Category Archives: TRAVEL BLOG

VOLI, VJERUJ I KRENI

24 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Hrvatski, TRAVEL BLOG

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DSC02583U svitanje prekrasnog, sunčanog jutra, 09 Juna 2015, otisnuli smo se od mola Marine Veruda u Puli i poput Columba, započeli naše životno putovanje svijetom. Dok su se konopi, kojima smo bili vezani za molo, otpuštali sa bitve, šutke smo se gledali. Oči su govorile sve i riječi nisu bile potrebne. Bili smo svjesni da prvi puta krećemo na put u nepoznato bez povratka.

Tog trenutka sam brzo počela razmišljati da li sam kupila sve što nam treba, vjerojatno kako bih našla dobar razlog da se vratimo, makar na kratko. Doimalo se da će netko od nas poviknuti: “Stanite, zadržite konop i nedajte da brod ode”ali Meermowe nije stajao. Probijajući se kroz plavo more zvao nas je na dužnosti i ubrzo nam vratio osmijeh i sreću na lice. Osijećali smo kako nam se vrača snaga, spremnost i samopouzdanje. Bacili smo jos jedan, zadnji pogled na Pulu koja je postajala sve dalja i dalja dok se nije izgubila na horizontu.

DSC02331Posebno mjesto na brodu zauzimaju naši mali, simpatični prijatelji, Pipo i Dino, maskote koje ce ploviti sa nama kroz Meermowe’s Great Adventure kao predstavnici preljepog Novog Zelanda i sunčane Dalmacije. Uz njih ce biti sve ljepše i veselije.

Naša prva destinacija u koju smo uplovili bila je Uvala Artaturi na Otoku Losinj. Na putu nas je pratilo predivno, sunčano i toplo vrijeme bez vjetra, čista bonaca. More mirno i glatko kao ulje. Uzaludno je bilo nadati se jedrenju jer je genova visila na prečki kao kuhinjska krpa.

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Ne gubeći vrijeme odlučili smo da uživamo u kupanju. Bili smo sretni i izuzetno raspoloženi igrajući se u vodi. Nakon plivanja uživali smo u našem prvom ručku i kafi.

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Putovanje smo morali nastavili uz pomoć motora koji je svojim radom parao naše uši i tu božanstvenu tišinu. U uvalu smo

uplovili u predvečerje. Nakon večere i vrlo ukusnih palačinki sa sirom i cokoladom pecali smo do kasno u noć. Ribe su grizle na sve strane i u vrlo brzom ritmu uspijeli smo uhvatiti devet riba, sto je bilo dovoljno za naš obrok.

Jednu od njih, Peter je upotrebio kao živi mamac na udicu a ujutro smo uz veliko iznenađenje izvukli ugora od 1,2 kg od kojeg sam skuhala brudet sa palentom. To je ono sto se zove zivot.

DSC02651MAGNETNA LJEPOTA OTOKA LOSINJA

Moj suprug i ja smo prvi put posjetili Mali Lošinj prije dvije godine, kad smo kupili brod i plovili od Splita prema Puli. Zbog svoje ljepote željeli smo ponovno doći i uploviti u Uvalu Artaturi.

DSC02625Mali Lošinj je najveći otočni grad. Smješten je s južne strane lošinjskog zaljeva u Uvali Augusta i jedan je od glavnih turističkih centara na Jadranu. Njegova povijest datira iz 12. stoljeća. Stanovnici su živjeli od poljoprivrede i stočarstva a kasnije se razvilo ribarstvo, pomorstvo i turizam. Otkrivanje zdravstvenih učinaka otočne klime predstavljalo je zlatno doba otoka Lošinja, čime ja otvorena nova stranica njegove povijesti.

Uvala Artatori nalazi se u istoimenom naselju Artatore. Sastoji se od nekoliko kamenitih, šljunčanih plaža u sjeni borove šume a uz plažu prolazi lungomare staza. Uvala je udaljena pet kilometara od centra Malog Lošinja.

DSC02638Ako jedriš ovim akvatorijem, Otok Lošinj se ne može mimoići. Kao magnet, svojom ljepotom i bojom mora zove na obalu. Veći i manji otoci, kao iz torbe prosuti, bude radoznalost. Unije, Susak, Vele i Male Srakane, Ilovik, svaki od njih ima svoju priču. Svi oni koji dođu ovde pronađu svoj mir, ljepotu i sklad.

Postoji priča po pradavnoj legendi kako je nastalo cresko-lošinjsko otočje koje se zvalo zajedničkim imenom Apsyrtides po grčkom junaku Apsirta.

Kralj Eeta is Kohilde, posjedovao je zlatno runo. Hrabar momak Jason se lukavstvom, uz pomoć čarobnice, kraljeve kćeri Medeje, koja je bila zaljubljena u njega, dočepao zlatnog runa pa se na brodu Argo sa svojim drugovima Argonautima, dao u bijeg. Aspirit, kraljev sin, krenuo je sojim brodom u potjeru za otmičarima. Nakon dugog putovanja potjera je sustigla otmičare. Medeja je prijevarom namamila brata Apsirta na pregovore, a Jason ga je is potaje ubio. Medeja je rasjekla Apsirtovo mrtvo tijelo i njegove udove pobacala u more. Od rasječena Apsirtova tijela nastali su Apsirtovi otoci – Apsyrtides.

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Premda je ovo samo jedna nevjerojatna priča, sve ljepote Otoka Lošinja, o kojima pisem, možda će vam zvučati nevjerojatnim, ali su realnost.

U Uvali Artaturi ostali smo dva dana vezani na sidro. Uzivali smo u kupanju i pjesacenju a osvježenje smo trazili u sladoledu pošto je bila paklena vručina.

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Nase jedrenje Jadranskim morem, odvija se u vlastitom aranžmanu, slobodnim odabirom destinacija koje želimo posjetiti i bez vremenskih ograničenja uplovljenja i isplovljenja. Stoga, slijedećeg jutra bili smo na kursu prema Otoku Susak.

 

LOVE, BELIEVE AND GO

24 Wednesday Jun 2015

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DSC02578At the dawn of the beautiful, sunny morning, 09 June 2015, we set off from the pier Marina Veruda in Pula and like Columbus, began the journey of our world. As the ropes, which were tied to the pier, dismissing the cleats, silence we watched. Our eyes were saying all the words were not necessary. We knew that the first time embarking on a journey into the unknown with no return.

At that moment, I quickly started to think if I bought everything we need, probably in order to find a good reason to go back, at least briefly. It seemed that one of us shout: “Stop, hold the rope and do not let the ship go”, but Meermowe would not stop. Cutting through the blue sea called us to duty and soon we returned the smile and happiness on our faces. We feel that we’re returning power, willingness and confidence. We threw another one, last look at the Pula, which is becoming further and further until it was lost on the horizon.

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A special place on the board have our small and cute friends, Pipo and Dino, the mascots, which will sail with us through Meermowe’s Great Adventure as well as representatives of the stunning New Zealand and sunny Dalmatia. With them will be all the more beautiful and happier.

Our first destination in which we sailed was Artatori Bay on the Island of Losinj. On the way we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny and warm weather with no wind, clear calm. The sea was peacefully and smoothly as oil. It was futile to hope for any sailing because the sail was hanging on the jib as a dishtowel.

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Without wasting time, we decided to enjoy a swim. We were happy and very willing limitless playing in the water. After swimming we enjoyed our first lunch and coffee.

The journey we had continued with the help of the engine whose work has ripped our ears and the divine silence. In the bay we arrived in the early evening.

DSC02615After dinner and very tasty pancakes with cheese and chocolate, we were fishing late into the night. The fish are biting on all sides in a very fast pace we managed to catch nine fish, which was enough for our meal. DSC02654One of them, Peter is used as live bait on the hook and in the morning we had with great surprise out of eel 1.2 kg of which I cooked stew with polenta. This is what is called life.

MAGNETIC BEAUTY OF THE ISLAND OF LOSINJ

My husband and I first visited Mali Losinj two years ago, when we bought the ship and sailed from Split to Pula. Because of its beauty, we wanted to come back and sail into the Bay of Artaturi.

DSC02626Mali Losinj is the largest island town. It is located on the south side of the island, in the Bay Augusta and is one of the main tourist centers on the Adriatic. Its history dates back to the 12th century. Residents were living from agriculture and animal husbandry and later developed fishing, marine and tourism.

Discovering the health benefits of the climate is the golden age of the Island of Losinj, which it opened a new page of its history.

DSC02637Artatori Bay is located in the eponymous town Artatore. It consists of a number of rocky, sandy beaches in the shade of pine trees and along the beach promenade-passing lane. Bay is five kilometers far from the center of the town.

If you sail these waters, Island of Losinj cannot be avoided. Like a magnet, its beauty and color of the sea called to the coast. The larger and smaller islands, as the bags spill, arouse curiosity. Union, Susak, Vele and Male Srakane, Ilovik, each of them has its own story. All those who come here find their peace, beauty and harmony.

There is a story on the ancient legend about the origins of the Cres-Losinj archipelago, which was called by the common name Apsyrtides, greek hero Apsyrt.

King Eeta from Kohilda, possessed the Golden Fleece. Brave guy Jason ruse, with the help of the king’s daughter Medea, who was in love with him, got hold of the Golden Fleece and the ship Argo with his friends the Argonauts went into hiding. Aspirit, the king’s son, went on his boat in pursuit of the kidnappers. After a long journey, posse caught up with the kidnappers. Medea lured brother Apsyrtus on the negotiations, and Jason him is secretly killed. Medea cut up his body and his limbs threw into the sea. From Apsyrt dismembered bodies were created Apsirt Islands – Apsyrtides.

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Although this is just an amazing story, all the beauty of the Island of Losinj, on which letters might sound incredible, but it’s the reality.

DSC02546In the Bay Artaturi we stayed two days related to the anchor. We enjoyed swimming and hiking and refreshment we asked for ice cream, since it was a hell of heat. Our sailing the Adriatic Sea is carried out on our own, freely chosen destinations what we want to visit and no time limit entering and leaving. Therefore, the next morning we were on the course to the Island of Susak.

SVIJET JE ZASTRASUJUĆE MJESTO ALI MI IMAMO NAŠ BROD

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Hrvatski, TRAVEL BLOG

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DSC02520Dugo očekivani susret sa Meermowe bio je pun uzbuđenja. Neopisiva je radost i sreća kojom smo bili ispunjeni u želji da se što prije nađemo na njegovoj palubi. Kad smo ugledali naš brod sve je djelovalo, na prvi pogled, onako kako smo i ostavili prije dvije godine kad smo ga kupili. Ušli smo u potpalublje kako bi izvadili pramčano jedro što, zbog svoje veličine i težine, i nije bio lak posao. Pogledom sam zagledala uokolo tražeći nekog da nam pomogne ali sve je bilo uzalud. Stara poslovica kaže “um caruje a snaga klade valja”. I tako, dok sam ja naprezala svoj mali mozak u riješenju tog problema moj suprug je već izvadio jedro na palubu. Zajedničkim snagama smo ga postavili na pramčanu priponu te sa ponosom gledali kako viori na vjetru.

Sistematskim pregledom broda zaključili smo da će problemi iskakati pred nas kao zečevi iz šešira. Vremena je bilo malo a lista poslova sve duža.

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Pošto Peter i ja volimo efikasnost i expeditivnost odmah smo napravili plan i ne gubeći vrijeme prionuli poslu. Za početak smo nabavili radna odijela, nešto osnovnog materijala i alat.

Sidreni vinč je bio prvi posao kojeg smo željeli uraditi. Veoma je važan na brodu i bez njega je čisto nezamislivo vođenje, zapinjanje i obaranje sidrenog lanca te izvlačenje i podizanje sidra. Vjerujem da se svakom od vas koji nas pratite, barem jednom dogodilo da vam mala stvar zada veliku glavobolju. To se upravo dogodilo i nama. Cijeli sistem iznutra bio je blokiran i slomljen što je bezuvjetno tražilo zamjenu za novi.

DSC02327Kako se moj suprug razumije u mnoge poslove, odlučio je stvar uzeti u svoje ruke. Sve je izgledalo tako jednostavno i lako, odvrnuti nekoliko šerafa, skinuti vinč iz ležišta i zamijeniti za novi, taman da se uz kaficu popuni vrijeme. Zaista je užitak bilo gledati njegov elan kojim je prišao tom poslu.

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Vrijeme je prolazilo a ideje i planovi, kako skinuti vinč su se izmjenjivale veoma brzo. Očito je bilo da je mašina bila tvrd orah dok nam u pomoć nisu došli Igor i Velibor, specijalisti za popravku i ugradnju sidrenih vinčeva iz Marine Veruda.

Ugradnja radara i radarske antene zahtijevan je i složen posao na brodu.

DSC02335Rijetki su oni koji obavljaju svoj posao gledajući svijet iz ptičje perspektive i slijeću na križ jarbola poput albatrosa kao što to svakodnevno rade Toni i Zoran, Raymarine stručnjaci za postavljanje i ugradnju radara i radio sistema na brodu.

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Impresivno je bilo gledati način na koji se to radi, dizanje u visine čak i do najviše tačke jarbola kada se postavljala HF antena.   Manje impresivno i bolno je bilo kada je Zoran na samom završetku posla, na nesreću, ispustio konop za špinaker kroz jarbol i zbog toga morao da se penje ponovno na vrh. Sve što je, tog trenutka prolazilo kroz vjetar i dolazilo do naših ušiju bio je bolan uzdah, “O neee…..”

Poslovi koji su se odvijali na brodu tražili su strpljenje i vrijeme.

DSC02425U međuvremenu ja sam radili na deku. Za početak sam dobila fizički i vrlo nezahvalan posao, “mali od palube”. Tek sad sam shvatila kako je teško biti mornar na velikim brodovima jer oni svaki dan moraju da rade isti posao koji sam ja radila i koji ću raditi tokom cijelog putovanja, “ribanje palube”.

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Ispočetka je bilo teško jer se moralo klečati na koljenima ali ubrzo sam riješila problem, upalila sam radio i sve se odvijalo u ritmu muzike za ples.

Ljepljenje gume na drvenom dijelu palube te mazanje tikovine uljem bilo je puno interesantnije i zabavnije.

Jedini problem je bila vručina po kojoj sam radila ali sve je bilo bolje i veselije uz moj sombrero.

Za to vrijeme Peter je bio angažiran oko kupovine novih dijelova i materijala za servisere tako da je morao često odlaziti u Pulu.

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Iskreno rečeno nisam mu zavidila, bila sam svijesna da je vožnja autom po takvoj vručini i gužvi na cesti ipak napornija od rada na palubi.

Najvazniji i najzahtijevniji posao na brodu bio je pravljenje i postavljanje inox konstrukcije na krmu. Radi se o nosaču koji na sebi treba da nosi solarne ploče kao glavnu instalaciju za napajanje strujom, vjetrenjače, brodsku sirenu, antene za radio komunikaciju, automatsi informacijski sistem i televiziju.

DSC02435Bilo je potrebno tri tjedna da se posao kompletno završi. To je ono sto je mog supruga najviše brinulo, hocemo li imati dovoljno vremena za ugradnju takve konstrukcije. Na našu veliku sreću upoznali smo Dalibora i njegov stručni tim koji je pokazao izuzetnu volju i zalaganje za ovaj posao uz visoku kvalitetu rada.

Po njegovom završetku priključio nam se Doriano sa njegovom ekipom kao vrsni stručnjaci za instalaciju solarnih ploča i vjetrenjača uz veoma zahtijevan posao provlačenja kablova kroz brod do baterija.

DSC02576Kako je vrijeme prolazilo poslovi su se bližili kraju i Meermowe je svakim danom bio bliži uranjanju u more. Naš pokretački točak je konstantno radio i dobivao ubrzanje kao vjetrenjača na vjetru. Činilo se da se naša želja za jedrenjem nikad neće ugasiti. Vremeplov je polako brojao sate i minute. Ostalo je još malo vremena koje smo rezervirali za cijepljenja koja smo morali primiti za podrucja sa visokim levelom oboljenja od hepatitisa A, žutice, trbušnog tifusa i dvije doze tetanusa.

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Divno medicinsko osoblje Zdravstvenog Centra za Imunologiju u Puli, pred kojim je moj suprug pokazao slabost i negodovanje, bilo je zaista nježno, osobito prema Peteru.

Krajem mjeseca Maja dobili smo i prvu posjetu. Sestra mog supruga, Danica došla je da provede tjedan dana sa nama te da nas isprati prije isplovljenja.

DSC02474Bilo je divno družiti se s njom na našem brodu. Vrlo je jednostavna i veoma vrijedna osoba i brzo se uklopila u brodski život.

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Svojim zalaganjem i radom pomogla je da se zadnji poslovi privedu kraju a svojim domaćinskim iskustvom dala mi je sjajne prakticne savjete i ideje. Usprkos osjećanju da nam je dan kratak nalazili smo vremena za obilazak Pule, noćna šetanja po Pješčanoj Plaži, hodanje po brdima i uživanje u pogledu na predivne uvale Marine Veruda.

DSC02550Također smo izdvojili dva dana za probnu plovidbu do Limskog Kanala gdje smo se sidrili i proveli noć. Za Danicu je život na brodu kao i njegovo podizanje i uranjanje u more ostavilo snažan utisak i jedno novo iskustvo čega će se sijećati do kraja života.

DSC02571Nakon Daničinog odlaska našli smo se pred vratima ostvarenja dvadesetogodišnjeg sna. Još samo jedan dan, još samo jedna noć su nas dijelili od isplovljenja. Naš zadnji osvrt na prošlost, na život, na racionalnost naše odluke o kupnji broda i životnu želju da oplovimo svijet. Jos jedna šetnja po Pješćanoj Plazi. Uz šum mora mijenjale su se slike i misli i slivale u jedan zajednički tok vođen kompasom ljubavi prema moru i koliko god se pravdali moramo priznati da je svijet zastrašujuće mjesto ali mi imam naš brod sa dva točka.

DSC02332POSEBNA ZAHVALA

Na kraju ovog posta koristimo priliku da se zahvalimo svim učesnicima ovog projekta na velikom trudu i zalaganju te sjajno obavljenom poslu u pripremama našeg broda za Meermowe s Great Adventure.

Također se zahvaljujemo našim sinovima, Pedji i Igoru te njihovim partnerima, Mariki i Melanie u Australiji kao i cijeloj familiji, svim prijateljima i svima vama koji nas pratite, na sjajno ukazanoj podršci.

Posebno se zahvaljujemo Dusanki Tomić Luk za izuzetnu i nesebičnu pomoć koju nam je pružala tokom cijelog boravka u Puli.

Peter & Jasmine

WORLD IS SCARY PLACE BUT WE HAVE OUR BOAT WITH TWO WHEELS

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in English, TRAVEL BLOG

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DSC02510Long awaited meeting with Meermowe was full of excitement. Indescribable joy and happiness that we have met in order to find as soon as possible on its deck.  When we saw our boat, it seemed, at first glance, the way we left it two years ago when we bought it. We entered the lower deck to remove the headsail, which, because of its size and weight, and it was no easy job. View I looked around for someone to help us but it was all in vain. An old proverb says, “the mind flourishes and power rolls the logs”. And so, while I strained my cerebellum in the solution of this problem, my husband had already pulled the sail on deck. With joint forces we put it in the forward shrouds and proudly watched rides up in the wind.

A systematic search of the ship, we have concluded that the problems jump out in front of us like rabbits out of a hat. The time was limited and the list of jobs was growing longer. As Peter and I love the efficiency and expediency, we immediately made a plan and wasted no time in busy at work. For starters we got working clothes, some basic materials and tools.

Windlass was the first work that we wanted to do. It is very important on board and without it is quite inconceivable conduct, pining and turning down the anchor chain and pull the anchor winch. I believe that each of you who follow us, at least once happened to you a little thing jade big headache. It just happened to us. The whole system inside was blocked and broken as unconditionally required exchange for a new one.

DSC02326As my husband understands many jobs, he decided to take the matter into his own hands. It all seemed so simple and easy, unscrews several bolts, removes the winch from the tray and replaced by a new, just to fill time over coffee. It was really a pleasure to watch his enthusiasm that he approached the job. Time passed and the ideas and plans to remove the winch have replaced very quickly.

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Obviously the machine was a tough nut until our aid did not come Igor and Velibor, specialists in repair and installation of anchor winches from Marina Veruda.

 

 

Installation of the radar and radar antenna is demanding and complex work on the ship.

DSC02335Rare are those who do their job by looking at the world from above and landed on the cross mast like an albatross as the daily work of Toni and Zoran, Raymarine experts to set up and instalation of radar and radio systems on board.

DSC02373It was impressive to watch the way in which it works, lifting the level up to the highest point of the mast when asked HF antenna.DSC02387

Less impressive and painful was when Zoran at the end of the work, unfortunately, dropped the rope through the spinnaker pole and therefore had to climb back to the top. All that is, that moment passed through the wind and came to our ears was painful sigh, “Oh noooo…..”.

Jobs that took place on board sought patience and time. In the meantime, I was working on deck. For starters I got physically and very thankless job, “little of the deck”.

IMG_0372Only now I realized how hard it is to be a sailor on the big ships because every day they have to do the same job I was doing and who I’m going to do the whole journey, “scrubbing the deck”. At first it was difficult because I had to kneel down on my knees but I soon solved the problem, I turned on the radio and everything went to the music for the dance.

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Bonding rubber on the wooden deck of teak oil lubrication and there was a lot more interesting and fun. The only problem was the heat at which I was working but it was better and happier with my sombrero. During this time Peter was hired about buying new parts and materials for service and had to frequently go to Pula. Frankly I did not envy him, I was aware that driving a car by oppressive heat and the crowds on the road still harder than working on deck.

The most important and most demanding job on the boat was making and setting up steel structure at the stern. It is a carrier, which in itself should carry a solar panel as the main installation of the power supply, windmill, boat horn, the antenna for radio communication, automating information system and television. It took three weeks to complete the job.

DSC02451That’s what my husband most concerned about, whether we have enough time for the installation of such structures. To our great fortune we met Dalibor and his team, which has demonstrated a remarkable willingness and commitment to this business with high quality work.

DSC02459After its completion joined us Doriano with his team as skilled professionals to install solar panels and a windmill with a very demanding job threading cables through the ship to the battery.

As time passed jobs were nearing the end and Meermowe every day was closer to immersion in the sea. Our actuating wheel is constantly turning and acceleration received as a windmill in the wind. It seemed that our desire for sailing should never extinguish. Machine slowly counted the hours and minutes. There was still a little time that we had booked for the vaccination, which we have received for areas with high levels found diseases of hepatitis A, yellow fever, typhoid and two doses of tetanus.

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Beautiful medical staff of the Health Centre for Immunology in Pula, in front of which my husband showed weakness and resentment, it was really gentle, especially to Peter.

At the end of May we had the first visit. The sister of my husband, Danica came to spend week with us and see us off before boarding.

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It was great to hang out with her on our board. It is very simple and very valuable person and quickly fit in the ship’s life.

Her dedication and hard work has helped to bring the end of the last jobs and their host experience gave me great practical tips and ideas.

DSC02488Despite feeling that we have been given a short time we found the tour of the city, night stroll on the Sandy Beach, walking in the hills and enjoy the view of the beautiful bay of Marina Veruda. We have also allocated two days to test sail to the Lim Channel where we drop anchor and spend the night. For Danica, life on board and its upgrading and immersion in the sea a real impression and a new experience which she will remember for a lifetime.

DSC02530After Danica’s departure we were at the gates to achieve the dream of twenty years. One more day, just one more night as we shared of departure. Our last review of the past, the life and the rationality of our decision to purchase the ship and life wish to circumnavigate the globe. Last walk on the Sandy Beach. With the sound of the sea changed the images and thoughts and streamed into one common flow driven compass love of the sea and no matter how justified we must recognize that the world is a scary place but we have our boat with two wheels.

DSC02331SPECIAL THANKS

At the end of this post we would like to thank all participants of this project to the hard work and dedication and great work done in preparing our boat for Meermowe’s Great Adventure.

We also thank our children, Pedja and Igor and their partners, Marika and Melanie in Australia as well as the entire family, all friends and all of you who follow us, for the great and opening support.

Special thanks Dusanka Tomic Luk for extraordinary and selfless assistance that she provided during the entire stay in Pula.

Peter & Jasmine

PONOVNO SA VAMA

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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DSC02511Divan je osijećaj ponovno biti na sceni, vratiti se pisanju i svima vama koji nas pratite od samog početka. Protekli period za nas je bio jako buran i pun uzbuđenja I zato nemojmo gubiti vrijeme jer želimo da se što prije upoznate sa morem, njegovom ljepotom, bojom i aromom.

Želimo što prije da napravimo nove slike, novu priću i novi stih za vas koji će govoriti umjesto nas. Stoga, dođite slobodno, koračajte ponovno i sigurno sa nama kroz morska prostranstva i daleke zemlje.

Osječajući valove i vjetar u našim jedrima, podijelimo osmijeh i sreću noseći poruku

Dobrodošli natrag u Meermowe’s Great Adventure

Vaše mjesto je ovdje, Vaša avantura počinje sa nama.

 Peter & Jasmine

WELCOME BACK

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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DSC02514It’s a beautiful feeling a once again be on the scene, go back to writing and all of you who follow us from the beginning. The past periods of time for us was very stormy and full of excitement and so let’s not waste time, because we want you to be as soon as possible familiar with the sea, its beauty, color and aroma.

We want as soon as possible to create a new image, a new story and a new verse for you that will speak for us. So, come free, step on again and secure with us through the vastness of the sea and distant land.

Feeling the waves and the wind in our sails, share a smile and happiness, carrying the message

Welcome back to Meermowe’s Great Adventure

Your place is here, Your adventure begins with us.

 Peter & Jasmine

SPIRIT OF PULA

02 Monday Feb 2015

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PULA CITY

Once upon a time, long ago, on the Adriatic Sea, at the foot of the seven mountains, Zaro, Serpente, Ghiro, Magno, Paradiso, Rizzi and Vidal, developed the city of Pula. I wonder whether the Brothers Grimm, and back in 1812 years, as well as many today’s croatian writers and poets in their works, were inspired by this old town and writing the story of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, actually wrote about Pula.

Pula_PanoramaOptimizedPula is the largest city and the administrative centre of the Istria. It is a city with a mediterranean climate and the whole region is known for its mild winter, warm summers, calm sea and untouched nature. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding and tourism, and is a transit port.

Pula - Arena

Pula is best known for it’s preserved ancient Roman monuments, of which the most famous is “Amphitheatre”, popularly called “Arena”, which dates back to the first century. It is best – conserved amphitheater from antiquity and is the sixth largest in the world. Today, during the summer period, is still used for maintenance of traditional film festival and various cultural events.

The natural beauty of the Brijuni National Park and the turquoise blue Adriatic sea, made the city an internationally popular summer destination.

NPBrijuni7_VelikaIt is not easy to describe the beauty of Istria and Pula and take a walk through its thousands of years of old history, with a few sentences. Franko Krajcar, famous ethno musician, through one of his songs, gave a credible picture of Istria, the sort that she really is.

The song of Istria

Picture of our dear Istria I’ve carried in my heart

It lays flat and the precipitous on the Adriatic sea

Her head is Uchka Hill and beech her voice

Plateaus, forests, pastures, green belt around waist

Rasha, Mirna and Dragonja flowing through her veins

Look islands, lovely children on mother’s skirts

Our Istria, mother of us, I carry you in my heart

Most beautiful country for me you are on the Adriatic sea

 Franko Krajcar i Indivia, Pula 2012

 

slapovi istraPeter and I are not so often visited Pula but enough is well know that we can say that we love this city. Due to its geographic position and security we decided to leave our boat in one of its marinas.

MARINA VERUDA

Marina Veruda is the city’s tourist district in Pula, which is located in Veruda Channel in the South of Pula between Verudela peninsula in the West and Rudjan or Sandy Bay in the East.

It is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and is a place where even today meet daily strokes of fishing. It offers complete services for sailors and its attractive position on the Istrian Peninsula, is perfectly suited to nautical tourism. Marina received the “Blue Flag”, international recognition in environmental protection. This is the point from which you can very quickly get to the Kvarner Islands, such as Rab, Cres, Mali Losinj, Krk, Susak, Silba and Unije. Some of these islands are the destinations in which we will also sail.

Pula_Marina_Veruda_(wiki)-hq

******

At the end of this short walk through Pula, as the initial destination of our journey from which we will sail full heart and sails, we want to inform all of you who are with us that we have reached the end of the first part of writing from the territory of Australia. Meermowe’s Great Adventure that will continue in the month of May upon arrival in Croatia when we will again be together in the way of our life. Through our blog, you’ll experience a lot of excitement, discover new places and enjoy the many adventures. We thank everyone for the given support.

See you soon.

DSC00076Peter & Jasmine

STEP TO REALIZATION

02 Monday Feb 2015

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DSC00213Preparations for our journey around the world began two years ago, when we bought sailboat “Meermowe” in Split. Therefore, the period from 2013 until the end of 2016 years, when should our journey around the world finished, it will be for us in the most beautiful living memory.

Be ready for a cruise across the Atlantic and the Pacific is not the same as preparing to make a cake for an afternoon. It is a process that takes months and even years. Staying and living on board is the experience not to be forgotten. This journey for Peter and me is a synonym of life and we just wish surrender to them. We are sure that the invested effort, time and money at the end of three times back through everything that we experience and learn. Life is not magic and does not need Harry Potter’s magic wand to overcome all the problems that we are on the way to enjoy these rare moments of life.

IMG_0308Our previous period was full of activities. We studied the sea charts, administrative provisions of countries and ports where we sail and we searched the Internet for the purchase of the complete electronic equipment for communication and security to the ship and the entire crew, which is for us in the first place. Unlike travel planning, everything that can happen we cannot determine but because we can create feelings comfort on board and preparedness to deal with everything that befalls us on the way.

When we were students, we noticed the difference between school knowledge and real life in which we have learned and applied. So it is with dreams too. For years my husband and I dreamed to reach our great dream of a lifetime and when we got to step away from reality we realised that this period of life will not and cannot be the same. The only good psychological preparation will restore security and faith in ourselves in this new life conditions with which we will soon meet. So far we have always had a safe harbour but from now on all environmental and natural storms we’re going to have to go without bending down respecting the sea and nature because they are stronger than we.

Life at sea, on the other dockside, is full of adventure to which also we are ready. Some of them will be good and some not but they always end up leaving you with a good story. The organisation of our entire trip is such as to avoid season weather conditions such as hurricanes and monsoon areas and uses a period of stable winds.

Peter and I still possess a great love, the strength and the will for this trip. In it we put a large part of our self and anything else we cannot miss. We feel psychologically strong and ready for this adventure in which sharks represent home pets, when we sail for weeks unseen land and long nights thinking about what we did not have time or did not want to think.

Our crew will be increased and decreased at different sections of the cruise and the participants will be those who want to be part of this adventure, the members of our family and friends. Only two and a half months separates us from traveling to Croatia, which is why our good luck and excitement never ends.

381Navigate the world and discovering new areas are the most powerful determinants of our life that simmers in us from an early age. To dream trip did not become important thing in our lives we would not never had a chance to realise it and turning it into a way of life because they will always find at least one good reason to give up.

IT IS NOT EASY TO ACHIEVE DREAM LIFE

02 Monday Feb 2015

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Each of us in life has a great desire. To some it seems inaccessible so immediately discarded it while the others are trying to achieve but because of problems in life they give up and it becomes oblivion. Peter is one of those people that his every wish realizes sooner or later.

When starting from scratch, as we started, it is not easy to achieve a lifelong dream. My husband was the first time experienced the sea when he arrived in Split and then he could not imagine life without the beaches and waves. That was the time when we were in love to the ears, when we were self-sufficient and when they, along with sandwiches and beer, like the tide began to create the first ideas about the ship and sailing without realizing how much we have and give our best to achieve this.

As the years passed love of the sea are transferred to our older son who also sees himself in the future on the big boat going around the world with the wind under full sail while younger son praises sea but rather remains on the coast.

The political situation of that time brought many changes in the country and with that has greatly changed the conditions of our lives. Life has become difficult and cash assets more than limited. The only thing that is still left to live in us was our life dream to sail around the world on our boat with two wheels.

By moving to New Zealand we have changed our whole former life. We had to forget everything and start anew. We worked very hard on a daily basis, weekends and holidays in a variety of jobs and nothing we were not difficult, a new life again brought hope and prosperity. The idea of the boat we were besieged all the more so we decided to buy our first 6-meter-long sailboat “Tequila” in which we have invested all our savings. Unforgettable are the moments of our happiness when we went sailing and fishing around the nearby islands of New Zealand.

Two years later we sold “Tequila” and we bought a sailboat “Ellie”, 9.5 meters long we just redecorated and with which we cruised the islands for a longer distance for a few weeks. Business we had not allowed us enough time to enjoy sailing. “Ellie” is less used, which was the reason to buy a small motorboat 5.5 meters long, with which we have enjoyed in frequent fishing. This period of life was very difficult but we brought a lot of happy moments and events.

admiralty_chart_catalogPlan a trip around the world has become part of us from morning till tomorrow so after selling a motorboat we decided to wait for a favorable opportunity to purchase sailboat of our dreams. Life in New Zealand, with time, it became increasingly difficult due to the financial crisis that followed and had a major impact both on our business and on our proper budget. Not long after we moved to Australia.

In Brisbane, my husband and I had a short time hired. We have worked hard abjured of anything and everything to manage, after 20 years of waiting, turn our dreams into reality. With such a long period of time, knowing the cost of this type of ships, several times we thought to give up money and invest in something else, maybe a smarter investment. Finally, it became clear that we went away and stepped deep and that somewhere within us there is something that we could not do it.

291In the summer of 2013, during a vacation, we bought so much desired ship of our dreams in Split, Commodo 51, a sailboat 15 meters long with two wheels. The ship is currently located in Pula in a dry dock and patiently waits for the beginning of a life’s big adventure from Pula, Croatia, across the Mediterranean, high seas of the North Atlantic and the South Pacific to the Port of Mackay in Australia. After assessing the Plan, ship should leave the port on June 15, 2015.

“Meermowe”, the name of our sailboat, which means “Seagull”, has become part of our lives and we are happy about it but it is obvious that the realisation of our dream life, after 20 years of waiting and all the trouble we went through, comes from a love of the sea. Only love and infatuation can give us the strength, will and perseverance.

CHILDREN DON’T THINK ABOUT FUTURE

02 Monday Feb 2015

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People are always saying, “from a cradle to the grave nicest are student’s days”. Childhood, a happy and carefree period of our life, which is keep coming back when we are talking funniest events first our children than our grandchildren. Just this causelessness made a children’s happiness clean in what is hiding its wondrous beauty.

DSC00020Like many children, so are we, my husband and I, were growing up in their own midst. Peter into a large family in a small and picturesque Slavonian village Londzica in Croatia while I spent childhood in sunny Split on the Adriatic coast.   That was the time when we were not burdened with television and computer, expressing either the pleasure for games and entertainment and defiance and laziness towards learning and school obligations when also our school holidays represent the best part of education. Then of course, we were not able to think of the future, how we live and how far will our lives take. We both lived in own little world without thinking further than the nose for no longer than tomorrow.

363My great love in life was blue sea that I was caressing by the waves of the birth and all my dreams were linked to ships, seagulls and fish until in my life has not entered Peter.   His arrival in Split on education in Navy School Center has greatly changed his and my life. From our first meeting and to these days gave birth to another great love so we all, blue sea and I have become part of his life.

Enjoying long night walks and play of the moonlight on the surface of the sea has begun to bring forth our life dream to sail around the world with our sailboat with two wheels. This obviously was a time when thinking about our future, ceased to be children and childhood became part of our history.