Marilyn's Odyssey: Croatia Ana Hungary

We made a short but interesting visit to Croatia. Docking in Ilok, which has vineyards dating back to the Romans, we drove through the fertile countryside where the main industry is agriculture to Vukovar. From 1991 to 1995 Croatia was involved in a massive civil war between the Croats and the Serbs and extensive damage was done to cities and industries. Approximately 20,000 people died and many were buried in mass graves. On our way to Vukovar we stopped at one of these sites where the people of Croatia have built one of the most moving memorials to honour those who lost their lives. Vukovar was almost totally destroyed during this civil war and has been rebuilt but they have left a few of the bombed buildings standing as a somber reminder of that very sad time. During our trip this was the first time that we had a guide that had not lived in the country during the hard times as her parents and her lived in Switzerland. It really made a difference as there was no personal connection,more like a text book.

In Hungary we first visited Peces which is in the center of the regions agricultural industry. In the town center which is pedestrian only, the Europeans have it right, surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings,the square is dominated by the symbol of the city,the former Pasha Gazi Kassim Mosque. What makes this Mosque unique is that it is now a Catholic Church. The foundation for the second church in this town dates back 1000 years. A charming town and a wonderful place to spend a few hours.

Returning to Budapest for our second visit was lovely. We only spent a few hours here before leaving for Vienna so we were pleased we had been here before. A highlight is the Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side which gives one a panoramic view of the city.

Fishing along the Danube

The eternal flame at the cemetery for those killed in the civil war in Croatia

The church tower with bullet and bomb results

A sad reminder of war time

Stunning organ in the church in Peces

Beautiful church

The Mosque at Peces

The church sits on 1000 year old foundations

Tony Curtis donated this two million dollar “willow” sculpture where people can have names of family lost in the holocaust engraved. This is at the synagogue in Budapest