The trip that was in planning for a couple of years finally came to fruition in the summer of 2010. My father's side of the family was from Croatia; specifically the towns of Risika and Punat on the island of Krk. My grandparents, father and all of his sibilings are no longer living and I had scant information to go on. With three or four photos salvaged from cleaning out my uncle's apartment after he died a few years ago and with a copy of my grandmother's baptism papers, I set out to explore my roots.

My former neighbor and traveling friend, Joy, came with me to explore Croatia. While I wasn't able to find any relatives, I did find the house my grandmother grew up in and I learned a lot about the Dalmation coast of Croatia steeped in in history and full of medieval walled towns and old cities.

Figs, wine, mountains that rise up from the coast, were all part of the beauty that is Croatia. Some other observations from the trip: there is a narrow coast with steep winding roads and tailigating aggressive drivers.Grilled vegetables, sweet watermelon, brown shelled eggs with shockingly orange yolks, and bad coffee are breakfast staples; go for the macchiato.

There is a fee for condiments such as ketchup, mayo, and grated cheese. Currency is the kuna, and it is required everywhere for parking or to use a bathroom - which was a floor toilrt in many instances.. No one moves far from their village, only the younger people speak English, we were usually greeted as, "Lady" as in Lady you want cafe? And cats are everywhere; often joining you at outside bistro tables - sometimes on the table.