Now that we have explored the culture of Dalmatia through its literature, food, and culture, the following guide offers the tools to step into that world. The goal is to move beyond being a simple traveller and become a thoughtful traveler-to experience Croatia with presence, respect, and curiosity.
The Practice of Engagement
Engaging with a place is a skill. It requires you to actively use your senses and intellect to connect with your surroundings. Consider this a methodology for your free moments:
- Observe: Find a seat at a café on the waterfront. Order a coffee and put your phone away. Just watch the rhythm of the town: the way boats bob in the harbor, the way locals greet each other, the way the light changes on the stone as the sun sets.
- Absorb: Walk down to a quiet spot by the sea. Don't give in to the compulsion to endlessly take pictures. Just listen to the sound of the water. Feel the sun on your skin.
- Speculate: As you walk through the old town, look up at a weathered stone facade. Don't just see a building; see a historical document. Recognize the Gothic arches or the winged lion emblems as echoes of the centuries when this coastline was a vital part of the Venetian Republic's maritime empire. Speculate on the generations of lives lived within those walls, their fortunes tied to the ever-present sea.
- Question: If you buy something from a local artisan, ask a simple, respectful question. "How long does this take to make?" or "Is this a traditional design for this region?"
- Synthesize: As you sip a glass of local wine, actively connect the taste to the story of the ancient Greeks who planted the first vines here. Actively weave your experiences together to gain a richer understanding.
The Language of Connection
Knowing and practicing a few words in the local language is a gesture of respect that instantly opens doors.
- Dobar dan (DOH-bar dahn) - "Good day." The standard, polite greeting to say when you enter any shop or small office.
- Hvala (HVAH-lah) - "Thank you."
- Molim (MOH-leem) - A crucial word meaning "Please," "You're welcome," and "I beg your pardon?"
- Doviđenja (doh-vee-JEH-nyah) - "Goodbye" (literally, "Until we see again").
The Rhythm of Daily Life
The daily pace is governed by the philosophy of pomalo (poh-MAH-loh)-a Dalmatian concept meaning "take it easy" or "no stress." This is best observed in the coffee ritual. An invitation for coffee (idemo na kavu) is for a long, unhurried conversation. Embracing this relaxed pace is the secret to truly enjoying your time here.
A Practical Guide to Navigating Your Day
- Restrooms (WC): It's best to use the facilities in a café or restaurant where you are a customer. Public restrooms are less common and may require a small fee.
- Safety: Croatia is a very safe country. Standard common sense and awareness of your belongings in crowded tourist areas are all that is required.
- Tap Water: The tap water is of excellent quality and is perfectly safe to drink.
- Tipping: Appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% in cash as a gesture of appreciation for good service is a familiar practice.
- What to Avoid: Be mindful that the 1990s war is a sensitive topic for many locals, so it's best to let them initiate such discussions.
- Money: There are ATMs available at Dubrovnik Airport upon arrival, and they are also plentiful in Cavtat and Dubrovnik. Using an ATM is generally the best way to get cash, but you must be strategic. For more important details concerning money, please visit Currency, Cards, and Cash.
We hope these small insights give you the confidence to not only see this beautiful country but to interact with it successfully. Here are some more helpful links:
- Weather & Packing (including a free guide!)
With these practical insights for navigating Croatia, our final message will shift focus to the heart of any conference: The Art of Connection, guiding you on how to make the most of the professional and personal relationships awaiting you.
PLEASE NOTE: I will be at the conference, please come up and introduce yourself, especially if you need anything. Feel free to contact me via WhatsApp (+1-218-368-9472).
On behalf of TAICEP leadership and the Conference Committee,
Megan Gesell, TAICEP Wiki & IT Support Manager
