What do Thalassocracy and Blue Mind have in common?

 

The view from our deck in Orebic and the mountain rising behind us.

The clear Adriatic waters from our balcony.

Leaving the sounds of the city behind, we found the deafening sound of the almost-silent waves crashing against the shore was music to our ears. It’s Sunday morning. In the distance, there are church bells ringing. Sunday Morning Coming Down is playing in my head. The mental state is magical. The sun is starting to burn down. In the near distance, the ferries work their magic. Moving cars, and people, across the waters of the Adriatic. This is a mood we’d like to stay in. Orebić has welcomed us!

The word of the day is Thalassocracy!

It’s hard to imagine that almost 5,000 years ago, the Minoan civilization mastered these waters (c. 27^th – 15^th century BCE.) The same water we're looking at right now. They created a maritime trading empire that stretched through the Mediterranean that included not only the Aegean Sea, but also these beautiful, peaceful waters of the Adriatic Sea. Even before the Minoans, the Neolithic settlers used boats to cross these waters. Later came the Phoenicians (c. 1550 BCE.)  All were thalassocracies, or maritime empires. Empires at seas or seaborne. 

Got you on that word. If you’re like me, you had to think several times before you could even pronounce it. Maybe we should try a simpler word. The new word of the day is drifting or perhaps a more specific phrase, ‘Blue Mind.’  Blue Mind is a scientifically backed neurological state where being near, in, or under water lowers you heart rate and induces a sense of general happiness and contentment. Yes, that’s it.

We’ve often discussed the concept of ‘being’ vs ‘doing.’ Malcolm’s not too good at being and is much better at doing. Susanne, she’s got this ‘being’ thing down.

We’re on the Peljesac peninsula. Our bus ride from Dubrovnik gave us unbelievable views of the waters and the mountains that make up this archipelago. Island after island. This peninsula is known for its native grapes which provide magnificent red wines. Across the strait from us, on the island of Korčula is the perfect contrast of a native grape providing a delightful white wine.  The yin yang of life. These choices in life are sometimes difficult, but not for now.

From the bus window, as we drive onto the peninsula, all arable land appears to be planted with grapes. Any space that could hold a vine, does.  We pass the town of Ston, which is known for its local oysters and red wines. It’s also surrounded by the largest wall west of the Great Wall of China.

 

Olive trees and vines everywhere.

Sunday afternoon was spent relaxing and exploring Orebić. We stopped for a bite and had the most unique Tiramisu ever. When we arrived we were the only guest at the restaurant. Others joined. But the highlight was the arrival of a party of eight. One woman and seven kids, three boys and four girls. They were all in their native dress and, as we found out, were coming from the local church. Once a month the kids would perform at the church and were rewarded with a trip to this restaurant for a special dessert. Todays special dessert was the Tiramisu, but six of the seven went for an ice cream Sunday. We were fortunately the heirs to an unclaimed Tiramisu. We are true believers that whatever you need in life, you bring it on yourself. Ah ha, the Law of Attraction or divine timing!

 

A side street in Orebic and our guests from the Church.

A local cherry liquor

The delicious Tiramisu

On Monday we took the ferry across the strait to Korčula. Another walled city with stories only the wall knows.

 

 

 

Our guest for lunch.

Someone else enjoying breakfast with us.

Unfortunately, Blue Mind is not interminable. When we first arrived, we had asked about arranging a shuttle to catch our 5:20 am ferry. No problem. As we tried to arrange it the night before we left Orebić, the story was different. The night desk clerk had called three different cabs/drivers. Two were a ‘no go’ at 5 am. Seems the Croatians like their sleep. One was a yes. Unfortunately, the Yes was €50. It was a three-minute drive for €50 euro or a 15-minute walk, over a cobblestone sidewalk, in the dark. We chose the latter and that made all the difference! Did I say it was in the dark! We choose to make this life fun!

Surprisingly happy 5 AM walkers.

 

Leaving Orebić behind.

Here’s a book read suggestion for you history buffs. 1177 BC, The Year Civilization Collapsed. A fascinating book on the fall of the Egyptians, another Mediterranean civilization.