Fun-Travels.com

Croatian Facts and Tastes

Submitted by Kylie Hahn

Croatia’s local name is:
Republica Hrvatska

The area:
56,600 square km

The population:
4.5 million

Capital:
Zagreb

Phone Country Code:
+385

Internet Code:
.hr

Time Zone:
Central European (GMT +1)

Currency:
kuna (100 lipa= 1 kuna

Many locals speak English, but of course the Croatian’s would be over the moon if you spoke a few words of their language. Just like any other country, so try and make some effort.

Dishes vary between Dalmatia in the south and Istria in the north. But throughout Croatian cuisine are several menues that pop up on every menue. So don’t worry, you can get your favourite dish wherever you go.

So how about:

AJVAR, a local relish which is made from Aubergines, Red Bell Peppers and of course Chillies. Depending on the peppers that are used, it can be quite a hot relish.

CEVAPCICI are meatballs which are made from a combination of minced meats. They are slightly spicy and most often served with raw, sliced onions, the AJVAR relish (see above) and not to forget the local flatbread.

BRODET is an easy, simple stew made with a mixture of several fish, which is than cooked in a single pot with garlic and onions.

BUZARA is a tasty sauce that is made to accompany fish and seafood to bring out its flavour. It is made with olive oil, garlic and of course fresh tomatoes.

BUREK is for you if you are a pastry lover. It is a snack that is found everywhere in the Balkans. There are a number of different types of Burek with the most popular variety containing cheese or meat.

It is said that the Croatian Cuisine is one of the best in Europe. Now I wonder, what is your favourite dish?

photo credit: avlxyz

Pesetas are back in Murgados, Santiago De Compostela

Posted by Viola Woolcott

It’s 9 years now that the euro was introduced. Amazing really how fast time travels.

Not for all the euro has been ‘working’. There is a Spanish town called ‘Murgados’ , which is near ‘Santiago de Compostela’ has re-introduced the peseta in the hope to boost local business. About 65 of the local shops are accepting the ‘old’ currency now.

It’s been a great success and the Bank of Spain accepts and converts the pesetas into euros and they have estimated that there are still 1.7 billion euros that have not been accounted for.

So if you travel to Murgados by any chance, don’t forget to trade in your ‘old’ pesetas.

photo credit: mmoroca