, US and others.

Helping needed

So I’ve started this post with intention to write about our Yesterday’s visit to home for old people. That are not ordinary old people, they are very poor: so they can’t afford them better accommodation, or they are physically or psychically ill. We(group of five people) singed for them for about an our, brought them some fruits, and put some smile on their faces. At one point I’ve thought about stupid concerns and worries that we all make to our selves: looking at those people, who were happy only because someone has come to see them. At the end, we singed a song “Jesus I love You…” replacing name of Jesus with name of every one of them: They where delighted. We where asked to return again for new Year…

In helping someone, we are not required to do much. It could be only a smile or nice word, that could brighten a day to someone, and everyone can do it.

History is made by brave people, and I consider everyone who adheres to righteousness, and strive to do his best as a brave and grate person. I hope that, as time goes on, persons that respects core human values will come to the key positions in society, and that will become as lighthouses in the dark…to our age.

2004-10-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Does we know what is good for us?

Is watching some contents on television good for us? Is it forbidding them to children's freedom restriction? About Croatian Big Brother, art and “informational virus”.

Well, in last period much has been written about Croatian “Big Brother” show, brought to us by RTL Croatia. This show, as I know, has been subject to two complaints from minister of health and Children's Rights Solicitor Ljubica Matijević-Vrsaljko, with explanation that Big Brother contains material that "insults human dignity" and "promotes consumption of alcohol and tobacco, especially among children and youth".
This is old news(it was maybe 2 weeks ago), and in meantime RTL has put in silence notice, which says that show may contain materials unfitted for children’s.Probably this hasn’t change anything, because all those who where watching the show before, are still watching it.

About valuating TV, art, food and other

Many people loves the show, and many hates it, but in valuating television, or book, or food or any other thing, we should ask our selves: what quality it brings in our life? Human energy (our time and attention) is very precious: If we spend it at one side we cannot give it to another. So in valuating where to give, focus our energy (attention), we should valuate about quality that is returning back. In other words we should be well aware of our attention.
So back to Big Brother: is this show bringing some quality in our life? Sincerely, I don’t think so, and I consider it bad for children’s. The facts that children’s and teenagers love to watch it isn’t at all enough reason to say that it is good for them to watch it or that they should watch it. It is worse of simple wasting their precious time, which is even more precious because childhood is very short, it is also harmful.
Art is noble discipline, it should teach people noble or higher qualities, not satisfy and develop their lower instincts. As everybody knows that junk food, white sugar, conserved and frozen food is not best thing we can eat.

Freedom?

Now would You allow your child to eat all day only sweets, candies and junk food? Most of people would not allow their children’s such an alimentation: but why if the children’s like it so much, why not allow them to eat what they want? They will cry: “No, No, I what Ice Cream, I want chocolate…”, but You will not give them… Why? Because it is not good for their health! Such alimentation could produce various health problem and we know it very well. But, hungered years ago people were not paying attention to this fact, and parents allowed they children’s (if they could financially afford it) to eat whatever they want.
What is food for body, information’s are for mind and soul. All information’s that we are subjects to enter our subconscious(as food enters our blood and cells), and in case that we do not filter the information (with awareness and discrimination) it creates “program” that later impacts and directs our behavior by creating patterns that we repeat in our life. It is very subtle, invisible and dangerous “virus” that we should be aware of.
Somebody could say that denying children’s to look Big Brother or some violent film on television is attack on their freedom and integrity. If you forbid to your child to jump from the tenth flour is this limiting their freedom? If you forbid your child to eat ice cream every day, isn’t this limitation? Of course that is, but it is for their good. Violence and lower qualities that they learn on television will impact heavily their life lately. One day they will repeat some of those patterns, in their relations with partner or other people, on the job, in finances… Unfortunately in real life there is no movie style happy end.

Limitations

We are living in world of limitations. All nature is subject to limitations. Man is happy when it learns to live with those limitations, and accept them. This is strong men. Week men always tries to be what is not (want to be slim, or pretty or god in some discipline), he does not accept his limitation and because of this he is not able to be happy or successful. We should accept that some limitation in our behavior are good for us.

Vision of Croatia

I would be very happy if Croatia instead of following bad, consumption(material and informational) habits of the west, should set example to that same west in good and right education, high social and environmental awareness and psychically, physical, and spiritually healthy and strong youth. I think that we are in better position than west for undergoing those changes, but if we choose to go other way, to follow the errors of the west, we will loose the chance to be among first in something important. Because this change must happened in west or in east, but it must spread all the world, as the “informational and consumption virus” has already did and brought disasters in many lives.

2004-10-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

A song...

We can be Greatest of All,
But greater is who helps other
To realize greatness inside them self.

We can be happiest persons in the world,
but highest haven is abode
Of one who helps others to be happy.

Because nothing compares
to gratefulness of a free soul,
And nothing is greater than love
expressed form an open hearth.

And all wealth in the world is worthless,
All happiness in the world is sorrow
compared with selfless love of those,
who give without when, why and who.

Oh men…
Realize what are You searching for…..

2004-10-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

There is still time to take a bath!

I could not resist to post this message, because now when summer has gone away, sea is still warm enough to take a bath! But, meteorologists says only till Sunday! I’ve took a bath Monday evening, and I can recommend it to all: while in time! After that – it will be privilege of “tough guys” till next spring or summer:)!

2004-10-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

Good neighbors

In this post I will talk about border conflicts between Croatia and Slovenia, Croatian Independence Day, and EU.

Well, tomorrow we celebrate Day of Independence in Croatia, anniversary of Croatian autonomy from ex. federal republic of Yugoslavia. It was 08.10.1991, when Croatian parliament has voted for independence. The rest of the story is probably better known, because of war in ex. Yugoslavia. And what now when the war is over? Once we have “Brotherhood and unity” as slogan in ex. Yugoslavia: I don't know if it's result of this, but we where in war with Serbia, and now We are “fighting” with Slovenians for border.

Slovenian - Croatian border

Probably all have heard about incidents and provocations on Slovenian – Croatia border. Seams that all have their opinion about who is right and who is wrong, but I will not argue here about this.
What I want to say is, that I have few friends Slovenians, and that they are all excellent people. On our trip to India this year, we stayed one night at one Slovenian family, our friends, and they all where very, very gently with us. We where so grateful. So I don’t like, and fear, the atmosphere of conflict and hate that is spreading around our two countries. Politicians sometimes use unscrupulous means to achieve their goals, without bothering about impact on peoples life. And here I don’t think about peoples material interests, but about security, integrity and happiness in life.
Recently I’ve read that group of Croatian hooligans has demolished one Slovenian vehicle, and attacked the owner… maybe the same can happen on the other side also. And this is no good, the ordinary people don’t have too much in common with political provocateurs as Joško Joras. We, as common people, should not let the political situation influence our opinion on Slovenian or Croatian people. We can “judge” the politics, but not the people, because there are good and less good people everywhere: we cannot putt them all in the same category.

Croatian independence

Now, back to independence… Are we really independent? One of the main reasons(at least formally) why Croatia has voted Independence is the economic situation, where due to political structures, the distribution of money was not balanced. In other words, Croatia the goods were produced in Croatia, but streets, cities and other things were developed elsewhere, for example in Kosovo, Serbia… In other words, it was some kind of steeling. So, we thought if we where independent, if there was no Yugoslavia, all would be grate, we would have enough resources for better life. But seams that reality has proved itself as “little” different.

We where not able to survive alone, we needed funds from outside, and now big part of our most profitable economy is in foreign ownership. Croatian Telecom now belong to Deutsche telecom(they have even recently took away “Croatian” and left only “T” Deutsche telecom brand), with shameless monopolistic contract with the state. Actually, they charge us few times bigger prices, than they are chargeing in their own Country! So we are poor, and because of expensive communications, development of our enterprises is becoming heavier… Isn’t this a colonialism of new age? For illustration, our family, 4 persons of which 2 children’s(they have their mobiles) of which no one uses telephone, internet or mobile heavy, is about spending 20% of my salary on telephone bills!
From other hand banks are in hands of Austrian an Italian banks… So we have fought a war to prevent our wealth going outside the borders, and now probably we own less in our country than ever. Actually, are we Independent at All?
See also draxi's article with recent news on Croatia and EU, he is better than me in writing english...

2004-10-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

Istrian corner in India

I've seen Swamiji in Pula and Umag. We went to Umag in Saturday evening, without intention to return in Sunday, but one of our friends, which is close disciple of Swamiji, has asked us if we could return Sunday morning and bring one video tape for him. So we came Sunday too.
Swamiji has said few very interesting things that Sunday. He have talked about love, about children’s and education, and about his plans. As he likes Croatia and Istria very much, he want to build “Croatian corner” in his ashram in India (ashram is Indian word for something similar to monastery). He would like to build few “kazun” like (kazun is typical Istrian building from stone, small in dimensions, used in past for storage while people were working on their fields. See the picture above) little houses, surrounded with olives and few other typical Istrian trees. He also expressed wish to build an Ashram in Istria, dedicated to spiritual, social and humanitarian work. Biological food should be cultivated there also. So, few good things for Istria, in my opinion.
One sentence, during the lecture, has remained imprinted to me as something very important. Everybody seams to seek happiness and love, human race has is in constant search for it. And we usually search outside: we need nice car, new house, good job: than we will be happy. We search for someone who will LOVE US, but many times we get disappointed because the person from who we are seeking love, is usually seeker itself. Swamiji said something very interesting at this point: that in fact, in our real nature, we are NOT seeking for someone who will love us, but someone who WE could love. Or maybe we could say, who will accept our love. In this case we have a reflection of our selves, we get the picture of our love, there is a flow of energy, and we feel happy and fulfilled.
The problem is when we get rejected. We are trying to radiate love, but other part rejects our love, which hurts our hearth. Hearth must be open to love, and this way hearth can be hurt, closed hearth cannot be hurt. So why we are opening our hearth? Because we want to live, closed hearth means no life, we become as a machine. And people today are becoming more closed inside with every new generation. From outside they are making many contacts and friend: in the schools, bars, clubs, over the internet… But if one could calm down for a few moments, if one could get out from rush around him, inside - which is seen in silence, often we would find our self empty and alone. Probably not all will agree with me, especially not younger people, but try to think for a while. When we are satiated, we are not thinking on food, we are not looking inside the fridge, we are not going to supermarket to by something to eat… When are we doing this? When we are hungry! Hunger is inner feeling, which makes us move, which moves our body and mind: when we feel hunger, we are beginning to think on food, and search for it.
Similar to this, we are searching for company when we feel alone. When we feel unhappy and alone inside (it is not trivial to be aware of this, because we need inner silence), this feeling moves or mind and body, and we are beginning to search for company, we are searching outside, on internet, in the clubs, and many times we search for someone “new”. There is no someone “new” outside, because our inner loneliness is not new, it is older than we are. The same loneliness is shared by millions of people around the globe, and we are not even aware of this. In fact there are only few, very few happy people. And they are not alone even when there is no one around them. Need to be surrounded by people, demonstrates inner feeling of loneliness.
So we are searching for company, but from the other hand, we are afraid to be hurt in relations of any kind, and we are becoming more closed. So we are caught inside the trap: from one side we are feeling alone inside, and have need for others, and from other side, we are afraid to be hurt if we open our hearts: and companionship implies opening the hearth. There is no way out of this with conventional means: off course, we can loose our selves in job, television, hobby, food, but all this cannot last for ever. Before or later, we will consume our vital life energy, and we will face what is within us. This is why every day more and more people are ill from all kinds of diseases, which regardless all advance in medicine cannot be properly healed.
So many things could be said about causes of such problems, but this would make this post too long. It’s roots are in our way of life and educational system, which doesn’t develop proper personality in children’s, which installs them wrong ideals, and which makes them face certain experiences(under the name of "fun") before they are ready, for sake of economical profit and lack of understanding and love.
On Friday, Swamiji has demonstrated great knowledge of Croatia, and great love an attention for his devotes. One Ukraine lady had birthday that day, and Swamiji gave her “tartufi” (special and very expensive kind of mushroom) for the present, explaining her in details why the are so expensive (I think 15.000 USD fro Kg), where they can be found (only few location in the world), and how people are searching for those mushrooms which are growing under the ground(using specially trained dogs and pigs).

2004-09-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

Svamiji today in Pula

I think I wrote before about great Indian spiritual master, who has started program called “Yoga in daily life”, Paramhans Swami Maheshvarananda. What is Yoga in daily life, you can read on their web site:
“Yoga in daily life is a holistic system for body, mind, consciousness and soul, based on ancient teaching of yoga and adapted for today. Through practice you can regain your physical, psychic, social and spiritual health and achieve Self-realization and God-realization.” (www.yoga-in-daily-life.org).
I personally don’t practice it, but I know many people who does, and who have benefits of it. However, I’ve seen Svamiji few times, and must admit that he is an amazing energy. He radiates love and peace, which You can feel all around him. They call him “perfect master” because he knows perfectly his own being, and knows others as he knows him self. He don’t have subconscious or unconscious mind obscurities, his mind is pure as crystal water, quiet as deep sea, and loving as father.

So today I will go to listen his lesson, he will talk about kundalini energy and chackras. For hose who don’t know, the lesson will be this evening (23.09.2004) in Istrian Theater in Pula at 19:30 (7:30 pm). Entrance is 50Kn, and all profit will be used for humanitarian purposes in Croatia.
And for weekend (24 to 26 September), Svamiji will held an Yoga seminar in Umag.
More info can be found on Croatian Yoga in daily Life site.
See you tomorrow…

2004-09-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

My little paradise

There is one song of band “The Cult” entitled “Here comes the rain”, I don’t know if you have heard it, but 10 – 15 years ago I liked very much that song.

You could get real feeling of eternity in the act of standing under rain with hands open toward sky… while rain softly, but powerfull drops on your skin, washing all emotions, fears, anguish… Leaving only feeling of eternal happiness. Not superficial and 'loud' happiness that usually people express this days, but deep, peaceful, and strong feeling that will stay forever, if rain will continue to fall it will never go, if rain will be so soft and calm I will be in bliss forever, so please, please fall, I’m happy that you come: my loving rain. Please don’t let me wake up from my dream, let me dream forever, let me forget time, space and everything else while I’m giving my self to you, my loving rain: leave only Love, Me and You.
And than wash away Me, and than You, all dissolving being - dissolve Your self in Love, and leave only Love as witness what once has been…

A witness of life that now is no more,
A witness of feelings washed by you,
a witness of man dissolved in the love.

And every time you come
you will tell again,
And every time you come
new people will know,
Of man and rain that once has been,
now gone, in love.

And there will shine a hope again,
more brighter than the sun.
And a new life will be born:
who will know of love, by you.

So please don’t wait no moment no more….
……………my lovin’ rain.

All this week in Istria is raining. Sometimes rain can bring melancholic emotions, sometimes can bring life to thirsty land and man, and sometimes even disasters. But we should respect her anyway.
As now summer is fading away, and nature is vesting autumn colors, I’ve posted here some pictures, taken this spring, of home of may parents, where I was born and lived before going to university to Zagreb.
So enjoy as I have in “my little paradise”.

2004-09-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

50 Children’s from Beslan in Croatia

In all this tragedy, here are some good news, a “traces of light”.
Zagreb mayoress Vlasta Pavic has invited 50 children’s survived attack in Beslan on recovery in Croatia. Good news is that they accepted, and they will spend month or two(depends on the estimation of Russian children’s psychologists) in Mali Losinj (Croatian island) accompanied with medical team and teachers. (In fact, many people from Zagreb, motivated by majorness gesture, has self initiative offered accommodation to children's in their homes, but it's decided that Mali Losinj is more suitable for children's recovery.)

This news has been accepted very good in most of the Russian media, as an answer and gratitude to Zagreb’s offer, Russian conductor Pavel Kogan decided that instead of keeping one concert in Zagreb, he will keep two for free, on 19. September during “Days of Moscow in Zagreb”.
And more, Russian sculptor and painter Zurab Tsereteli has announced that will held an exhibition of his artworks in spring 2005, also motivated with Zagreb’s invite to Russian children’s.

Zagreb mayoress Vlasta Pavic will be in Moscow from 15. to 18. September this year, on the meeting called "Conference for peace" together with more than 100 majors from all word, and among other she will visit Beslan.

I think that light is much more powerful than dark… Put a small candle in enormous room and it will banish dark from all corners of the room. The dark is absence of light, and dark can rule only when there is no light.

This post also demonstrates following:
Good deeds are rewarded with good, bad things with bad. And even more, positive things will return back multiplied. Look how one positive gesture of Vlasta Pavic, has resulted in many (more than one) positive reactions. While in the domain of negativity the rule is “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth”, in the domain of positivism seams that one will return in many.

And this is not the rule only on physical level, but also on level of thoughts and emotions, which are even more potentially dangerous. So if we hate someone, we will get (one way or another) this hate back. If we give love(one way or another) we will get love back. I’m shore that everyone can find such examples in his own life. Before every action there is a thought. So thinking bad or hating someone, will rise same emotions and thoughts in that persons, and as thoughts or feelings are in root of every action we will get bad feedback even on physical level. We should be aware that not all are on the same level of consciousness, and that peoples on the lower levels, can fall easily under influence of bad emotions which takes control over them: as a consequence they can undertake unpredictable, uncontrollable and dangerous actions.

So if we consider ourselves persons with higher consciousness, awareness and right sense of discrimination, we should assume our responsibility for things that are happening in the world, knowing that with our good or bad attitude(thoughts, emotions, actions) we are also creating “reactions” that can be good or bad(think at the reactions on Vlasta Pavic initiative, and reactions on Russian policy in Chechnya). We should be responsible and aware on all levels of our existence! Today this is required more than ever, because of specific world situation and known problems.

And if we consider or self as not so high conscious, aware or responsible, we should sustain or self of judging, because we are not able to predict effects of our judgment (in thoughts, words, feelings or actions). In fact high conscious people don’t judge because they understand natural law of action and reaction. It is much better to think good, pray for good and do good. Hard and bad emotions are extremely dangerous, and if we are spreading them (especially stimulating others) we should be aware of sharing responsibility for bad events that may come, geographically near or far.

2004-09-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

Fire all around

I must admit that recent world events, and events in Croatia, has made me feel very bad… Maybe the glasses which I’m looking through are distorted, maybe the media are weighting more bad things than good, but all those suffering around the world are raising anguish in my hearth: everywhere one can see disasters, hate, killing, greed, environment destruction… What’s this?!! Why!!! How long can we go this way, and are we approaching the end of this suffering or the end of the world?

I think all are shocked because of events in Russia, and that we should all pray for those victims. How far human cruelty may go? What evil fate has produced such a violent minds as those terrorist are? Can we imagine level of inner suffering, frustration and hate when they engage them self in such extreme inhuman actions? What could bring those people to the point where the don’t care at all for their life: because they are humans as wee all are. And another, maybe even more important question, who are those who use them? What they want to achieve? Can they be called humans at all, when they produce and use human suffering for their own scopes, when they are spreading hate and destruction among their own followers? Nobody becomes so violent by his own nature, it is always product of some extremely hard experience combined with “brain washing”.

I’m not referring here only to Islam world, but also to western. Can we fight fire with fire? Can we fight war with war? Today is Mother Theresa’s death anniversary, and she used to say that only love can confer peace on world. What a great soul. War is not in interests of simple people, war is in interest of demonic minds of the “Lords Of the Wars”. Do we think that terrorist leaders will be unhappy, or afraid if western world start a war against them, or will hate them? No, its their aim! They have enough fanatics, and will have them even more with so much “food” that feeds them with hate. And now I read, that Russians are calling people to join “manifestation of solidarity against terrorism” tomorrow in Moscow. Fighting “against” terrorists is fulfillment of their aim, fighting them with their means we do what they want, and I am shore that Russian (or American) government is very well aware of this. Suddenly, this international terrorism and al Qaida are welcome as excuse for many problems. Now it is not important what Russians were doing in Cechenia for years, Putin can transfer all guilt on al Qaida! It’s all their fault!? What’s this? Are we blind or stupid? Economy is not going very well, people remains without job, we must raise the taxes… Why? Again, the winning answer is Al Qaida! And who is this all Quaida after all? Probably few crazy, and few rich individuals. What are they against power of America and Europe? Instead of localizing them as few maniacs, we are dissolving fear, using them as excuse for our problems or interests. And here it comes… Suddenly all west fears Islam, and Islam countries begins to perceive west (especially USA) as conquerors and danger! And in a minute we don’t have few maniacs any more, but we have west against Islam… billions of people involved! Without this west-Islam conflict there would not be al Quaida at all! If people in Arabic countries would perceive western people as their friends, who would follow extremist leaders? But why they are perceiving us as a threat? I don’t believe is all their fault, and I will not go further in elaboration because this post would get too long, and I’m not “All knowing”: so please if someone has some interesting idea or observation to shear it by comments.

Another thing that made me sad this week is “Frances” cyclone. Millions of people evacuated, houses destroyed… And in Croatia many conflagrations this weekend, burned woods, people houses in danger. What hurts the more is the fact that all this could been fired intentionally. Yesterday evening form the top of the hill in center of Pula (where is old fort, there during summer is held up open air cinema), big red fire could be seen. It left me depressed, because with all we’ve heard and seen this weekend it seamed that “fires are all around”: destruction in all forms all around the world.

But this maybe also due to wrong perception… Many happy things has happened in the world also, Although we hear more for those bad. Because of that I will try to write at least one post with good things on every post with bad news. We must rediscover joy and happiness regardless all, and I’m shore that reasons for this exists!

2004-09-06T01:36:00.000-07:00

Istria in German

Well, I found one blog about Istria in German at istrien.blogspot.com. I don't understand much about German, but hope it will help some German language readers. However, it seams that is more informational oriented, if compared to this blog.

2004-09-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

Argentina 2004 as Croatia 1992

I don't know if somebody noticed that Argentina has won two Olympic gold’s, in football and basketball, which are among few most popular sports in the world. Both sports are very competitive: because they are very popular, both are team sports with lot’s of players - it is more difficult to put together good team than to find good individual, like in tennis or swimming. Note also that people are passionate about those sports. (Interesting is that, as I remember, Argentina has never won anything important in basketball in the past!)

So why I’m talking so much about Argentina? If somebody remember, there was huge crisis in Argentina few years ago, due to state bank collapse. People lost their money(not to mention currency devaluations), there was huge demonstrations, people were starving, the army was on streets… Probably even today there are big political and social problems, hunger etc. although media don’t mention this problems so much any more.

We saw similar problems in Croatia, in the 1990’s. There was war, hunger, fear and all other economical and social problems: But those problems united people. Hard times makes great individuals and people (For example, Achilles was great warrior, but who would know about him if not for great war of Troy). And what’s interesting, those dark times gave birth to great sport teams and individuals. Why sport? Well, people always need some sort of satisfaction, relief, something what will bright them day, and in heavy darkness, where social and political problems seams unsolvable, seams that first valve, that will produce relief, is sport.

It is not conscious process, looks more like reaction: if we observe society as one organism. In similar way our mind and body works: if we are sad because of something, we try to think on something nice, that will give us relief; and if our body gets hurt it mobilizes or creates other resources(white blood cells for example) to cure injured spot. It is not conscious, it is reflex reaction. In similar way society as one organism, mobilizes, and creates stronger resources (for example sportsman’s), that will give mental and physical relief to injured individuals.

Who can forget great individuals as Dražen Petrović and all Croatian basketball team that 1992 in best possible way promoted their country by playing with first, and probably only real, American basketball “Dream Team” (with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Karl Malone and John Stockton…) in Barcelona Olympic finals. Who can forget young Goran Ivanišević(later Wimbledon winner), who played with Croatian flag around his head when Croatia has fought for independence and international recognition? And what about great football(with Zvone Boban), or water polo generation? (There was also many other good sport’s individuals and teams, and I apologize if I haven’t mentioned all of them).

So, I believe that in similar manner Argentinean success on Olympics in Athens has brought some sort of relief and satisfaction to the people in this hard days, as great injection of strength that rise peoples moral, an helps them overcome problems.

2004-08-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

Two week vacation that has become one

Our minister Kalmeta has stated that this is best tourist season after the war in Croatia has started. Today we have returned from Porec, and for those who don’t know, Porec is probably biggest and most profitable tourist destination in Croatia. We had there some business meeting at “Plava Laguna”, which is (what a case…) biggest tourist company in Porec. So their opinion should be relevant.
There are some places that had 1000% increase in number of guests, statistic says. But what is behind is, that some village last years had 3 guests, and this year 30 (the numbers are not exact, but near) ?! And Dalmatia had an 10% increase too! But it is to mention that 3% less in Istria is much more than 10% increase in Dalmatia… So statistics are not so relevant and can easily be manipulated. Croatia is good destination, and it is gaining on importance also. But there is general recession in the Europe, and probably even elsewhere on the west. For example, people from “Plava Laguna” said to us, that German government stimulates their citizens to stay at home with taxes relief, and in situation when prices grows, peoples remains without work… You know, one actually doesn’t have much will either to go on holiday. Fifteen years ago, people used to stay for 2 weeks or more in average. Today it is not like this: most common is one week, some come even for less. Why? They have to work! This is the situation today: some work too much, some doesn’t work at all! And very few has enough income, while many has to much anguish and stress!

And when we was returning from Porec, I and my associate Roby had an interesting conversation. He has year and half old son. When we talked something about education, he said the he will not teach has soon something (don’t meter if it’s good thing) for which he think others could take fun with him?!

The point here is that Roby is very good guy, but he reflects habits, thoughts and behavior of most people. It is important to be merged in the mass: let’s the river flow! But in this way, nothing will never change! I told him that he should install in his soon high ideals and high qualities, and if he is good or best in some fields: nobody will take fun of him – at opposite other will follow him, and what is more important he will be happy. The problem is that we don’t have high self confidence as parents, so we cannot install those qualities in our children’s. Actually, we are full of fears and doubts about our capabilities to achieve something. What a mistake.

People makes fun with week, not with strong, and if we have strong self confidence and self-respect other will respect us too. I was lucky to meet few strong spiritual people: they are full of love and compassion, in some way they are not like grown up persons, but more like children’s always smiling… But when they pass near You, You are hardly able to stay standing because of respect and gratitude that You feel.

If little people don’t change them self, who will change the society? Presidents, or ministers? I doubt, they are in general not able to change them selves. It is not good to travel in train that is going to ruin only because all are doing so… What is use of this? Has Jesus done like this? If this train (our society, way of life) is going to the ruin, it is time to step out, as soon as possible. And what to change? Our thoughts, our habits, our attitude. Otherwise, probably situation will become worst and worst, as the two week vacation has become one.

2004-08-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

Why we need Fireman’s?

Few days ago we were witnessing an interesting situation. In Šijana(Pula), behind ex “Standa” (so practically in the center) some under wood has light up, and in terms of a minutes we almost had a big fire in the center of the city. Fortunately, Fireman’s has come very soon and put fire under control. So it is summer, and all this wouldn’t been so interesting except for one thing: near us there was a women that sells fruit and vegetables in her booth near the meadow where fire has begun, and suddenly she said: “Look! Here is, the same kid that done it last time!”

So we have a pyromaniac kid, who lighted a conflagration at least second time!
Here the tale stops, fireman’s has done a good job with fire, but what has happened with the boy? Has or will somebody EDUCATE him, in the way to install him sense of right conduct?
Probably we wont know the answer to this question, but anyway we can do few observations. Today’s education educates only mind, and does not develop character of the children’s in right manner. How can I state this? It is not required to be great expert, look only at situation in the world and society today, where peace, harmony and happiness is more difficult to find than ever, people are stressed and divided, fear and greed rules, morality and righteousness has been forgotten. It is education that has fallen in installing human values in the children’s, otherwise people would live in different way.

Before I’ve said: has somebody educated the boy? It is not enough to say only YES/NO, the teachers and parents should teach by example. Then no many words would be required.
In last few Years in Croatia we have got many material things. We have better roads, Our leaders and politicians has successfully opened another commercial center, another hotel, built another road but also brought more stress and tension in our life, more fear of competition, more misery, toxic dependents, more crime and other social problems than ever.

They have fail to bring us happy and ordered life. People struggle every day, because of ever growing needs, and ever rising competition booth parents are forced to work for surviving. So children’s are grown up by television, street or nannies. Because money and “success” has become a scope of life, no one can teach children (remember: with example) what is right conduct and good character, what will bring not only success but also happy life. No one (or almost no one) on this world is free of suffering: including presidents, actors, wealthy and famous, and it is absurd that they are trying to leads us, while they cannot find contentment them selves!?

Maybe our leaders don't feel responsible for this fall of righteousness and peace in human life, but they should. They should think that they are here to SERVE, not to RULE! No one is big, and if You RULE now You own it to the society, but if You SERVE now it's Your own right and property.

Do we need another commercial center? Do we need better cars or more hotels? Or we need more peace, love and understanding, less stress and more safety for us and our children’s: from crime, drugs, drug dealers, wild and drunk drivers, angry neighbors, crazy individuals and gangs armed with guns, knives or whatever? All this outcasts has not came from the sky: they are all product of today’s way of life, as fear and lack of self confidence in people is.

Shouldn’t politicians and leaders listen to our needs? They probably have their visions, plans or maybe dreams of better world, but as Peter Parker’s (Spiderman 2) uncle said: sometimes we have to sacrifice all, even our selves or our dreams to do what is right, what is best. So let’s sacrifice another commercial center for more peace and security in our life. It is so simple, all we need is to move our focus from profit to peace and harmony. Profit, money and advance in general is good, but it have to serve to higher scopes, not to itself. Then we will be able to keep the advance and to be happy in the same time.

Jesus has said something like this: who builds on me, builds on solid rock, no rain, or wind or sun can harm him. Otherwise rain, water, or wind can easily blow away your constructions.
Who adheres to righteousness - righteousness protects him through time and space. His deeds are not of temporary character, and what he does brings peace and happiness to all.
So let’s do our best, and pray for the rest! Cheers

2004-08-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Summer rush in Istra

So, full touristic season is on in our beloved region, and with it also the summer rush. During the day It’s almost impossible to find parking place near the beaches. In the evening the same story in the town. Sound familiar? Manny tourists that came in this period are living or working in big cities as Milan, Budapest, Munich or other European capitals where rush is style of life - and now they come in same situation: while in their cities (I’ve been in Milan during August) now is calm.
Well, shouldn’t be better to stay home in august and come in September? I’m half joking, because there are many factors that determine when one can go to holidays, but I’ve wanted to emphasis how Istria is beautiful in September and autumn in general.
Usually see is still warm enough to take bath (till end of September without problems), there is some special sensation of peace and calm and colors are very strong: sun, sea, grass, trees… all shines in beautiful shapes and colors. There is even some melancholic emotion in the autumn, maybe because of live summer passing away, and because all is calming down, going toward another winter. The memories of past years rise up, and I remember old days when together with my grandpa we was collecting harvest: that nature and work of our hands gifted us… I’ must admit that I’m sometimes nostalgic of those days, I miss those calm, worm and timeless sensation, simplicity of collecting apples and grapes, moments of happiness without stress and worries. So if You can, come in Istria in the September – or early summer, not in August: You will get better experience.

2004-08-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

Istra Web Dir

If You are interested in Istrian web, check Istrian Web Directory Istra Web Dir. I found there some nice sites. Expecialy I've liked a personal pages with nice photos, fdor example Jarac.net (in croatian), or Puzz.info.

2004-08-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

Back from India

Hi to everyone, yesterday I've returned form trip to India. Here I will post few nice words that I've read there:

Politics without principles,
Commerce without Morality,
Science without Humanity and
Education without character
are not only useless, but also dangerous.
You should be a perfect, ideal man.

from Sri Sathya Sai Baba

2004-07-10T01:47:00.000-07:00

On the way to India

Hello, today I'm going on holidays, traveling to India for 3 weeks. Best regards to all...

2004-07-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

MSN Search Technology Preview

Now we can test and get preview of future microsoft's search engine (completely built on microsoft technology) at

http://sandbox.msn.com (click on MSN Search Technology Preview link, this site will be aviable only for short time they said)

what micorsoft uses now on msn.com is not its own search engine, but search results are supplied by Yahoo. Let's return backward for a while....

A small company in Mountain View, Calif., invents an Internet product that takes the world by storm. It appears on the cover of magazines, attracts high-profile investors and, when it's ready to go public, has a spectacular stock market premiere.
Stop us if you've heard this one before.

Though that paragraph could describe Google, which is planning an initial public offering for later this summer, investors are worried about how much it resembles another dot-com phenom: Netscape.

Then, as now, the upstart looked unstoppable. It controlled 80 percent of the market, had solid revenues and a smart management team.

Yet it only took three years for Microsoft to unseat Netscape as the dominant Web browser. Now that Microsoft has its sights set on Google, history appears to be repeating itself.

I have read somewhere that Bill Gates said that today's search isn't att all sophisticated, and that they are building wery sophisticated and advanced search engine. Well, that beta msn search is not looking advanced or revolutionary at all, but this is only preview. More strong companies in search engine race is good for users, but let's hope that Netscape's story will not repeat.

2004-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Istra blog

The blog service has recently been opened in Croatia also, so here is the link on another nice blog about Istria there. Recently there is posted an article about election of Miss goat (the most beautiful goat in Istria) in istrian place Svetvincenat. So please visit full article (Croatian) on Istra blog.

2004-06-28T04:55:00.000-07:00

Don't let the Adriatic die as Black Sea

This is title of the today's article in Glas Istre, Istrian daily newspaper. In this article Serhiy Kurykin, (ex Ukraine minister of ecology, and member of European ecologist party which have 42 members in European parliament) warns Croatia to not repeat their mistake, with oil transport where 70% of seal life was destroyed Ballast watery which tankers leaves in sea.
Probably not everybody knows that here is word about DruzbAdria, a project for transport of Russian oil. The project seams to be ecologic and economic disaster for Croatia, because of lost it can produce in sphere of tourism. But shore, more seriously are dangers for the environment, because they are more difficult to correct, here MMF, some institution or organization cannot undone or null the consequences.

Why we need the oil?

But here is the main doubt: why we need the oil? Have we ever thought about this? Today we have technology and alternate sources of energy that could be used. It need a little bit more to invest to commercialize this products, but we could drive ecologically much safer vehicles very soon - and not only vehicles. So where is the problem? Because moving oil pipeline from one place to another does not solve problem at all. Would be better that disaster happens in Italy, not in Croatia? For all region it is almost the same.
Again and again the problem is the same: money and power. Today who has oil has power. And other thing: it is not difficult to create new products, but it is difficult to turn people and industry toward new sources of energy. This requires great social and economical engagement which nobody want to take. Today’s leaders probably calculates with resources, pollution and economic factors.
So we are only numbers, let’s say(this is only hypothesis, not real data): this year 100.000 people will die from lack of drinking water, air pollution…. 100.000 of marriages will be broken because of stress on work, 20.000 people will get mad, 50.000 children’s will die from hunger, 20.000 animal races will be exterminated forever … But this is 0,01% and it is acceptable, because saving all this people would cost us many billions of dollars, would cause social turbulence, would endanger “sophisticate” economic balance…. Dear ones, the nature has much more sophisticated equilibrium than our economy, and it is unpredictable. If nature turns as back, not that our economy would be put out of balance, our economy would not exist at all! It is as in film “day after tomorrow”, and maybe that similar story was with ancient lost civilizations.
So maybe the powerful think of us as a numbers, but dear presidents, ministers and generals we are not. Every life is precious, and millions are suffering because powerful are ruling this world for their sake and interest, not for benefit of all. You cannot rule well if you are greed for power and money, because the money does not make the world go round.
Here you can read more details about petition against DruzbAdria and sign it. Here is official janaf page, where you can read more about the project, and if you need translation there is good service on Intertran!

2004-06-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

Euro 2004 football championship

This days everyone talks about football, and many people their evenings spend in front of the television watching football games at European championship euro2004. As in every game, there are surprises, sensational turnovers, new and old heroes as Wayne Rooney or Zinedine Zidane… Croatia has lost the game against England (4 : 2), and leaves championship. I will not analyze the game, the players or coach, because all in Croatia are doing this, here we will focus on attitude.
Now many wants to crucify the Selector, mr.Otto Baric for the defeat, people feels angry frustrated and waste their time on infinite debates. All nation is focused on this.
Similar situation is with Italians, they have won against Bulgaria, but it was not enough to pass to the quarterfinals, in fact Denmark and Sweden scored 2:2 which was result that guaranteed booth teams to pass first round. Days before Italians was speculating and accusing booth Denmark and Sweden that they have reach agreement to play 2:2, so Italia was doing heavy pressure on all actors instead to think about their game, which they have almost lost.
This is only introduction to understand the situation and circumstances, and here is the point: why we cannot let the players simply do their best and have fun because of good game? In the middle of the game Denmark – Sweden, when Sweden was loosing 2 : 1 and was in danger of falling out, the camera has shown an Swedish fan who was smiling, and having fun as they were winning!? I consider this an great attitude, culture and great example. We and Italians are taking football to seriously (by the way, we booth play defensive football) and we booth has fallen out. So maybe it is time to take the game as the game, and enjoy in it…

2004-06-14T03:17:00.000-07:00

Virtual prospect of Istria

Check this great
virtual prospect of Istra, not postcard or touristic Istria which you can find anywhere, but less known Istria, not cultivated for tourists and camera objective.

2004-06-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

Croatia, one of European stars

So, seams that Croatia has achieved one of it’s main goals: Next week we will get the status of an candidate for European union. Will this bring better life for us? Examples of Spain, Ireland and other countries says yes…
For those who don’t know, At the beginning of the century Istria was under Austro -Hungarian rule, Pula was its main war harbor. Someone could think that I mention this in negative context, but to say the truth, Istria has profit a lot from Austrian period. They have left great heritage after they left: It seams that all best has been done during Austrian rule. So, Austria was the ruler, but also great partner. Let’s hope that Europe also will bring prosperity and wellness to people like Austria once. Good luck Croatia!

2004-06-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

About Austrians that enclose Istrian coast and Troy

In today’s news in “Glas Istre”(Istrian newspaper) the main title is: “Austrians enclose Istrian coast”. The non private land has been sold to Austrians in doubtful transaction for small money, and after that urbanized. Now they are enclosing the coast, and closing roads to sea in tricky way, so that they can close the ways and stay in the limits of the law. All story is doubtful, but probably none of responsible will bear the consequences.
Seams that the story repeats for uncounted number of times. Always the bead guys wins an people suffers for someone greed and will to dominate and possess, to have more, and more, and more…
This is the story of Troy, yesterday we went to cinema to watch the film. The Trojans were noble and honest, their prince Hector great and noble hero, Troy beautiful city, but the Trojans was killed, Hector was killed, and beautiful city burned and destroyed. Why? Not because of a beautiful princess Helen, but because of greed and will to dominate of Agamemnon, Greek king and conqueror.
After film I asked my self, what is the sense of all this? What is the sake of all this death and destruction. It seams that dark side has won, all was destroyed, all great warriors including Achilles killed, booth kings, even Agamemnon who started the war, dead… Who was happy?
There was an great statement, when Hector said that there is nothing noble in killing someone. Chivalry can be noble but to kill someone….?
At least there was nobility in being warrior, but today’s little profiteer are they noble? They hide them self like a rats in the holes, they hide them self behind holes in the law, lawyers, they are doing what is wrong but do not care for that if they can’t get caught. What a misery… At least Achilles went alone under the walls of Troy challenging Hector, he was not afraid of dying, he stood bravely behind his acts an decisions. Today there is no face you can look at. All hide them selves.
So seams that present times are even worst, the bed guys don’t get justice for their deeds like Agamemnon who has von but not lived the days of his glory.
But still I think that there are heroes outside even today, but they don’t fight with armor and sword, the fight with word of peace and love like Dalai Lama, like Bono Vox, Paolo Coelho and other people around the world.

2004-05-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Giro d'Italia in Istria II

Hi there,
yesterday 87-th Giro has left the Istria after 2 days… This was great event for promotion of Istria and it’s tourism. All big TV stations has sent Istrian postcards around the world, so people could see the beauty of our region.
Even some of my friends that watched Giro at Euro sport or RAI television, has said that they didn’t noticed in what a beautiful place they are living. The TV were filming from air, and commented every place(Rovinj, Pula, Porec…) by which the cycle caravan has passed. It was indeed great promotion, and maybe some persons that knew less about Croatia and Istria were left surprised by culture, heritage and natural beauty. Even the commentators were surprised to see roman arena in Pula, one of the most saved in the world.
You can see on our site some pictures from Giro 2004 in Istria, but what I truly hope, is that this rich cultural, historical and natural heritage would be saved, for us and future generation, and not devastated for sake of few.

2004-05-13T02:51:00.000-07:00

Who has copyright on images?

This is just one thought. I make a part of the team that runs portal on Istria, and recently we had few interesting situations. Manny photos on our site has been taken by Mr. Igor Drandić (already mentioned in previous posts) which runs an ecological organization eia. So, he found that one person used his photos in promotional campaigns, and when he called him, that person said that pictures was taken from internet, and that this is completely legal. Strange statement… (By the way, this person is some little politician, so this is in accordance with general opinion on them: take everything, pay nothing, and “I’ am important”).
Other example is when one online agency (commercial site) took our photos and put them on their site, without even mentioning us for reference. As we strive to provide good content on our site, probably there are many such a cases.
So, seams that we live in the world where everyone price his own work, and belittle other efforts. Some (or many) people that we call “successful” are not creative, positive, oriented to common good, are not leaders that leads others in better life: they know how to exploit people and their creative energy for their own scopes. Working for such persons, people doesn’t obtain own freedom, but are forced into exploitation. My consideration is that slavery was never ended, instead it only changed clothing.
We can say that we are free, but if we does not work for somebody(for most people without any chance to gain financial freedom in their lifetime), how should we survive? We are bound in circle of earning and spending… So you see: if we are bound, how can bee free? My opinion is that this is modern slavery. Consider for instance a big marts as “Mercatone”, “Getro”, “Mercator”, “Billa” … (to mention some present in Croatia): they work every day, even Sunday: Because of profit. They force their employees to work on Sundays for very small salary, by which they certainly cannot gain financial freedom. Are that people free to go where they want? Are that people free to quit their job (and if they quit, they’ll get similar one)? Can this people with this job, working on Sundays, become rich so satisfy some other needs out of simply food, habitation and clothing (ok, and cell phone and car… but this isn’t something extra)? Someone cannot even that. So what is difference? We are exploited today as we was in past.

The freedom comes inside

This is outside situation, from inside we really are free. We really can choose and influence who we will become, what we will do. But this strength must come from inside us. Manny will say that till someone don’t loose someone other want win. This simply is not truth. This concept is widely accepted in life and promoted by those who gains power by exploiting others creative and vital energy. The only thing that bind us are our fears, thoughts and desires. So, I will call again to develop self-confidence, self-appreciation and creativity: this would give us happy life, and if it’s Good’s will: the freedom.

So, who owns the images?

Finally let’s go back to the beginning. Who can own the air, who can own and pay sun and sea? If we take picture of them, we do it in seconds, but nature has deposit in their development bilions of years… If we take picture of a citty: hundred generations has put their entire lifetimes in it: untill all was built in way it’s today. Are we appreciating this enough? We think that we have right to use all this, in way we want, withouth thinking on gratitude and contributions. Nothing of this is ours. We are only using it and must be gratefull.
So in one photo that we take, our contribution is so small: smaller than a second compared to eons. But this contribution still exists, and it is right to be appreciated, appreciated by our selves an others!

2004-05-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

Are Croatians spiritual people?

Ok, I've been busy for a while, so there wasn’t much time for writing. This post is inspired by news that great Indian spiritual master known as Swamiji is coming to Croatia(not for first time, he has been here many times).

Swamiji said that people in Croatia are more and more looking for spiritual dimension, and that is the reason why he comes. But not only in Croatia, I’ve met people all around the world looking for some higher inspiration, peace and harmony. They are sick off common and everyday stress, and I think that this is the beginning. Beginning of change. This will continue with transformation: Transformation that we all have to undergo, as individuals and society.

Through history the mans consciousness was changing. It is still changing. For example, today for most civilized people crucify or burn someone would be unacceptable act. In the past that was acceptable, because of the level of consciousness in that time. Some habits has changed, and many today habits will change also.

Probably the people of tomorrow will understand that the race we are doing today, the battle for profit, power and wealth is nonsense, and will change their habits. Consider politicians for example. They should serve the people(as Jesus said) but they spend tons of money to win the elections and power. If they were good servant of people would they win elections without commercials? I think not, people in global would not vote for such person today, and people still consider that they have free will and choice, while are manipulated by medias, their own weaknesses and wishes. But this may change tomorrow, as people learn more about them selves and learn to distinguish positive from negative impacts, truth from lies and so on.

Habits, fears and desires of the people make possible to someone to rule over them, manipulate them, and use their energy. If people learn to develop self confidence, inner peace and happiness, than nobody can manipulate them, because they are free to choose: unconditioned by their own weaknesses. Such a person can act more rational and calm, and take better decisions.

This are some of the things that great spiritual masters as Swamiji, tries to teach people. But this is individual transformation, happiness, peace and self confidence can’t been bought as cellular phone: it is not so easy. Instead we must change and discover our potentials. Nothing more, nothing less: we can be guided but work and transformation can be done by our selves only.
Here is Croatian yoga in daily life site.

2004-04-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

End of illegal buildings in Istria?

This government of prime minister Sanader, seems to have more courage than last of premier Racan. They have realized the importance of order in this field, so yesterday they started with destruction of illegal constructions along Istrian coast. The owners usually complains because they was told that land on which they have constructed their week-end houses (and devastated the environment) will be legalized for constructions, but they didn’t waited for it.

But seams that all in Istria are less or more happy with this situation, because it is not fair that someone can build illegally and not be punished while other people respect the procedure and law.

2004-04-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

About weather

Probably everyone noticed that people talk often about weather. There are more reason for this: because the weather is important for about how we feel in general, the other thing is that it's so easy to talk about it, you can do it, without saying anything important. And people seems to have fear of taking decisions, fear of truth and responsibility, so they often run into conversation about thing they cannot influence.

But, our dear weather, seams to change as everything else. This days in Istria are rather cold for this season, and, which is not unusually, often rains. I would not be surprised that even summer continues in same direction, or that will be very hot and dry. People have become so powerful with their technology to influence many things on our planet, among which is weather also. And we all share the responsibility for this.

Some people can think that they are not responsible for ozone holes or forests dying, but we must be honest and objective: do I use car? do I use fridge? Do I like and want all comfort that modern life offers? Do I everyday throw away garbage without knowing where it will go? If answer is yes, than I also share a responsibility: it is because of me that one part (doesn't matter how small it is) of the nature is devastated with this technology that is currently imperfect. We must understand that wishes of the common people run this material world. If common people wouldn’t like to use cellular phones or cars, then cellular phone or car industry would not exist. It is as simple as this. Don’t think that I am saying that progress is bad thing, I am only saying that we should be all aware of our responsibility for thing that are happening. We must all strive to do our best, and help to build better world. This also includes mastering the skills and technology of today, and using our sense of discrimination try to improve good ones, and replace bad with better.

2004-04-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

The passion of Christ

Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ", set a new record during its opening weekend as Croatia's most-watched movie. I am happy that people are once again inspired by Jesus, and that Mel made this film because of my esteem for his work. It is good that people take positive examples and high ideals, so what can be higher than ideal of Christ’s love, patience and compassion. This is far better than ideals like power, money or sexuality that are widely promoted in all medias today.

It is interesting that Christ’s message could seem to be to quiet and unattractive for today’s world, but surprisingly it is strong enough to attract people again and again. For me this is a good sign: people are still able to distinguish between the right and wrong, and feels need for deeper peace, happiness and sense of life. So the popularity of Christ and his message today isn’t so big surprise after all: they give a key to answer our deeper questions and needs.

2004-04-08T02:56:00.000-07:00

Istra Tourist Board website

Maybe you have tried to search for term “Istra” in Google, or some other search engine, and you always get istra.com site on the top. There my arise an confusion, because this is not an official, but private site. Official site of Istrian Tourist Board is istra.hr, and official site of Istrian Region is istra-istria.hr. So we learned one more thing… The Croatian top-level domain is .hr (from local name Hrvatska), as its country code. So croatia.hr is official site, croatia.com is not, because you cannot buy an .hr domain as .com, for example. No private person can purchase croatia.hr or istra.hr, you must prove that you have right to own this name(for example the name must be same to your company name).

Off course, this doesn’t mean that official sites are better than unofficial, and in most cases private site makes better service, here I’ve only wanted to make few clarification about Croatian internet space. You can also visit dns.hr for more information’s.

PS. I’ve noticed link to this blog, and to our site, on Istra-Online portal, about which we were writing earlier. Thanks guys, I appreciate it and think that you are doing good job.

2004-04-05T23:45:00.000-07:00

Real estate in Croatia

This weekend there was an interesting article in Croatian newspapers "Jutarnji list" (means something like "Morning paper"), that says that prices of real estate in Croatia has reach its maximum, and begins slowly to fall down.

I think that this is good news, because some prices has gone beyond the limit. Yesterday my business partner went to ask for one Business premise in Fazana (small place opposite to Brijuni archipelago): they asked 4000 EUR/m2!! Incredible if you think that medium salary in Croatia is 500 EUR: Fazana is nice, but it is not realy a San Marco square in Venice.

So, because prices has begin to fall, some of the foreign citizens(in major part German) that have acquired real estate during mid ’90(like good brokers), are selling now that same property for 10 time bigger price! Incredible, isn’t it. there is an example that person acquired a property for 70.000 DM(about 35.000 EUR), and now selling the same one for 350.000 EUR. This is 10 times…

So this is what it happens when people are poor. Other can buy all you possess for small money, and then sell it for much more, even back to you. The politicians Should think a bit, how they are guiding people, and which interests are they sustaining. People’s interest or own, or somebody else interests. The things could be done better for shure.

2004-03-31T04:24:00.000-08:00

Hello there: spring is Here!

I've only wanted to say hello to everyone, and that here in Pula last days weather is beautiful. Yesterday we took nice walk, looking for dolphins. Did you know that dolphins are sometimes called sea angels? The Answer May be yes or no, but there is a friend of mine who has dedicated most of her free time in exploring dolphins. She even says that can communicate with them. I’ve also head that there are places where people use to swim with dolphins for healing purposes. Amazing! So let’s save them, and let them remain a see angels.

This Sunday a time schema has change from winter to summer time. So, now we have one hour less for sleeping and one hour more for seaside walks…

2004-03-26T02:49:00.000-08:00

Natural life devastation

Last day I was talking with my father and uncle. You know, my father is around 55 years old and he has seen things that when I was born were not possible. For example when he was a kid people were taking bath in port of Pula. Amazing! Today nobody dears to do this! And what's even more interesting there was plenty of fish, big quality fish swimming there! Today you can se this only in national park of Brijuni, about which we were taling before.

But the “world has change”, says the prologue of the lord of the rings trilogy… And for me this were only the stories. I remember other stories that were saying about abundance of sea life: lobsters, shells and other animals could be seen, found… Bt for me this was only stories. I was born in 1972, and till time I have grown enough to understand something more, this things were gone, and only the story remained.

I remember those stories with nostalgia, because this stories for me was, and are, something epic, something valuable, eternal, a memories from beginning of my life that will never fade out. It seamed to me that things should be like this.

But last day I have remained astonished, because of one thing. Every port has its breakwater, to protect it from big waves and wind. about 12 years ago we were going there to pick some mussels. On the walls of that breakwater there was so full of this shells, that you could collected them as many as you liked! 10, 20 Kg no problem: In half an our you’ve done! The question was only how big they are, so you could spend more time to collect only bigger pieces.

Since I was in university, army, working in Italy and have become a vegetarian, I was not going any more at fishing, or diving for shells and other things. So I remained astonished when my uncle said that on that breakwater is not even one mussel remained! Not even the smallest! The breakwater deep around 20 meters and long around 150m is clean as a mirror! I could not believe this thing!

Today the tears has come to my face when I remembered this, let’s pray that tomorrow we wont all cry for the world that we have ruined… What was only story for me yesterday, today has become the truth, one peace of my life, something that was a part of my memory has gone, and probably will not come back. Today we have cellular phones, nice cars, big TV’s (and lot's of stress), but I think that we’ve lost much, much more. The television may be flat, and true color, and Dolby, and digital and whatever but sight through the window will always be more true color, and more natural and less digital.

2004-03-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

Positive and negative impacts of tourism for domestic people II

There are lot’s of negative impacts of tourism too. I would like to accent only few here. The value of some properties are degrading significantly because of extensive apartment construction. Imagine you have a house on a nice place, and then all around you people build apartments for tourists.

Other thing, even worst, is if you live and work here. You must understand that in Croatia average salary is around 500 euro, and that Croatia has less that 5 million habitants. Western Europe has at least 300 million of habitants with much, much higher standard. So, now we have this situation: for now Croatian coast is still attractive, and so many European citizens wants to by real estate in Istria or Dalmatia.

We are in situation that domestic people hat to compete with many people, with lot’s of higher standard if they wants to by them self a house to live. Pay attention, domestic people needs a place to live, other some place to go during month or two in summer. This is unfair, very unfair, and local people has problems to find place to live and find them selves strangers in their own land.

2004-03-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

Positive and negative impacts of tourism for domestic people

Related to previous post, we will continue in same direction for a while. Tourism, like any other industry has its positive and negative sides.
Positive sides are that places and regions where main industry is tourism, must be always nice and clean. They are usually void of heavy industries whit lots of green, parks… Usually this places are very nice to live, especially if you are financially well situated. The prices of real estate rise high, so if you own some property, you have good capital.

This thing has happened in Istria. 20 years ago the prices of land was very low. Who bought it in that time, today have many, many times multiplied value. It is not rare that a property near sea costs 200, 300, 400 EUR/m2 (just land), while 20 years ago you could buy same land for maybe 1 EUR/m2, or event get it for free from the state! Manny have built apartments on their properties, and they are earning to live by renting them to tourists. This is called private accommodation, and is very popular form of lodging in Croatia: some examples of private accommodation in Istria can be seen on our site.
Another positive thing is that domestic people can take advantage of offer, manifestations… prepared for tourists and have more fun during summer. That is the thing that everybody likes…

Negative sides are pollution (yes, tourism pollutes as any other industry… This summer I will take some photos and post them here so you can see, but I assure you that the sea looks much, much better out of tourist season), and many social moments mostly due to week and corruptive government, but more about this in next post. bye!

2004-03-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Architecture and legal/illegal construction in Istria

This post has to deal with legal and illegal building construction on Croatian and Istrian coast. Today, all the news and newspapers in Croatia and Istria writes about it. Why? Because the Croatian coast has been kept from devastation for long time, thanks to communistic regime in the past. But today, we are in danger that our coast gets destroyed because of peoples greed and interests of various lobbies. There is no quality plan that respects environment, culture and tradition, needs of local people in satisfying manner, and what is maybe even more important, that is respected. Seems that lot’s of things has been subject to profit that little will make, and many will lost: their heritage in land (which is sold), sun, sea culture and tradition, which was left to them by their ancestors. Some are promising more working places, more wealth, but what we can see is less wealthy people and more poor and stressed people in fear for their basic needs.

So, there are waste number of constructions built illegally, they are in most cases ugly, and violates the environment. According to Croatian law, nobody can own the coast. So you can buy a land near coast, but you have not right to deny access to anyone who want to take bath. That people are so arrogant, that not only they have built without authorization, but they also board the coast forcing other people to go around to pass to other side. And in many cases, they don’t even own that peace of coast, it is only near their possession.

To make things more interesting in many cases this people are foreign citizens! So, I hope the picture of urge is becoming more clear now. The Istrian coast is very attractive, not only for their beauty, but also because it is not overcrowded. But things will change in the future if we continue in this direction. Building expansion is terrific and under pressure of building lobbies which want to sell apartments, in most cases they are not respecting ethical, esthetical, environmental or other criteria: taking advantage over hesitation of local authorities(who are often incompetent and easily corrupted), complexity of Croatian law in this area, slow jurisdiction system, social momentum, economical situation…

New Croatian government has promised to take control over this subject, that will strike on illegally built constructions, they have formed special expert group, so we put our hope that they may be successfully in resolving this problem. We also hope that consciousness of ordinary people will raise, that they will develop more faith in them selves, and that way be able to bring positive change to the community. This and other articles serves for that purpose.
At the end I would like to indicate an excellent article(In Croatian) on the Istra – OnLine about this topic.

2004-03-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

Giro d'Italia in Istria

You have probably heard about one of the most famous bike races... So, this year Giro d'Italia comes to Istria. According to the present route as part of the 14th stage, on Sunday 23 May , the cyclists will start in Trieste, pass through Slovenia, where one of the passing finishes will be posted, enter Croatia at the border passage Pozane.

After that they will pass through many Istrian places. So you can see the route and check more about Giro d'Italia in Istria on our site.

2004-03-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

Premantura, park of nature

Premantura is one of the most beautiful places in Istria... There is a place called "kamenjak" where you can have wanderful sight at the stars. Place premantura is very nice, but "kamenjak", natural park is most famous.
Premantura is the most southern point of Istra, placed on a long and narrow peninsula. The climate is hot - the hottest month is July. Relatively popular, Premantura has its main characteristic in the extension of the coast and in the beauty of rocks and pebbles beaches.
Unfortunately, there are not so manny good web pages about this place, but you can find something on
Premantura on the official pages of tourist association of Medulin.

2004-03-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

National park Brijuni

Istria is place of beautiful nature... So there is one National park and few protected parks of nature. Here I will point to
National park Brijuni (there is English an Croatian version). This park is an archipelago which form fourteen larger and smaller islands with beautiful nature.

The park was used by former president of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito as his presidential residence, so for long time this park was closed for public. In roman times, when Istria was a part of roman empire, Roman nobles used brijuni as their holiday residence. And because of this there are many traces of roman presence.

So if so many important people liked this islands there must be some reason... They are still an exclusive destination, where you can lodge in old villas, and spend time in intact nature. You will be amazed to see fishes of 4 kg swimming, deers runnig around free, other animals in zoo, roman rests... This is possible because Brijuni were closed for so many years, for exclusive use by high Yugoslav politicians. But times are changing (like in the "lord of the rings movie"). There is a master plan for Istrian tourism, and it seams that Brijuni has to undergo big changes. So this days when you can enjoy nature alone will probably be the days of the past. This thing is certainly bad, good thing is that the project will probably bring some money to the region and country. Wee will see. You can visit page about National Park Brijuni on our site also with few pictures in photo gallery...

2004-03-02T00:32:00.000-08:00

Istra online

There is a nice new portal for istrians (online for about month or two)
Istra online, unfortunately it is only in Croatian, but by his informative nature it is intent for domestic people. Contains news, useful informations and resources, pictures, and more. See you soon...

2004-03-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Istria and ecology

In this blog I want to put big emphasis on the ecology. Why? In this moment it is very important that people act in the way to preserve the nature, and because the istria can still be considered clean. There is not heavy industry or agriculture, all over the istria you can see traces of traditional culture... Take a look at this pictures and you'll understand what I meant.

Off course, there are also modern cities, but most of economy is based on tourism. Because the Istria was part of communistic Yugoslavia till 1991, we haven't developed massive tourism like Spain or France for example, but things are changing.

So, a friend of mine has put up an organization for ecology and culture, and in this post I've wanted to let you know about his site:
EIA (eia is the Istrian goodies of nature). He is currently building an ecologic center, with ecologic programs, and tries to protect nature, and one of the last complete natural camps in istria.... So have fun.

2004-02-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

So where is Istria? Or even Croatia?

Usually when looking for some region I go to the www.mapquest.com, where you can find maps from all over the world... Probably you have seen this site. However, I have gone there and done search for Croatia, and have found this:
Map of Croatia.

There you can see where Croatia is on the map of Europe.

Then after hitting "back" button on my browser, I've entered my city name: Pula, and here is what I got:
Pula (Pola in Italian).

So if you play a little with zoom out, you will see what Istrian peninsula looks like, and where is situated. If you notice, it is similar to India(just much, much smaller). So, hope we will seen you there... Good Luck!

2004-02-26T02:34:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

This is my first blog post ever! My name is Dragan Bencic and I live in Pula, a city situated in Istria - Croatia. I'm a programmer, webmaster, have few hobbies but I'll talk about this maybe later, because this blog is intended to be about green peninsula in which I live, and it's Istria in local name Istra. I will try to publish posts in booth English and Croatian when I have time, but mostly I will publish in English, because I want to make Istria closer to international audience... And maybe even closer to istrians them selves, because we often forget to appreciate what is nearest to us, like our family or country.
So here I will try to post my toughts, resources like photos, news, i'll try to write much on ecology because I think it is important in this moment... The other suggestions will be appriciated too. Thanks an see you soon...

All about Istra (Croatia)

Rockwool pollution in Istria

Art exhibition “Dolce stil nuovo” in Pula

CITY LIBRARY IN PULA

Twelve talented artists from "SCUOLA DANTE" artist school

Monday, 29.may 2006 u 19 hours

Pula central library, Kandlerova 39

Ivan Bavcevic - Photography Exhibition

Event announcement

About performer

VASIL HADZIMANOV BAND

Croatia wins Davis Cup

First vegetarian restaurant (club) in Istria

Old olive tree

Istrian Artisan Fair

Rainy August, Sunny September

My new blog

Rivers of steel

Rivers of steel....

Croatia from postcards: popularity deteriorates quality

About ecology and virgin nature: Differentiated waste

Municipal Tourism Office Medulin

Municipal Tourism Office Medulin

False accusations for pedophilia in Pula

False accusations for pedophilia in Pula?

Power and responsability of media

Our wicked mind

Light side - Dark side

Our real self

Fear and happiness

Pedophilic scandals in Croatia

So is any remedy here?

The other part of the coin

Announcement: 10th Smrikva Bowl Finals

Warming up, taking control

Spring is coming

No cash, no Europe!

Gotovina in Croatia?

And what is so funny in this?

Every day remains the same

US vs. Croatia, Davis Cup

Bale as example

Istrian master plan for rural development

What means development

Macro and Micro levels

Kosor vs. Mesic update: Results

Mesic Vs. Kosor

Rising of democratic culture

What’s experts prevision?

Elections in Bosnia And Herzegovina

Prediction

Elections for Croatian president

Votes of Croatian emigration

Boris Mikšić

What makes people voting decision?

New Year Advent

New Year Advent In Istria

Presidential election in Croatia

Traditional values

Why traditional values?

Pope's speach

Family

Christmas

Preparations

Marriage

What's new in Croatia?

What scriptures says about our age

Miomir Žužul

Weather update

Heavy rains in Istria

Istra Danas (Istra Today)

At the end…

Collecting olives in Istria

As times go on...

Education

Helping needed

Does we know what is good for us?

About valuating TV, art, food and other

Freedom?

Limitations

No cash, no Europe!