Episode 107

Dobra večer, prijatelji!

For all those aunts and uncles out there, we have a special episode for you.

There are many ways to say Auntie or Uncle in Hrvatski, and we’ll learn a few of them in today’s lesson.

It’s going to be a family affair!

Lesson

Uncle and Aunt

Dad’s brother and wife - Striko i strina

Mother’s brother and wife - ujak i ujna

Parent’s sister and husband - tetka i tetac

Regional extras!

uncle - Barba (Komiža and Vis)

Uncle - Dundo (Korčula) 

Super Slatko Report

In this edition of the Super Slatko Report, DJ Moe expands on a listener recommendation. Have you heard of the multiple-day Caminos or walks that take place throughout Croatia? Tune into today’s SSR and learn more about these interesting Pilgramages.

If you are wondering what the word Camino means, it’s a Spanish word that translates to Walk or path. In catholic religious context, the Camino refers to the pilgrimage to the Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 

Camino Croatia was presented to the International Camino Congress this year (2023), showcasing the Camino Croatia in all its glory. Camino Croatia has its own origins dating back to 1203. The Croatian Camino takes you all the way to St.James in Šibenik and from there, story goes, you would then be helped/ guided to the Santiago de Compostela Trail in Spain to complete the pilgrimage.

According to an article in Croatia Week, renovations of the medieval trails started in 2019, and since then over 3,300 pilgrims have walked the route across the current active 5 stages. Stages is another word for routes.

So let’s say for example, you were alive in Croatia in the 9th century and you wanted to do this pilgrimage yourself. All you would need to do is leave your home, and take the nearest Camino or walk/path. This path would eventually lead you to St. James in Šibenik. From there, you would get further guidance on the next best way to continue the pilgrimage. At this time there are routes all over Europe, they all eventually connect and you to the stages of Santiago de Compostela.

Why was the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage so intriguing? 

Story goes, the remains of the Apostle St. James the Greater were buried there.

And as the saying goes, it’s not about the destination but the journey, the long days of self reflection on the way to catholic relic site, a most spiritual and physical journey.

Why would they want to walk take the Camino today? 

So many reasons really, but it is said that most people taking the trail now a days are doing it more for their health and to take in nature at its finest and most pristine. People that are actually doing the religious pilgrimage are in the minority these days, but there is no wrong answer for taking care of yourself; spiritually, mentally or physically, or all of the above… to each their own!

So let’s take a look at the Croatian Camino Stages, and all this can be found in the link as well with pictures and maps too.

Camino Banovina - 87 Km - 5 Days

Forests and rivers, historical towns and villages. Good for beginner hikers.

Camino Brač - 158 km - 8 days

Island nature at its finest

Camino Imota - 75 km - 3 days

Beautiful lakes and an outdoor cathedral, apparently this stage closely resembles a route in Spain.

Camino Krk - 150 km - 7 days

Rich historical and cultural treasures

Camino Podravina - 160 km - 7 days

Features River flatlands and desert sands.

Camino Šibenik - 108 km - 6 days

Olive groves, vineyards, coastal views and St. James Cathedral

And there are 4 more Stages on the way that have yet to be proposed.

Korčula, Gorski Kotar, south Istria & another that connects Dubrovnik and Međugorje.

This was a fun, introspective, learning experience. Thanks to listener Paul T. For the suggestion.

Here is the link if you are interested in learning more.

As always, if you have a suggestion for a super slatko you think would be interesting, feel free and drop us a line at Info@letslearncroatian.com

And thats it for the Super Slatko Report.