Croatia: The Birthplace of the Necktie

Did you know that Croatia gave the world the necktie? Back in the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries wore knotted scarves as part of their uniforms. The French, captivated by the style, named it "cravat" (from Hrvat, meaning "Croat"), and King Louis XIV helped turn it into a fashion statement.

💙 Fun Facts & Legends:
🔹 Some say Croatian women tied scarves around their soldiers’ necks as a symbol of love and loyalty. ❤️
🔹 In aristocratic circles, different cravat styles once hinted at political views or social rank. 👔
🔹 Napoleon was obsessed with cravats and owned hundreds!
🔹 Croatia holds the world record for the longest necktie—808 meters—wrapped around the Pula Arena in 2003.

Creating this giant necktie was a monumental effort: it took 120 kilometers of thread, 450 kilograms of fabric, and over 300 hours of sewing. The trickiest part? Tying the massive knot—secured 21 meters above ground and stretching 9 meters deep. Thankfully, around 100 children pitched in to help extend the tie all the way down to the Pula boardwalk, making it a truly unforgettable sight.

Every October 18, Croatia celebrates Cravat Day, honoring its stylish contribution to the world!

Gallimaufry#163

Descending into the unexpected

Mural at Chin Swee Temple, Malaysia

Panko

Buffet dinner—Father's Day and Son#1's birthday celebration

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

This charming souvenir shop is located at Bled Castle in Slovenia, and it's known as Grajski čebelnjak, which translates to "Castle Beehive"

The shop specializes in bee-related products, reflecting Slovenia’s deep cultural ties to beekeeping. Slovenia is home to the Carniolan honeybee, one of the most docile and efficient honeybee breeds in the world.

Did You Know?

• Slovenia is the first country in the world to officially protect its native bee species (Carniolan bee).

• World Bee Day (May 20th) was proposed by Slovenia and approved by the UN to raise awareness about the importance of bees.

Maskeron

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, there's a charming local legend centered around a maskeron—a stone gargoyle-like face—embedded in the wall just a few feet above the ground on the outer wall of the Franciscan Monastery, near the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town.

This maskeron, often called the "Dubrovnik Gargoyle", was originally a medieval water spout, but over time it became the focus of a quirky ritual. According to local folklore, if you can balance on top of the narrow ledge of the maskeron, facing the wall, and then take off your shirt and put it back on without falling, you will be granted everlasting love.

Our guide shared that no adult—other than children—has been able to successfully take off their shirt and put it back on while balancing on the maskeron. A few have managed to take it off, but none has succeeded in putting it back on without tumbling.

Son#2 takes the challenge

             

If you care to look carefully, there is a mini gargoyle where the mice gather—a forgotten guardian, perhaps, or just a secret audience to their daring antics. Perched quietly, it has watched generations of whiskered challengers attempt the Maskeron feat.

Gallimaufry#162

Just a gallimaufry of photos and ramblings 📸

Nature always finds a way

Delicate purple flowers blooming defiantly from a stone wall

TREES

I love trees. The way their trunks twist and branches reach feels like time made visible—quiet, patient, full of stories. They carry a kind of wisdom in their knots and curves, like they've seen everything and still keep growing. There's something poetic in how they stretch toward the sky, steady and unhurried, always becoming, never finished.

Curiosity

DINNER - Yakinuku 

Japanese Yakiniku literally means "grilled meat" and refers to a style of cooking bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables over a direct flame, often at the dining table. It's a popular and social dining experience in Japan, combining elements of barbecue with traditional Japanese flavors.

Key features of yakiniku:

1. Grill-it-yourself style:
   Diners grill their own meat on a charcoal or gas grill built into the table. It's interactive and communal, making it perfect for friends and family.

2. Types of meat:
   Beef (gyūniku) is king, especially cuts like short rib (karubi), tongue (tan), and sirloin (rosu).
   Pork, chicken, and offal (horumon) are also common.
   High-end yakiniku restaurants may serve wagyu beef, known for its marbled fat and tenderness.

3. Seasonings and dips:
   Meat is usually lightly marinated or served plain with dipping sauces.
   Common sauces include tare (a sweet soy-based sauce), ponzu (citrusy soy), and sesame oil with salt and garlic.

4. Side dishes:
   Rice, kimchi, lettuce for wrapping meat (similar to Korean BBQ), miso soup, and various pickles.
   Salads and cold noodles (reimen) are also popular accompaniments.

5. Origins and influence:
   Yakiniku was heavily influenced by Korean cuisine, especially after World War II.
   While it's now distinctly Japanese, some yakiniku restaurants still serve Korean-style banchan (side dishes).

6. Dining experience:
   You order raw meat from a menu and cook it to your preference.
   Many places are all-you-can-eat (tabehoudai) or à la carte.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Despite what the "Heidelberg" sign might suggest, this is not a quaint corner of Germany. No bratwurst or beer gardens here!

Instead, this scene is set in Greece! It’s always fun how signs and little details can create a moment of confusion—until you look closer!

The Many Faces of St. Nicholas in Kotor

While wandering through the charming streets of Kotor’s Old Town, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of St. Nicholas figurines in souvenir shops. Some were elaborately decorated, while others had a more rustic charm. But why is St. Nicholas so prominently featured in Kotor’s souvenirs?

Kotor has a deep connection to St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and travelers—a perfect match for a town with such a strong maritime history. Before setting sail, Kotor’s sailors traditionally lit candles and prayed for his protection, believing he would watch over them at sea.

One local legend tells of a Kotoran ship caught in a fierce Adriatic storm centuries ago. The terrified crew prayed to St. Nicholas, and just as their ship was about to be destroyed, a mysterious figure in a bishop’s robe appeared on the waves, calming the storm. When they miraculously made it back to Kotor, they dedicated a silver icon of St. Nicholas to a local church as a token of gratitude.

St. Nicholas Church 

Yes! St. Nicholas is the historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. He was a Christian bishop in the 3rd and 4th centuries, known for his generosity and kindness, especially toward children and the poor. Over time, his story evolved, blending with folklore and traditions from different cultures.

• Dutch Influence: The Dutch brought the tradition of "Sinterklaas" to America, which eventually transformed into "Santa Claus".
• Christmas Connection: While St. Nicholas' feast day is December 6th, his association with gift-giving led to his connection with Christmas.
• Modern Santa: The red-suited, jolly Santa we know today was popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to literature, Coca-Cola advertisements, and evolving holiday traditions.

So, while Santa Claus is a more modern, commercialized version, his roots trace back to the real-life St. Nicholas.

Interestingly, did you know that in France, Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Père Fouettard, which translates to "Father Whipper"? His role is to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved ones. Père Fouettard is often depicted as a sinister-looking man dressed in dark robes, carrying a whip or a bundle of sticks. His legend dates back centuries, with various tales explaining his origins, including one where he was a repentant butcher forced to assist Saint Nicholas as punishment for his crimes.

Gallimaufry#161

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Stumbled upon this scene—a quiet, simple interaction between human and nature.

Monitor Lizard

Fun Fact

Monitor lizards can get quite large—some species, like the water monitor (Varanus salvator), can reach lengths of up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet). They are impressive reptiles and definitely among the larger lizards in the world.

ZONGZI SEASON IN FULL SWING

Spotted this vibrant stall at our local pasar malam (night market) prior to the Dragon Boat Festival on May 31st. There were so many delicious varieties of zongzi to choose from, all beautifully wrapped and full of festive flavour. 

Amid the stacks of zongzi, the tiny mouse helpers worked their magic—carefully wrapping and tying each one with delicate precision.

Dinner - Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish made of breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet—usually pork loin (rosu) or fillet (hire). It's coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, then sliced and served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a tangy-sweet tonkatsu sauce.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

DALMATIAN COAST

Makarska Riviera

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

 Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and appreciation for everything you do!