Photo Appendix

In this section, each of us will share some of our favorite photos from our journey. Please enjoy!!


Andie's Favorites:

Throughout the trip, our teaching assistant Anja was having us all pose for a group photo. It was often the case that she had as many as eight cameras as everyone wanted to ensure they got the shot on their camera.

Above is an example of one of the many shots Anja took of the group. This photo was taken in Pula, Croatia.

This is a picture of the old and the new. This shot was taken on the bridge in Mostar, which spans the river Neretva. My right foot is on the original bridge which was built in the 16th century. The bridge was destroyed during the war in 1992, and it was rebuilt and reopened in 2004. My left foot is on the new part of the bridge.

We were given to opportunity to go to many of the museums in Zagreb. One such museum was the Museum of Broken Relationships. This was a place where people could donate artifacts of past relationships. Donations came from romances that had ended, from those who felt they no longer fit in with the religion they were born into, or others who has lost relationships with their families. Some of the stories were full of despair, while others were humorous. This was an artifact that stated “the only thing left of a great love was citizenship.” It was a fantastic little museum!

 

This is a sunset from our last evening in Makarska. It was hard to leave such a beautiful place!



Morgan's Favorites:

The group cutting loose at Plitvice.

The dogs in Croatia are somehow just slightly more adorable than any others. 

Peter's likeliness to Mestrovic's Moses was eerie (but mostly hilarious). 

The only sunset I caught in Makarska.

Jeff getting sassy with me. I only made him take approximately 43 solo shots throughout the trip. His mom will be grateful, right?

Katherine's Favorites:

Back row: Jeffrey, Lauren, Annie, Billy, Me (Katherine)

Front row: Ellie, Kami, Kristine, Shericia

This picture was taken of the group I traveled with to Croatia. We all met in the Atlanta airport for the first time. It is one of my favorites because it was at the beginning of our adventure. Little did I know how great of friends we would all become by the end. 

I had to include a picture of the flowers in Croatia. They are by far some of the prettiest I have ever seen. 

Although by the end of the trip I was ready for some food from home, I really enjoyed the meals we had in Croatia. This is an example of one of the many we had on our trip which included soup, salad, chicken, veal, and potatoes. I really enjoyed indulging in the Croatian culture during meals and sharing them with the group around me. 

FRANJO! Here is the best driver I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our group adopted him as one of our own. He was a great sport driving us safely to our destinations. You can read all about him through out our blog and see a picture of his amazing parking skills. 

Need I say any more. If we could have I know we would have put as many pictures of all the amazing views that we saw in Croatia on the blog. This is just one of my favorites because it was one of the first times we saw water that lead to the Adriatic.

Wednesday, June 8th ~ Final Thoughts

Our fantastic study abroad is officially over. For our last posting, each of us bloggers (pictured above) will take some time to share our thoughts on the experience and talk about what we gained from this study abroad.

Andie

Sadly our time in Croatia has come to an end. We have spent the last three weeks traveling the country learning so many new things. We were able to see how things differ from each region of the country, and also how things differ with the United States.

Along our travels we experienced how the cuisine changed based on the region. While we were in and around Zagreb, we ate heavy meals. Each meal included multiple courses, including an appetizer of salted meats and cheeses, a salad made of cabbage and vinegar, followed by soup, and an entrée which was a combination of chicken, cevapi, and lamb and potatoes, and then followed by dessert. In Istria and the coastal regions the fare became lighter, based more on a Mediterranean diet. We had lots of fish and bread with olive oil, which was delicious. No matter where we went there were multiple courses, and not enough ice cubes. It was always a special treat to get ice with our beverages.

Another interesting thing we learned was related to the transitioning health care system in Croatia. The country is currently shifting from Socialism to Capitalism, and so is their health care. We learned that everyone is covered by health insurance in Croatia, but due to high demand of medical services and inadequate funding, state-run institutions experience many problems. There is a shortage of trained physicians, equipment was outdated, and the waits were long for medical appointments. We were able to witness this first-hand when we visited a state-run hospital which had been built over 40 years ago. The equipment was old, the building could have used some work, and the rooms the patients were staying in were crowded with multiple beds. We also visited a state of the art private clinic which boasted new, expensive equipment and had minimum to no waiting. Many on the trip did not like the idea of having to wait for medical services, nor did they like the older facilities offered by the state run hospitals. They were willing to pay separately to acquire the “better” services. Others felt that it is better that everyone have access to some sort of coverage even if it means having to wait to see a physician. Perhaps the U.S. could learn something from Croatia about how to take care of their nation’s health. Overall, it was an interesting contrast between public and private medical services.

I could go on and on about the differences I witnessed while in Croatia. Overall it was an amazing experience with a great group of people, pictured above. It was clear from day one that a lot of planning and organization went into making this trip happen. The faculty were amazing, always full of enthusiasm and interesting facts to share. They were there when we needed encouragement, when we were homesick, or when we needed an ear to bend.  The two TA’s, Anja and Marijan were absolutely fantastic. They acted as our translators and facilitators, always ensuring we were comfortable, enjoying ourselves and on time to our next stop.  We were very fortunate to have them as our guiding light on this trip. We were also fortunate to have Franjo, the world’s best bus driver. He kept us safe and comfortable all over Croatia. Overall this was a trip of a lifetime and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take part in this experience.

Katherine

Today is our last day in Croatia before we all leave to go back home or to travel other places. It is amazing to me how much we have accomplished in a relative short amount of time. The fourteen hour days and long bus rides were worth every minute. As I sit and reflect on this study abroad program, I am amazed at how much I have learned and how much I have grown confident in my decision to major in public health. I have gained knowledge to form opinions about health issues that I did not have and have new passions about public issues that I did not care about before. This trip has motivated me in a way I was not expecting and I am looking forward to continuing my studies back in Athens. We were so fortunate to have a great group to travel and work with. It made the experience that more enjoyable.

I hope that you have been able to learn some new things about Croatia and their health care through our blog. I also hope you can tell how much we have fallen in love with this country! Thanks for reading! It has been wonderful to share with you during this time.

Morgan

I have never identified with the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” more in my entire life. It is truly hard to believe that we have been in Croatia for nearly three weeks and that today was our last day. As we stepped off of Franjo’s luxury accommodations, our stint as students on a Maymester study abroad came to an abrupt and bittersweet end. Aching for Chick-fil-a, free and accessible wireless internet and the comfort of home, my feelings are contradictory to say the least.

As the bus rolled in to Zagreb I felt eerily at peace, like I had lived there for so long and was returning from a short vacation to the Coast. I have grown accustom to the trams rumbling by and the café culture and perhaps most importantly, the feeling of comfort and safety this state provides. In addition to the daily culture shock, my experience here has been one of recognizing and appreciating the differences and variety the world has to offer. With the current situation surrounding American healthcare, I believe the exposure to Croatian nationalized healthcare has had an immeasurable impact on my perspective. Observing the authentic execution of such a system has opened my eyes to the reality of our situation and the necessity for change. I think the biggest hurdle that stands in front of our progress in America is the perspective of our people and because of this, it would be impossible, and downright disastrous to implement a healthcare system too similar to what is currently in Croatia. So where does the balance lie?

Looking back on the last 21 days, what stands out the most in my memories are the people we encountered along the way. From all of our passionate guides, to Franjo, Anja, Marijan and finally each other, I could not have imagined a better group of people to share this experience with. From Jeff’s unintentional (or perhaps intentional? We may never know) humor, to Marijan’s endless ninja references and Ashton’s endless optimism (and might I add outrageous culinary skills), this was truly a trip of a lifetime. Obvious shout outs to everyone who put time, effort and love into making the past three weeks unforgettable. Dr. Cotton, Dr. Reap and Dr. Workman there are not words to tell you how grateful I am. Hvala, Hvala, Hvala. And to Katherine and Andie for the team effort that made this blog possible. (Special shout out to Andie for editing and posting pictures and just being awesome!)

I’m glad you could all come along on this journey with us via our blog! I hope you guys enjoyed it even a fraction as much as we did! Until next May…?

Tuesday, June 7th ~ Makarska, Croatia

Andie

Today was a free day for the group so people took the time to do various activities, ranging from going out on a boat all day, to hanging out on the beach, to curling up with a good book. It was a day to get caught up on class assignments, to pack for our long journey back to Zagreb, and a day to relax. I spent the day trekking around Makarska, headed to the beach, and I could not help but take notice the mixture of culture and public health. While walking down the street I noticed a jar of Rakija brewing in the sun. Rakija is a rather strong, home brewed alcoholic beverage made from various fruits, nuts or honey that you often receive upon arrival when visiting someone. Offering the drink is a way to make someone feel welcome, which I think is a nice gesture. Right across the street was a fresh produce market (pictured above) where I purchased some of the most delicious cherries. Markets like this, as well as back yard gardens are common all over Croatia, making it very easy to increase the number of fresh fruits and vegetables in ones diet. This is especially important as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is prevalent in Croatia, and consuming fresh produce acts as a protective factor for CVD.

Further down the street I passed a group of people standing around and smoking. They were gathered around a public ash tray on the corner of the street, relaxing and socializing. Approximately one third of Croatians use tobacco, and on average every tobacco user loses 15 years off of their life. Croatia is working on reducing the number of people who smoke in multiple ways. I have noticed posters and advertisements promoting smoking cessation. One ad tried to take a positive perspective on quitting smoking, stating one should “Say Yes to No Smoking.” I thought this was an interesting perspective to take as it makes you stop and think about the message for a moment. Another example included the warning labels on cigarette and tobacco packaging, as seen in the photo above. Finally, the government is taxing the tobacco products, making them less affordable. I checked on the price of a pack of cigarettes and they cost 22 Kuna, or about $4.25 which I was told is somewhat comparable to prices in the U.S. I was also told that more than half of the price in Croatia is attributed to government taxes.

While smoking is not a healthy activity, the manner in which people are often seen smoking here reveals a strong social network. People will sit for a long time at a café with friends relaxing, drinking coffee and smoking. This leisure time among peers promotes stress reduction and social support.

Once I got to the beach, I sat on a rock and took some time to sit and just be. I put my feet in the cool, crystal clear water and stared off into the ocean, which is pictured above. Families were frolicking all around me. People were snorkeling in the water. A man in a Speedo dove from the pier and swam out to the buoy and back. A woman was squatting on the water’s edge, gently cupping water in her hands and letting it run down her arms and back. A couple expecting their first baby in a few short weeks was lounging on the shore holding hands. The beach was a fantastic place for friends and families to spend time together, to get some physical activity, and also to relax. It was an almost perfect moment; the only thing that would have made it better was to share it with my husband.

Monday, June 6th ~ Nature Park Biokovo, Croatia

Katherine

Today we took a field trip to the Nature Park Biokovo. When we arrived we were met by Zvjezdana Popovic, an expert biologist-ecologist who is pictured above. Zvjezdana told us that the nature park was established in 1998. It is managed under the Nature Protection Law and the regulating on internal order in the Nature Park Biokovo. There are currently 13 full time employees, but they bring more people on during the busiest seasons. She gave us a brief lecture about all of the endemic flora and fauna in the area. They have protected any endangered species within the park. Also, they have restored some of the homes where shepherds used to live. These homes are now used for people to stay for a weekend or a season. Many people still farm there and herd animals.

This nature park is laden with rocky mountains. These mountains could have been used in Lord of The Rings, we decided. We drove up the windy roads to get to a point where we could climb up part of the way. Zvjezdana informed us it would only take twenty minutes and it was not that bad. Needless to say many of us disagreed. The hike was very treacherous, as you can see in the second photo. Half way through some of us wondered if it would be worth continuing to the top. I am so glad that we did! The view was breathtaking. From one side you could see the mountains rolling on for what looked like forever, and then on the other side we could see all of the islands in the sea. It is amazing how small we all are compared to the rest of the world.

Climbing down was a little easier and we were met with bagged lunches. As we were climbing back down we heard a man singing while playing the accordion. It could not have been more perfect for that moment.  We ate at picnic tables and on rocks while we listened to this man and admired the views.

After lunch and a few more minutes waiting for another van, we all drove up to the highest peak of the park and took a group photo, which is pictured above. It was a little nerve wracking sitting in van driving up the winding roads with very long drop offs at the edge. The guard rails along the drive were definitely giving off a false sense of security. I do not think they would prevent any car from tumbling down the mountain. We were very thankful that the driver knew what he was doing and that we made it to the top. Even if you are not one for heights (like myself), you would not give a care in the world at the top of this mountain. I thought the view from the other place was breathtaking, this one was mind blowing. You literally could see for miles on all sides. It did not matter where you looking because it was all beautiful.

In the eyes of a public health student, I could not help but notice people hiking with their children and biking up these strenuous roads. This park offers a lot for people to better their health. Recently they have updated their maps to show the safest routes to hike and have a service for people to access guides. The routes are marked with colored dots to show the way. Another great thing about this park is that you can paraglide off the mountain tops. I cannot express to you how amazing that would be in this area and again I am afraid of heights!

The community could use this park as a source for recreation activities and for health promoting activities. The park could offer more classes teaching children about the importance of protecting endangered species of flora and fauna, then take the children on a hike to show these things in person. The community may also start using this park to increase their health if the trails were even more defined. If the park could take the time to label a trail as easy, difficult, or strenuous, people could take time to find the right trail for them. The community could work from easy to difficult. Little things in these areas could make the world of difference to the community and to the nature park.

Tonight we got all dressed up and traveled to Topici. What an amazing night! We had a traditional Dalmatian dinner full of food, dancing, and singing. We learned traditional Dalmatian songs and sang along with our hosts, which is pictured above. This was our last hoorah as a group before we start heading back to Zagreb and then back home. Our group had a wonderful time and cherished every moment!

Just a few more days in Croatia before we had back home! This trip has flown by so fast. We all have to make the most of these next few days.

Sunday, June 5th ~ Mostar, Bosnia

Morgan

Our journey to the Bosnian city of Mostar was catalyzed by an eye-opening bus lecture. Focusing on the prevalence of human trafficking worldwide, Dr. Cotton outlined the basic inhumanities that are associated with this sickening practice. Defined as the transport and exploitation of individuals against their will, human trafficking is the third most lucrative illicit industry globally. Behind only arms and drug cartels, the trafficking of human beings generates over $32 billion annually. Every year it is estimated that over two million people are trafficked into either forced labor or the underground sex trade. Countries whose citizens are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims in this market, are nations with international dispute, internal unrest or widespread disaster. People in these areas are susceptible to the lure of seemingly trustworthy individuals who hold the allure of a more promising life. The global network of human trafficking is expansive ranging from large involvement in China, Vietnam, the Italian mafia, Russian gangs and the South American drug cartels. In transport these people are restrained to inhumane conditions (Dr. Cotton referenced individuals being stuffed into the glove compartments of vehicles). These “transit countries” differ from “origination countries” in that recruitment of individuals does not occur, but rather the harboring of misled peoples is rampant. Destination countries, including the US, England, Belgium and India, receive these people in great numbers. Fostered by deep corruption in police forces, border controls and often, entire communities, trafficking is often an inescapable trap.


The correlation between today’s lecture and our visit to Mostar is Bosnia’s status as a transit country. Beginning in 1995 (very quickly after the war ended), Bosnian trafficking has played a subtle yet undeniable role in the global industry. Due to the close proximity to the European Union border, the country is considered to have a crucial vital point into these nations. Currently, one in four women employed at night clubs in Bosnia are victims of this deplorable scheme. It is also estimated that over two thousand trafficked women and children from the former USSR can be found in Bosnian brothels.  The prevalence of corruption in the Bosnian police force, there is little risk to be prosecuted or even caught.

Why is this a public health issue, you may ask? While the influx of these, in essence, slaves may inexplicably stimulate economy, the health effects for individuals are devastating. Physical and psychological abuse is extreme and can range from STI epidemics to anxiety and depression, exhaustion, low self-esteem and even, personality disorders. Even if individuals are able to escape their captors and prove their situation (which can often be shockingly difficult), the stigma associated with such treatment and the lack of services available makes is nearly impossible to ever live normally.  Recently, many countries including Romania and Panama have taken proactive measures to combat involvement within their borders. By educating their police forces to recognize these situations and provided medical care (physical and psychological) for recovered victims, these governments have made it a priority to fight this very real issue.


Needless to say, I was apprehensive about our visit to Mostar. With the war ending a mere fifteen years ago, tension is still present and I was unsure of what to expect going into Bosnia. Although, clearly a less prosperous country than Croatia, it was exciting to the rich culture that exists in Mostar. Known for its long-standing tolerance for all religions, the city is a melting pot for culture. With towering catholic churches, prominent mosques and growing synagogues on the same block, it was a unique sight as you can see in the photo above. Our guide was a colorful citizen of Mostar, who gave sassy and realistic explanations of the city’s reputation and its struggles.   Caught in the crossfire of the homeland war, Mostar’s most prominent structure, the internationally famous “Old Bridge”, was shelled for months until its inevitable collapse in November of 1993. Considered a source of pride and of intangible importance to the city, the bridge was rebuilt after the war and today is a popular tourist attraction in Bosnia. The beautiful structure is pictured above. After our guided tour we were given free time in the city. Lots (I mean lots) of shopping and chivapci eating was the order of the day, and we all enjoyed being submerged in a new place, new people, and new culture.

Needless to say, another unforgettable day. It is truly incredible that we only have three days left in this place. Time has flown by. I guess you will be hearing from me on our last evening in Croatia. Crazy. Well, until then.

Saturday, June 4th ~ Dubrovnik, Croatia

Andie

Today we got an early start and traveled to Dubrovnik. On the way we learned about the history of public health in Dubrovnik, which was seen as the city between the east and west. Dubrovnik was a port city at the opening of Mediterranean Sea connecting much of the world. It was a high traffic port used by people from all over the world for travel and trade, which was the basis for their economic growth and power. In order to preserve this power, Dubrovnik passed and implemented multiple laws to protect the health of their people. As a result, Dubrovnik was a forerunner in public health and medical standards.

By the year 1247, public toilets were installed to prevent people from urinating in alleys. In 1272, they understood the need to dispose of human waste, so all homes were required to have a toilet. In 1282, the earliest pharmacy was established in Dubrovnik. The Benedictine Monks were the first to introduce medical knowledge in the area. They grew medicinal herbs to use for treatment, and they were looked at as experts. Additionally, they provided medical services to people in area.

Overall, they created an exemplary public health system in the 14^th and 15^th centuries as a result of Plague. They needed to be healthy and perceived as a safe place since it was the bridge to east and west. They instituted the first systematic quarantine in 1347. They used data which enabled them to understand the relationship between the number of ships and travelers coming to Dubrovnik and disease prevalence. All of the public health officials believed in the infectious nature of plague, so they made travelers take an oath that they had not been in a plague infected area within the last two months.

In the 15^th century they passed a law to provide free medical care to all citizens. Additionally, they had extensive social services including group of homes for homeless, facilities for the older adults, and orphanages for children.

Once we arrived in Dubrovnik, we walked through the old town to Deša, a facility developed in 1993 to help refugees, the displaced, and traumatized women. These individuals were often unemployed, with nowhere to go. They were invited into Deša where they could get involved, develop skills, and reclaim their dignity. One of the first programs developed there was using silkworms to create authentic textiles. When the war broke out in Dubrovnik, everything was burned and people lost most of their belongings. This included century-old garments full of history from their region. They also lost all of their silkworms which produced the silk used in the intricate embroidery designs on these garments. To rebuild and preserve their heritage, they tried to acquire silkworms from other countries, but due to refusals or complicated red tape, they were not successful. As a result, the director smuggled silkworms from France into the country in her bra, and currently the 17^th generation of silkworms are working away, producing the silk used in the beautiful garments the members of Deša create, which are pictured above.

After our time at Deša, we took a brief walking tour of the city and were able to see the various historical sites in the old town. During the tour we happened across a public health screening on the square (pictured above) which seemed serendipitous based on the history of public health in the town. Students were then able to tour the town in depth on their own, and were able to walk along the city walls, visit the oldest pharmaceutical museum in Dubrovnik, or visit the various churches in the town. Pictures of some of the sites in Dubrovnik are pictured above. When the group reconvened, we traveled back to Makarska for a group dinner, and then some time to relax before heading to Mostar in the morning. It was a great day!

Friday, June 3rd ~ Makarska, Croatia

Katherine

This morning we woke up and had a brief lecture day. In Dr. Cotton's class we learned about the burden of disease and more in depth about specific health promotion programs in Croatia. Burden of disease is the impact of disease on the community or the population. It is based on DALYs, disability adjusted life years. This measures the amount of disability free years a person has lost due to morbidity and mortality. DALYs consider the frequency, duration and the severity of disease and disabilities. Burden of disease helps allocate resources, plan, prioritize interventions, and can estimate the impact disease has on the economy.

The four health promotion programs we discussed were the 1989 Maternal and Child Health Program, which focused on breast feeding, the 1993 Health Promoting Schools Program, the 2002 National Program of Prevention and Early Detection of Cancer, and finally the 2003 National Program for Roma (gypsies), which helped allocate resources to these people that had nothing. The programs have developed to meet the needs of the population over time.

After classes, we took a "hike" to Upper Tučepi, which had some amazing views as pictured. I use hike loosely because it was more like a trek up a mountain side. The "hill" was extremely steep and rocky. We were not exactly expecting that, however, I definitely enjoyed the exercise. At the top of the hill, we took a quick group photo and then we went to a church that was decorated very ornately. Both the group photo and the interior of the church are posted above. It was not until Dr. Cotton pointed it out that I realized what looked like marble was actually painted. They had painted the entire church as if there were various types of stone, and made it all look real. It was amazing to witness this dedication and talent. We also had a "light" lunch in a nice restaurant that overlooked Makarska.

We had the afternoon off to prepare us for tomorrow when we will have to be on the bus by 7:00 AM to head to Debrovnik. Most of the class spent the day relaxing by the beach or catching up on some sleep. Ashton, Andie and Kendra, fellow students on the trip, cooked dinner for the entire group. It was incredible what they did to prepare this wonderful home cooked meal. They worked out of the apartments in three separate kitchens. We had chicken, salad (with homemade ranch dressing), macaroni and cheese, fresh squeezed lemonade, and garlic mashed potatoes. If that was not enough, Ashton made the most amazing peach cobbler I have ever had in my life. Needless to say this was by far one of the best meals we have had on this trip and it was a nice taste of home. It was also a time that the group could come together and par take in Croatian culture. We came together to cook together and eat together. It was an amazing time that I will treasure forever. Even the landlady took part and set us the most amazing outdoor tables with candles and white linen tablecloths to complete the setting. We took a lot of great photos, which are included.

Tomorrow we have an extremely early morning! It will be another amazing day. It's hard to believe it is almost over.

Thursday, June 2nd ~ Split, Croatia

Morgan

And we were off to Spleet (Split) for the day. Today was one of those days with a jammed pack schedule that effortlessly flew by. After our hour-long bus ride with our new driver (missing Franjo and his luxury coach bus…), we arrived at the Institute of Adriatic Crops on the outskirts of Split. After some olive oil tastings, accompanied by correlating agricultural PowerPoint presentations by Dr. Mirella Zanetic and Dr. Goran Zdunic, we were able to tour some of the laboratories. Dr. Zanetic even took us to their sensory labs (where the magic happens!), and explained that she tastes olive oil every day. When asked how this impacts her health, she explained the importance of a balanced diet. She expanded this to include how this is necessary in life and is so vital in Croatia. With a diet high in fat and salt, Croats must be cognizant of their intake and make an effort to counteract the effects. It was fun to finally taste the much-anticipated olive oil of the Dalmatian coast, as pictured above. The indescribable sensation lived up to the hype, yet the art of olive oil tasting and quality may have been slightly lost on me. 

We then headed into the heart of Split to explore the awe-inspiring Diocletian's Palace. Our tour was supplemented by the incredibly knowledgeable and informative, Dr. Katja Marasovic. As an architect responsible for much of the restoration and conservation efforts within the expansive palace walls, Dr. Marasovic was an expert who in the most modest terms knew the lay of the land. We gathered for a quick presentation in one of the restored western towers, which span the length of the city walls at increments. Afterward, we were able to stroll the length of the northern wall, with a stunning view (see above), then we took a quick detour to view a recovered marble table that was found under meters of rubble in the palace. Solid and in near-perfect condition, the table is a stunning sight. Next we swung by the now-converted church that once acted as Diocletian’s mausoleum. Later our group headed for the underbelly of the beast; the substructure of the emperor’s apartments, where we were surprised to find an Arch reminiscent of UGA, which is pictured. Unfinished at the time of Diocletian’s reign, the expansive space was converted by fleeing refugees in the 7th century to contain homes and streets. In essence, it was transformed into a small city underneath the magnificent palace floors. Over the next millennium, homes were built on top of substructures within the palace, and holes in the floors of these homes acted as a trash shoot- emptying into the substructure, forming a landfill.

Our tour ended here, but we were able to have a few hours of free time to continue exploring the city. There was much gelato eating and olive oil purchasing, needless to say. As we exited the city we were able to make a pit stop at the absolutely stunning Mestrovic Gallery. The photo above does not begin to capture the breathtaking view of the sea from the property. Located on the property bequeathed to the Croatian people by the world-renowned sculptor, the gallery is filled to the brim with priceless pieces, one of which is pictured above. The enormity of the genius behind each piece is utterly mind-boggling and it was extraordinary to observe the sheer volume of the collection, knowing that it wasn’t even close to complete. Many pieces are located in the States, where Mestrovic had citizenship, but also throughout former Yugoslavia. In Zagreb we saw at least a half a dozen sculptures scattered throughout the city’s streets. Revered equally for his work as he was for his self-identification as a Croat, Mestrovic was one of the most influential Croatians of his time. 

Our day ended with a scenic and winding bus trip back to Makarska where we dined at the always-delicious Roma restaurant. Needless to say, Spleet (like all of our other outings) lived up to its big name and Diocletian’s Palace is absolutely a must-see Croatian gem. So excited to continue exploring the Dalmatian coast!!

Wednesday, June 1st ~ Makarska, Croatia

Andie

The itinerary for today included a walking tour of Makarska, a visit to City Hall, and then we attended a lecture by Dr. Luce Ivanda, a physician at the local public health clinic. We were given the afternoon free to explore the city and get settled into our apartments.

While walking around Makarska and visiting the local site, you cannot help but notice the contrasting vistas that surround the city. Makarska was built on the sloping coastline, nestled between a beautiful mountain range and the dramatic Adriatic coastline. The weather was a bit dreary, with low hanging clouds that covered the tops of the mountains making them appear surreal, which is pictured above. Many people commented on how the scenery looked like a set at an amusement park. We had to be careful while walking as there were narrow, slick and uneven sidewalks which posed a slipping and tripping hazard, especially for those of us entranced by the views. Our walk ended at City Hall where we were able to meet some of the city staff and they informed us about the political structure of Makarska. The local government is made up of the Executive Branch which includes the Mayor, and the Legislative Branch which includes the City Council. The government is being streamlined and laws are being adapted to align with the European Union to make acceptance and transition into the EU more efficient. During the off-season, Makarska has about 14,000 residents and this number increases to approximately 25,000 residents during the tourist season. To ensure proper functioning in the city, additional public safety officials, food safety workers, and sanitation workers are hired and trained to account for the increase in the population and the stress on the local resources.

Once the meeting was over, the Public Health students walked to the local hospital. Dr. Luce Ivanda spoke to us about school medicine, which includes children through university students. The Makarska Hospital provides prevention, education, treatment and other services to this population, and serves approximately 3700 children in the region. While we were waiting for Dr. Ivanda to finish with a patient, the class took time to look at the various health education and promotion materials available in the waiting room. A poster promotion HIV/AIDS awareness and education is included. 

While Dr. Ivanda was talking to us (pictured above), she asked one of her patients to come in and meet with the group. Katarina was a first grade student who was at the clinic for a general health check, which included a dental exam, blood work, a general assessment of her height and weight, as well as other assessments. I found it interesting that Katarina stood there for over 20 minutes, very polite and attentive while Dr. Ivanda explained her medical history to the class. This is another instance where the U.S. and Croatia differ with regards to the privacy of medical information.

Dr. Ivanda then showed us a blank medical record, which is a comprehensive document that follows the child throughout their life. It documents their immunizations, growth, medical conditions, medications, as well as cognitive development. The records are also being entered electronically; however the paper copies are the primary source of information currently. All children receive vaccinations, including Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetnus, Polio mellitus, and Diphtheria. It is required by law that children are vaccinated, and are only exempt in the case of a religious exception. If a child does not receive proper vaccinations, the local officials are involved until the parents comply.

During the course of their schooling, students also receive various screenings and health education and promotion programs in their schools. In kindergarten, first and third grades, vision is screened and students learn about infectious diseases. In the fourth grade students learn about healthy eating, and in the fifth grade they receive a general health screening while also receiving information about puberty. In the sixth grade they receive a general health screening while also being assessed for Scoliosis. In the eighth grade they receive another general health screening, as well as instruction about sexually transmitted infections and other diseases. In high school, they learn about drugs and other addictions, as well as any pressing health issues relevant at that time. Teachers and parents are involved in the children’s education to ensure it is comprehensive. One fact I found quite interesting was the teen pregnancy rate in the area. In 2010, there were three pregnancies to teens in the region, and to date in 2011 there have been zero pregnancies to teens. This was surprising when thinking about the U.S., as the teen pregnancy rate is much higher, especially when looking at Georgia specifically. Once the meeting with Dr. Ivanda ended, the group dispersed for some much needed leisure time. We are all excited and eager to see what this region of Croatia has to offer!

Tuesday, May 31st ~ Travel Day (Motovun-Makarska), Croatia

Katherine

Early this morning the Croatia Study Abroad group left Motovun for Makarska. We had a wonderful time staying in the Hotel Kastel and traveling around Istria. Although we were sad to only spend a few days in Motovun among the beautiful rolling countryside (pictured above), the group was very thrilled to leave for Makarska.
 
The trip typically takes about six hours from Motovun, however due to a few stops and lunch it took us about eight. Along the way, many students took the time to stretch out and catch up on some much needed sleep, as you can see pictured above.

During our trip Dr. Cotton gave us a lecture in the back of the bus about “exclusions.” Exclusions are groups of people who are not treated as equals with the main population. Some of these groups consist of Romas, who are gypsy people, people with physical and mental disabilities, single mothers, homeless people and others.

The main population that we have seen these exclusions impact include those with physical disabilities. While we were in Zagreb we realized that there were hardly any accommodations for those with a physical disability. The only time I can recall anything that would help someone with a physical handicap was in the public health building we visited. As a group we discussed how it would be extremely difficult to experience our study abroad with a sprained ankle let alone having to be in a wheel chair. Most places we have visited did not have the accommodations that are seen in and around the States. For example, Plitvice Park does not have the means to transport anyone that would have trouble accessing the stairs to get to the lakes. That means that anyone with any form of physical handicap could not get to these lakes or the waterfalls. None of the castles or ruins that we have visited are handicap accessible. We did notice more handicap accessible ramps while we were in Istria that catered to the tourists. However, these were the bare minimum. I cannot imagine attending this study abroad with the fear of not being able to keep up and not being able experience it to its full extent due to some sort of physical limitation.

Eight hours later we arrive in Makarska! Similar to all of our reactions so far, it is beautiful! Dr. Reap put it well when he said that the views are very dramatic. All of us are getting settled in our apartments looking forward to exploring this part of Croatia. We had to say good-bye to our bus driver, Franjo. It is extremely sad to see him go! Hopefully our new bus drivers will keep us as safe as he has this past week. Eight days studying on the coast… I do not think I could have picked a more perfect place!

Monday, May 30th ~ Pula & Brijuni, Croatia

Morgan


The word of the day: Full. Today was jammed packed with culture, breathtaking sights, food and knowledge. With an early start, we found ourselves wandering the streets of Pula; a stunning port city with a vantage point of the Istrian peninsula. The first stop on our tour, guided by Mrs. Ljerka Mikic and Aleksandra Paic, was the magnificent Pula Coliseum, which is pictured above. As the sixth largest Roman coliseum in Europe, Pula’s gem boasts some of the best conservation efforts that we have seen. With a long history as a gladiator arena, a cattle corral, and now a concert hall (with the likes of Sting, Nora Jones, and U2 performing there), the coliseum provided ample opportunity to reflect on life through the centuries in a town such as Pula.

Our lecture today discussed the evolution of culture in this region, and we were able to witness aspects of this first hand. Focusing on sanitation, infectious diseases and public health in general, our lesson chronicled the progression of standards and regulations throughout time. Toilets progressed from publicly used holes in the middle of Roman towns, to bedpans and outhouses, and finally our modern day toilets.

After brief free time in beautiful Pula we set out to catch a boat to the pristine archipelago of the Brijuni islands. As you can see in the photo, the water was stunning! Made famous by its political inhabitant, former Yugoslavian president, Josip Tito, the isles of Brijuni provide endless aesthetic pleasure against a crystal blue Adriatic background. The main island, which we toured by “train” (think Walt Disney World tram), boasts many attractions including several hotels and resorts, a golf course and an exotic animal ranch, which is home to a herd of zebras, ostriches, Shetland ponies, an elephant, and the spunky goat pictured above!

On the heels of a fantastic lunch, a brief rest on the dock, and a boat ride back to the mainland, we stopped at an olive farm in Vodnjan. Educated by the owners and operators of the difference between table and oil fruits, the harvest time (10 years!) and the olive oil business in general, it was an informative excursion that allowed us to appreciate the importance of a longstanding Croatian livelihood.

We wrapped up the day with an extended dinner at a cheese-making farm in Guran, where we were spoiled by another five-course meal! Feeling stuffed and satisfied with all that we have to take in, I will say good night. We head to the coast tomorrow and from what I have witnessed thus far, we will not be disappointed. Makarska, here we come!