10 September 2019

Monastery

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we plodded up the side of the mountain that looms behind our hotel. We were not heading for the summit as I might have wished but to a sixteenth century monastery that looks out to Korčula across the Pelješac sea channel from a craggy stone ridge.

The monastery was originally Franciscan and in Croatian it is called Gospa od Anđela which means Our Lady of the Angel. 
View from the monastery to Korčula
There was a museum within - dedicated not to matters monastic and religious - but to Orebic's seafaring past. In glass cases there were many models of old sailing vessels and pictures on the walls of famous sea captains and more ships. Sadly, that heritage died out in the mid-twentieth century.
Captain Mato Zupa  of Orebic - born in 1855
We wandered amongst the graves in the attached churchyard. Great slabs of polished granite and imposing family vaults. Here and there carved anchors spoke of lives lived and sometimes lost upon the sea. The view down to Orebic and beyond was spectacular.
At twelve o'clock the monastery bells pealed frantically for ten minutes or more, echoing above the pine forest below. But by then we were on our way down, following a zigzagging stony path through the trees, enjoying the shade on what has been another hot Adriatic day.

In Yorkshire the word "nesh" suggests someone who won't take risks, preferring safety and comfort. Lady Pudding seems to be habitually drawn to that camp but after our hike to the monastery she ventured into the sea in spite of claiming it was "cold". In fact the September sea temperature here is very pleasant indeed and in the end she enjoyed her ten minute dip before lounging by the hotel swimming pool for most of the afternoon.

Another sea captain - Mato Kovacevic (1891 - 1975)

20 comments:

  1. Well, although I too am of the nesh camp, I am usually ready for a swim in the sea. Unless, of course, it is too cold.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And by the way, that was supposed to be funny. But it's true.

      Delete
    2. The seas around Florida are probably a few degrees warmer than the sea here. I find that when I am hot the sea feels colder than it really is. You just gotta get in!

      Delete
  2. Your wife seems to be admirably sensible.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The mountains in the fourth photo look very stark and rather foreboding despite the beautiful sun and blue sky. Well done to Lady Pudding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Captain Mato Zupa reminded me of you Graham!

      Delete
  4. A hike to a sixteenth century monastery sounds like an interesting activity for after breakfast. I think lounging by the pool is a good way to relax after the hike too! Enjoy your break!

    ReplyDelete
  5. There's much history in a place like this. It looks like much history has been kept.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a lot of recent history too in the form of the Bosnian War but I am unable to see any reminders of that.

      Delete
  6. Love swimming in the sea. You've just got to jump in quickly, none of this slow, bit by bit stuff. It's the only way Shirley.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These English women are not as brave and daring as you Aussie lasses.

      Delete
  7. "Nesh"...what a strange word. Perhaps it was created by someone who lisped; who couldn't correctly pronounce - "safety net"! (Or he had a mouthful of peanuts or mushy peas when he did!) ;)

    Another group of beautiful photos of a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing your holiday with us, Yorkie. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now you are someone I would never accuse of being "nesh" Lee. I think you would dive in like a beach lifeguard - even if there was ice on the surface.

      Delete
  8. Poor Shirley. Can't even enjoy her rest by the pool without having it put out there in BOLDED lettering. After her hard work on the wedding, I would say she earned the right to do what she wants, when she wants. Just saying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Point taken Mary. I shall now go outside and whip myself with a thorny branch.

      Delete
  9. Looks like you've got some beautiful weather! I think I qualify as a "nesh" too, at least some of the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Nesh" is an adjective rather than a noun. I am sorry I did not make that clear.

      Delete
  10. YP: Thorny branch not required. But whatever you might use...hand it over to Shirley. :)

    ReplyDelete

Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.

Most Visits