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Friday, January 10, 2025

Day 6: Croatia and Bosnia & Herzogovenia - Omis and Mostar

Omiš

Ahoy, mateys! Batten down the hatches as we set sail to the historic town of Omiš, once a haven for ruthless pirates on the Dalmatian coast!

Omiš is a charming town surrounded by dramatic cliffs where the emerald waters of the Cetina River meet the Adriatic Sea.
The town was known as a pirate stronghold from the 12th to 14th centuries, with local pirates called Omiški gusari dominating the Adriatic. The nearby Cetina River offered them a secure base, with its winding course and canyon providing natural protection.
Omiš is not only known for its rich history and stunning coastline but also for its striking limestone mountains, which dominate the landscape. These rugged, towering peaks, especially the Omiška Dinara mountain range, create a dramatic backdrop that adds to the town's allure.
FISH MARKET
The fish market is tucked into the charming streets of Omiš Old Town, surrounded by stone walls and traditional Dalmatian architecture.
The market comes alive early in the morning as fishermen bring in their fresh catch from the Adriatic Sea. You’ll find locals bargaining for the freshest fish, squid, and shellfish to prepare their meals for the day.
As I wandered through the Omiš fish market, I couldn’t help but be stunned by a fish I’d never seen before in my tropical corner of the world. Holy mackerel! That fish—I think it might have been a monkfish—was downright scary-looking! Its strange appearance, with its wide, gaping mouth full of sharp teeth and bumpy texture, made it look like something straight out of a deep-sea horror movie! 

Stairs leading to the Mirabella Fortress (Peovica)
Located above the Old Town, the 13th-century fortress served as a stronghold for the famous Omiš pirates. It provided them with a strategic vantage point to monitor and defend against incoming ships in the Adriatic. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the Old Town, with its narrow stone streets, red-roofed buildings, and historic churches nestled below. It’s a postcard-worthy scene.

My knees couldn’t take the climb to the Mirabella Fortress, but I heard from the rest of the tour group that the views from the top were breathtaking.

Here’s a photo I took from where I was.
According to our local guide, during a Turkish attack on Omiš in the mid-sixteenth century, the town's defenders shouted and fired from the fortress toward the Cetina Canyon. The echoes of their voices and gunfire created the illusion of a far larger defending force, causing the Turks to believe they were outnumbered and ultimately prompting them to retreat from the battle.
                      
Lunch @ Restoran Kaštil Slanica, Omiš
Appetizer - fried frog legs and black rissoto
Black risotto (crni rižot) - A classic Dalmatian dish made of cuttlefish and cuttlefish ink. Many people mistake it for squid. Frog legs are more common in continental Croatian cuisine, especially in regions with freshwater lakes. I decided to skip the frog legs since I’m a big fan of frogs and prefer to just admire them from a distance. But the black risotto was absolutely amazing!

A restaurant with a view... and a swashbuckling past! 🏴‍☠️

Spotted this fascinating map on a wall of the restaurant, showing off its pirate history and ties to the old Cetina River fortress.
The restaurant is located in a region, which was once a key area for pirate activity in the Dalmatian hinterland.
The Cetina Steel Bridge
The Cetina Steel Bridge connects two rugged cliffs that rise dramatically on either side of the Cetina River.

As we left Omiš behind and made our way to Mostar, I couldn’t help but reflect on the uniqueness of this quaint pirate town. The rugged cliffs, winding streets, and breathtaking riverside and coastal views will forever be etched in my memory. It was a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, and I absolutely enjoyed our time spent exploring it. Now, as we continue on our journey, I’m excited to see what awaits us in Mostar, but Omiš will always hold a special place in my heart.

BOSNIA AND HERZOGOVENIA

I can hardly believe that I’m actually in Bosnia now. The only connection I had to this country before was the influx of refugees arriving in Malaysia during the 1990s, as the Bosnian War raged on. I also remember that in the late 1990s, my mother visited Medjugorje on a pilgrimage tour—at that time, I had no idea that Medjugorje was even in Bosnia. Now, being here myself, it feels like a surreal and unexpected full-circle moment.

My mother, who is now in the advanced stages of dementia, would have been overjoyed to hear about this visit. I know she would have cherished the opportunity to learn that I’m here, in the very country she once visited with such reverence.

Alas, I am here on a group travel with a fixed itinerary, otherwise, I would have loved to visit Medjugorje myself and experience the place she once held so dear.

MOSTAR

The Stari Most Bridge 
The Stari Most Bridge in Mostar is famous for its breathtaking architecture and rich history, but it is also known for an interesting tradition—people who jump off the bridge, often for money! These daring jumpers leap from the bridge into the Neretva River below, a feat that has become a symbol of bravery, especially for locals. It's often done for a fee from onlookers who gather to watch. This practice is not only a thrilling display of courage but also a rite of passage for some young men in Mostar. The jump is about 20 meters (66 feet) high, making it an impressive stunt. In recent years, professional divers have also participated in the tradition, earning a reputation for their skill in executing perfect dives. The jumpers often dive for tips from the crowd, adding a layer of excitement for tourists and locals alike. The bridge itself is a symbol of unity and resilience, having been rebuilt after being destroyed in the Bosnian War in the 1990s. So, the act of diving from the Stari Most has come to represent not just daring courage but also the spirit of renewal in Mostar.

When we were at the bottom of the bridge, there was still dry ground to walk on to reach the perfect spot for the best view of the Stari Most. However, by the time we were returning, the water had risen quickly, rushing in like a tide. I managed to dart back to the bridge just in time, but a couple of people weren’t so lucky and ended up getting their shoes wet—brrr, the water must have been freezing! The stone steps we had come down were already submerged, and to escape the rising water, I had to clamber up the retaining wall nearby, clinging tightly to the railings, to get back to the bridge. What an unexpected adventure, especially for someone like me with anxiety issues!
Graceful minarets rise like slender spires, creating a fairy-tale backdrop for the iconic bridge





The paths in the old market near the bridge are unique and memorable. Unlike the typical cobblestone streets found in many historic European cities, these paths are made up of smooth, rounded pebbles. This not only creates a distinctive, mosaic-like texture underfoot but also makes the paths very slippery, especially when wet. It's quite different from what you might see in other cities and adds to the charm and character of the area.
 Navigating the Stari Most is a unique challenge due to its distinctive design. The bridge's pronounced arch creates a steep incline and decline, which can be tricky to traverse, especially for those unaccustomed to its uneven surface. The bridge is paved with tenelija, a locally quarried stone known for its smooth yet slippery texture, particularly when wet. To aid pedestrians, the bridge features small ridges spaced along its pathway. These ridges act as footholds, preventing slips and offering stability as you ascend or descend.
Despite the breathtaking surroundings, I was so focused on not slipping  and carefully navigating the steep incline that I completely missed the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the turquoise Neretva River and the charming old town around me! Crossing the Stari Most truly demands your full attention, and if you plan to walk it, make sure you have footwear with good grip to tackle the slippery surface and uneven ridges confidently. Hats off to those wearing high heels!


Dinner @ Mostar
Somun- traditional Bosnian flatbread
Traditional Bosnian mixed grill platter of Ćevapi, dolma, japrak, sausages and chicken on a bed of kurkuma rice.
The platter came with two different dips - kajmak (right) and ajvar (left).

Kajmak is a rich and creamy dairy spread made from milk, often served with grilled meats in the Balkans. It's not as tangy as tzatziki and lacks the cucumber and garlic, but it has a smooth, slightly tangy flavor that complements grilled dishes beautifully.

Ajvar is a traditional Balkan condiment made primarily from roasted red peppers and sometimes eggplant. It has a vibrant red color and a rich, slightly tangy flavor, with a texture ranging from smooth to chunky.

Cevapi (also spelled ćevapi, čevapčići, or cevapcici) are small, skinless sausages made from minced meat, usually a mix of beef and lamb or pork, seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. They are a traditional dish in the Balkans, popular in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia.

Dolma - stuffed peppers with minced meat, rice and spices.

Japrak - beef mince and rice rolled in collard greens.

Hurmašica
This dessert consists of elongated, banana-shaped dough pieces made from flour, butter, and eggs, baked to a golden brown, and then soaked in a heavy sugar syrup. Hurmašica is intensely sweet and often garnished with a sprinkle of ground walnuts.

As I savor the last sweet bite of hurmašica, I’m filled with gratitude for a day rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible cuisine. The turquoise Neretva River and Bosnian warmth will linger in my heart as I eagerly await the next chapter of this journey, carrying with me the treasures of Omiš and Mostar.
My Corner of the World

54 comments:

  1. How lovely to see these photos and oh my, those rocks are big and the lookout is amazing.
    Food looks nice but no frogs legs for me either, but I've never tasted so how would I know what they taste like.
    Amazing bridge, and the path show is steep and it's a good thing there is a slab there to stop from slipping.

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  2. What great photos these are.
    It's great to see how high the rocks are.
    The food looks delicious, I've never eaten frog legs and never will.
    The bridge is very steep and when it rains the stones are too slippery for me.
    I wish you a very good weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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  3. Liebe Veronica,

    wie herrlich Du das alles beschreibst! Man möchte wirklich sofort losreisen und auch diese wundervollen Orte besuchen. Die Piratenstadt mit den Felsen finde ich auch sehr interessant und imposant. Leckere Platten und köstliche Gerichte wurden Euch dort serviert. Ich halte es wie Du...alles muss Frau nicht essen...Frösche mag ich und so kann und könnte ich auch darauf verzichten. Mostar sieht wirklich sehr schön aus mit diesen verwinkelten Gassen und der tollen Brücke. Danke dass wir Dich wieder begleiten durften es hat uns sehr viel Spaß gemacht !

    Liebe Grüße
    Kerstin und Helga

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  4. With its mosques and minarets, Mostar is a marvelous place to visit. And the 16th-century old bridge Mostar brigde is a true jem.
    Your photos show beautiful alleys paved with typical white cobblestones. It's easy to see you had a great time at the local fish market. All that food seems delicious and typical of the Adriatic part of South Europe. I like black risotto that I see in the photo.
    When I went to Bosnia and Herzogovina I also visited the two interesting of Jajce and Banja Luka. I didn't visit Bosnia and Herzogovina's capital, Sarajevo.
    I think that when your mother went to Medjugorje, in the early 1990s, Bosnia and Herzogovina was a part of the former Jugoslavia.
    It is currently an independent and sovereign state.

    Great report ! ... Your nice post reminds me of my trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina :-)

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  5. It's exciting what you tell about the pirates. Pirates still exist today, so the world hasn't changed much. You show some great pictures, and the view is so nice.

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  6. You are such a terrific travel writer, Veronica. It isn't just that you have marvelous photos but the way you spin the atmosphere and tell the story makes these places just jump off the page and they make me want to jump on a plane and see it in person! The landscapes, the buildings, the food and the smiles -- it's wonderful.

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  7. You always take the most beautiful photos! Except that monkfish... yikes! :)
    I love cobblestone streets and the old looking cities.

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  8. I would never be able to navigate those slippery stones, Veronica, so my hat's off to you! Such gorgeous views and quaint towns you've generously shared with us here. Loving every moment of this adventure with you! God bless!

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  9. Gosh you are so lucky to get to travel here I would love to travel to this part of the world one day. Though I would not would wanted to be around during the ruthless pirate days LOL. Yes I remember the wars there, so sad in such a beautiful part of the world with such a rich history and natural beauty as well as beautiful architecture. Thanks for sharing here!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  10. Omis is a beautiful town! And the Cetina Steel Bridge is amazing.

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  11. I can see why that would have been a great pirate refuge. Hard to get to by sea, I imagine. And that bridge looks treacherous.

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  12. These are some wonderful photos, Veronica, of your travels. Those stepd up the mountain to the fortress look pretty steep, but I guess the view from there must have been stunning. I would have skipped the frog legs as well - there are certain foods I don't have to try and after reading how the frogs are treated whose legs end up in the pot it's a big no-no for me. But all the other food looks delicious - many of them I know from the then so-called Yugoslavian restaurants we had in Germany. Čevapčiči was one of my favorites. I still remember the day when the old bridge in Mostar fell; even though it has been rebuilt, it is not like the old one. It's really sad, but the loss of human life during those years of war was much worse by far. It is good to see that the country seems to be doing well.

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  13. Your vacation looks fabulous and you take amazing photos! Such great memories. Love that platter of food!!

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  14. So beautiful and the mountains are amazing and so are those bridges. You always have such a wonderful time visiting these amazing places!

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  15. Es un bello país al que me gustaría conocer. Te mando un beso.

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  16. I never noticed that frog legs came with the little butt too. Haha

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  17. thankyou so much for this tour of a place I know I will never get to now. What a dramatic cliff frontage and a delightful town. I know your mother would be delighted to know you visited. Would she remember her own visit if you showed her photos. I am glad you were able to visit a place she enjoyed. Even thought a tour group can be restricting, you can at lease be there with no hassles. Wishing you a wonderful 2025, enjoy your travels and thankyou for visiting my blog last week.

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  18. Veronica Lee, this was another wonderful recap of your adventures and I not only appreciated the photos but the accompanying text. Walking on that bridge would have required my full attention as well. Glad you did not get your feet wet when the tide came in. You are right that while traveling with a group is good, it also can limit your visiting other places, so perhaps on a future re-visit?

    And, thank you my blogger friend for avoiding the frog legs as I would have done too for the same reason.

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  19. The mountains are phenomenal.
    The fish market has a great selection of fish.
    You always ate deliciously, the photos speak for themselves. :)
    xoxox

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  20. The monkfish is definitely a weird looking guy, dont' think Iv'e seen a fish like it.

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  21. I am so drawn to all the bright, beautiful, blue skies here this week, Veronica. Gray is the Cape Cod winter color - skies, water, trees, roads, houses. Thanks for these uplifting shots, friend.

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  22. Happy new Year dear Veronica - I look forward to a new Blogyear with you and your photos.
    Here in Germany ii's cold and frosty and in your Blog I see Summer ...
    Greetings and Hugs
    Kirsi

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  23. Amaizing place, anda amaizing moments!

    Aproveito também para te convidar a participar no meu questionário de consulta, só vai demorar uns segundos e vai ajudar-me muito a compreender quem me lê. Para responder basta clicar neste link

    Bjxxx
    Teresa Isabel Silva
    Instagram | Pinterest | Linkedint</a

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  24. This looks like an absolutely fascinating place to visit! You've broadened my horizons!
    Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2025/01/mullaghmore-beautiful-village-in-county.html

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  25. The ancient buildings and stone streets were so beautiful... and the cuisine so crazy tantalizing. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories of such a beautiful place!

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  26. Gorgeous photos and interesting narration!

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  27. Thanks for the armchair travel to Croatia and Bosnia. I would have loved to try the black risotto and the Bosnian mixed grill. And of course, my eagle eyes spotted the tea sets at the souvenir shops!

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  28. I thoroughly enjoyed your post and so interesting too with the beautiful photos and of course the fab food 👍
    Have an interestingtastic week 👍

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  29. Another wonderful set of pictures. What an amazing trip you had!

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  30. It's beautiful - despite the winter! And what delicious food!

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  31. Danke fürs Mitnehmen durch diese faszinierende Landschaft, diese ehrwürdigen, alten Gassen. Die alten Häuser sind so wunderschön und Deine tollen Informationen darüber so interessant. Bei den wundervollen Gerichten läuft mir gerade das Wasser im Mund zusammen.
    Ich wünsche Dir ein gutes, neues Jahr 2025 und schicke liebe Drosselgartengrüße mit.
    Traudi.💗

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  32. Looks like a great trip. The old european buildings, the cobblestone streets, good food.. love it all.

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  33. This is such a trip that includes food and great sceneries. I would linger in the fish market for a long time. The fried frog leg is a stark image to view

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  34. Hello Veronica,
    I enjoyed following your tour of Omis and Mostar. I love the views of the water and the mountains in Omis. The fish market looks wonderful, but the monkfish is ugly. The bridge in Mostar is beautiful. Your meals all look delicious, I wouldn't mind trying the black risotto. Wonderful scenic photos and a great post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

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  35. The pictures from the trip look spectacular!

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  36. Your photos as always are beautiful. I agree that the monkfish is scary looking. I have seen it on menus here but never had it. I don't think I could eat frog legs either, they are such cute little creatures. It is fascinating to hear about these places from you.

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  37. Beautiful photographs of a most beautiful trip. You know how much I love the water, boats and especially the food. I love frogs legs. Yummy.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday, Veronica. ♥

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  38. Spectacular tour of Croatia and Bosnia, Veronica Lee.
    I love the view from the bridge.
    Tasty looking food as well-- well, all except for the frog's legs that is,
    although I've heard they are tasty. :)

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  39. What a beautiful trip. I have to put it on my wish list!
    The photos are so beautiful from amazing places.
    Thank you for sharing, dear Veronica!
    Happy WW! Hugs and blessings!❤️😘

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  40. Great photos of your adventures and the text gives us the details. Excellent post, Veronica.

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  41. Dear Veronica, I'm glad that there are no more pirates roaming the Adriatic. The Omiška Dinara Mountains really do make a very interesting backdrop - the sea, sailing boats, brick houses, a fortress - wonderful!
    Yes, the fish may indeed have been a monkfish. In German it is called "sea devil". Not pretty, but VERY tasty! 😋
    I didn't know that refugees came to Malaysia during the Bosnian war! And I'm sorry that your mother suffers from advanced dementia. She would certainly have been happy that you were at least close to the place that was important to her. Group trips have many advantages - unfortunately you are not flexible with this type of travel...
    Mostar also looks very beautiful, I particularly like the path with the
    smooth, rounded pebbles!
    It's good that you keep overcoming your anxiety issues by traveling the big wide world. Not many people dare to do that. I used to be afraid of heights and flying and was able to overcome all of that to a large extent. Nevertheless, I wouldn't want to jump from the bridge. I once got a bad bruise jumping from the 10-meter diving board and that's twice as high...
    It was a pleasure to travel with you again - you make me want to see more of what used to be called Yugoslavia...
    All the best from Austria, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/01/september-wochenende-in-der-wachau.html

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  42. You always get to see charming places and try delicious foods! I love all these. Especially the bridge and the cobblestones.

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  43. Omiš does indeed look lovely. The mountainous backdrop is very dramatic.
    I am very glad that monkfish is not kosher!!!

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  44. Your photos are beautiful too!!! I love the stone paved streets. (not crazy about the frog legs, though) :-)

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  45. The dessert in the last picture looks so good. I've had frog legs once before when my brother got some and had me try them. They just taste like chicken to me. Loved the pictures.

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  46. Beautiful place ♥ I've never been there :)
    Angelika

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  47. Your photos sounds from a wonderful holiday trip and the mixed grill plate - yummie - and now I'm hungry,
    Greetings
    Kirsi

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  48. Un gusto ver esta entrada Verónica. Me encantan los puentes. Un precioso viaje. Gracias siempre por compartir
    Buen fin de semana.
    Un abrazo.

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  49. Thank you for your beautiful photos.
    The bridges look very exciting,
    the one coming out of the rock and also the stone bridge over the river, just like the old stone houses. Wonderful.
    Thank you very much.

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  50. Wow, you are visiting some amazingly beautiful locations! The limestone mountains of Omis are stunning! I've heard of monkfish, be never seen them for sale or served in a restaurant.

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  51. That sounds like such a fabulous day of exploring! I can't imagine jumping off that bridge; it looks so high.

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  52. Ahoy, indeed! Omiš sounds like an incredible destination with its rich pirate history and stunning Dalmatian coastline. Did you get to explore any of the old pirate hideouts or climb the fortress for those legendary views? Sounds like the perfect adventure for history buffs and sea lovers alike! Visit us today to learn more.

    Website: https://www.chimneysweepdenver.us/

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