Prologue

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
(On a plane from New York City to Copenhagen)

     Three years ago, around this time, I was returning to the States from a two-week visit to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
     My grandfather and his sister, my Aunt Helen, were born in the former Yugoslavia. There is family who still live in Čitluk right outside Medjugorje. My Great Aunt returns to her homeland every year, even at 93 years old, and is still fluent in Croatian. My grandfather never returned. Boats made him seasick and he wouldn't take a plane after being shot down as a lieutenant co-pilot and taken as a Prisoner of War in WWII. He also did not teach his children or grandchildren to be fluent in the Croatian language.
     Anywho, at Aunt Helen's 90th birthday party in 2011, I discovered that she still went to Croatia every year. She invited me when she saw how much the thought of traveling there piqued my interest. After confirming the trip, I taught myself some basic Croatian with the use of a book and accompanying CD.
     Most of my two weeks was spent in the area around Čitluk and Medjugorje, but I was able to have an excursion to Mostar, to spend time with my third cousin Helena, a weekend in Baška Voda with her family, and a day trip to Dubrovnik with two other third cousins, Ana and Silvia.
     Taking the bus down to Dubrovnik during that trip showed amazing views of the Adriatic water hugging the Croatian coast. The natural beauty that rounded every turn was endless. I was enamored by the sailboats I saw anchored in coves. How lucky it must be to set foot on those ships.
     That was 2012.
     I began sailing in 2013.
     Soon enough, the thought of sailing in Croatia transformed from a dream to an aspiration. I wanted to do it, I just didn't think it could actually happen.
     Add to the mix a skipper who befriended me and pushed me to improve my sailing skills, and here I am, three years later, on a plane toward Europe to the greatest travel dream I've ever had.
     This will be the second charter that Terry and I co-captain. Our first was in Florida, from Cape Coral going as far south as Marco Island. It was a six-day cruise, filled with excitement and suspense. There were moments to relax, but it was much more an adventure than anything else. We finished the trip knowing one thing for certain: Croatia was next.
     The only difference this time around is I have a wonderful fiancé I had to say goodbye to for three weeks, since work made him unable to travel with us. Alex gets along swimmingly with Terry, and the established trust in my friendship with Terry and in my relationship with Alex has made this trip possible.