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Exhibition of Kazakhstan’s historical cultural relics launched in Tianjin, Kazakhstan’s treasures unveiled

In a recent conversation with a representative from the Tianjin Museum, we explored their exciting new exhibition, “Golden Warrior and Fertile Steppe—Kazakh Historical Artifacts from the Kazakhstan National Museum,” which has just launched in Tianjin. This remarkable exhibition showcases 185 stunning artifacts from Kazakhstan, a pivotal hub along the ancient Silk Road and an important player in the Belt and Road Initiative. Among these pieces, the highlight is undoubtedly the “Golden Warrior,” with many artifacts making their debut outside Kazakhstan for the first time.

As the largest museum in Central Asia, the Kazakhstan National Museum is known as a treasure trove for the nation’s history and art. The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three sections: “Golden Man and Animal Style,” “Medieval Kazakhstan,” and “Modern Kazakh Decorative and Applied Arts.” Together, these sections offer a rich narrative of the ancient steppe civilization’s splendor. Visitors can expect to see cultural relics from famous Silk Road cities such as Taraz, Otrar, and Saran, showcasing exquisite artifacts that shed light on the interactions, integrations, and exchanges that occurred along this historic trade route.

The representative emphasized, “In recent years, the Tianjin Museum has embraced the Belt and Road theme, curating a range of exhibitions such as ‘The Great Tang of Chang’an—Exhibition of Shaanxi Tang Dynasty Artifacts,’ ‘Harmony and Unity—Art Exhibition of Bronze Figurines from Pingliang,’ ‘Echoes of the Dunhuang—Special Exhibition of Dunhuang Documents from the Tianjin Museum,’ and ‘Silk Road Kunlun—Exhibition of Xinjiang Artifacts.’ Through these exhibits, we aim to extend the narrative of the ancient Silk Road across the Eurasian continent, while capturing the enduring spirit of this historic route.”

The representative also noted that this exhibition marks a “key stop” within the initiative, as it represents the first time the Tianjin Museum’s “Silk Road” series has crossed national borders, reaching into Eurasia. This endeavor not only enhances cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan but also promotes a dialogue between civilizations, offering an important platform for the public to appreciate, understand, and embrace diverse cultures.

Co-organized by the Tianjin Museum, the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, and the Kazakhstan National Museum, this exhibition is accessible to the public free of charge until February 12, 2025.

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The Chinese Embassy in South Korea held the -2024 Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Reception for Overseas Chinese in South Korea-

On September 12th, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea hosted a reception celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day for overseas Chinese and expatriates. The event brought together over 300 attendees, including acting ambassador Fang Kun, department heads, and representatives from the Chinese community in South Korea, encompassing employees from Chinese-funded institutions and students.

As the evening commenced with the solemn rendering of the Chinese national anthem, Fang Kun took the stage to deliver an opening address, conveying festive greetings to the one million Chinese nationals in Korea. He praised the remarkable achievements of New China’s development and referenced the recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, which announced over 300 significant reform measures. This, he emphasized, reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing reforms. Fang articulated that China’s growth is poised to create even more opportunities for countries worldwide, including South Korea, as well as for individuals within the Korean Chinese community.

He highlighted the notable progress in exchanges and cooperation between China and South Korea across multiple sectors this year, expressing a wish for collaborative efforts to ensure the stable and healthy development of bilateral relations. Fang encouraged the Chinese community in South Korea to continue coming together to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development, peaceful reunification, and the strengthening of Sino-Korean friendship. He reassured those present that the embassy remains dedicated to serving the community and enhancing their well-being.

Wang Haijun, president of the Korean Chinese Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association, Sun Yuxu, president of the Seoul Chinese Association, Gao Chen, president of the Korean Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Wei Xiaoyan, president of the Korean Association of Chinese Scholars, also shared their thoughts, extolling the tremendous achievements of their homeland. They voiced their commitment to transforming their patriotic fervor into a powerful force for national prosperity.

The reception was enriched by performances from community art groups, featuring songs, dances, and traditional storytelling, which created a warm atmosphere where guests engaged in lively conversations and collectively wished for the prosperity of their homeland and the continued development of Sino-Korean friendship.

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Shenyang staged equestrian competition feast, crossing difficult obstacles attracted cheers

On October 5th, the finals of the 2024 Liaoning Equestrian Club Grand Prix, alongside the Feihe Parker “Hero of Heroes Cup” Equestrian Series, kicked off in the Hunnan District of Shenyang.

Over 200 horse and rider pairs from 13 of the province’s top equestrian clubs gathered to compete in eight thrilling events. These ranged from lower-level races at 60cm to timed contests between 90-120cm, as well as exciting carriage races. Spectators were treated to a remarkable showcase as riders tackled challenging obstacles with grace and teamwork, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of horses in motion.

This event also marks the conclusion of the 2024 Third Hunnan Equestrian Carnival. This year, the carnival innovatively offered a “double event per session” format, designed to provide a seamless and exhilarating experience. During the carnival, the “Provincial Sports Lottery Cup” 2024 Liaoning Youth Equestrian Championship ran concurrently with the main events, allowing young riders to showcase their skills alongside their equine partners. Beyond the competition arena, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the event, featuring horse culture demonstrations, equestrian photography exhibitions, and themed dining experiences.

Compared to previous editions, this year’s event has significantly expanded in scale and diversity, striking a balance between the professionalism of equestrian sports and the festive spirit of carnival activities.

The competition took place on Zhujia Street in Hunnan District, set against the picturesque backdrop of southeastern Shenyang’s mountains, which provides an ideal landscape for developing the equestrian industry. This area has already attracted three equestrian clubs and is beginning to cultivate a growing cluster effect. In recent years, local authorities have actively developed equestrian infrastructure and enhanced event services, partnering with clubs to host various professional events, including rating tests, dressage competitions, endurance races, and youth training programs. This has laid a strong foundation for the growth of equestrian activities in the Zhujia region, signaling the emergence of equestrian sports as a vibrant part of local cultural tourism.

Looking ahead, local planners intend to strategically enhance the layout of the equestrian industry while continuing to expand its scale. They plan to integrate equestrian activities with rural accommodations and dining experiences, ultimately creating a comprehensive cultural tourism industry chain. This vision aims to foster new economic development in Zhujia, promoting rural revitalization and common prosperity.

The competition is set to last for two days, concluding on October 6th.

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Jiangxi Academy’s ancient book appreciation and book sharing event was held

On October 2, the first day of the National Day holiday, the Jiangxi Provincial Library in the Honggutan District of Nanchang hosted a remarkable book appreciation event, shining a spotlight on ancient documents from the region’s academies. This gathering infused the holiday celebrations with a deeply cultural experience.

Jiangxi is recognized as a significant birthplace of China’s academy culture, boasting a rich history and vibrant heritage. For over a millennium, its ancient academies, including Bailudong Academy, Ehu Academy, Bailuzhou Academy, and Yuzhang Academy, have gained renown and are often collectively referred to as the “Four Great Ancient Academies of Jiangxi.”

What made this event particularly special was the combination of private collections and public archives displayed. The Jiangxi Provincial Library presented eight invaluable documents related to these academies, such as the Ming Dynasty manuscript “Jingzhi Tang Xu Chao” and various editions of the “Bailudong Academy Chronicle” published during the 20th year of the Wanli reign. Additionally, the exhibition featured documents from various periods of the Qing Dynasty that relate to academic life.

The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors drawn to the event. Experts and scholars engaged attendees in discussions about the historical impact of Jiangxi’s academies and the importance of preserving these ancient texts.

One visitor, Wang Yang, shared his thoughts, saying, “I was aware that Jiangxi academies held a vital place in Chinese educational history, but seeing these vivid historical documents in person was an entirely new experience for me. It felt like stepping back in time and truly experiencing the charm of academy culture.”

Importantly, the “Jiangxi Academy Ancient Document Appreciation Event” is part of a broader series organized by the Jiangxi Provincial Library, titled “Xijiang Book Talks—Jiangxi Ancient Document Appreciation Gathering.” This initiative brings together the library’s unique collections with contributions from local collectors, emphasizing service, public good, knowledge-sharing, and accessibility. The goal is to deepen public understanding of traditional Chinese texts, printing techniques, and local culture, while fostering cultural confidence and creating a society enriched by literary appreciation.

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Heilongjiang Province holds the first -Longjiang Medicinal Diet- competition, and Longjiang’s top ten medicinal diets are released

On September 28, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province hosted the inaugural “Longjiang Medicinal Cuisine” competition, featuring 15 teams that showcased a unique blend of traditional Chinese medicine and culinary arts. The event culminated in the recognition of standout dishes, with items like fried astragalus pine cone balls, chicken kidney stew with herbs, and pork rib winter melon soup earning the prestigious title of “Top Ten Medicinal Dishes of Longjiang.”

Medicinal cuisine, which harmoniously integrates principles of Chinese medicine with culinary traditions, aims to create a balanced approach through scientifically-informed combinations. This year’s theme, “Healthy Longjiang with Medicinal Cuisine,” focused on highlighting the distinct appeal of Longjiang’s medicinal dishes while promoting their cultural heritage and innovative potential.

The competition was structured as a team-oriented event, consisting of theoretical evaluations, dish preparations, and tasting presentations. Teams took advantage of local Heilongjiang herbs and ingredients to craft three dishes that excelled in flavor, aroma, color, presentation, and health benefits, demonstrating both culinary expertise and a solid understanding of the underlying principles of medicinal cuisine.

Xu Feng, Secretary and Director of the Heilongjiang Province Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, highlighted the region’s abundant herbal resources, which offer high-quality ingredients for health-oriented products. He expressed that by integrating these resources, the province aims to fortify the connection between medicine and food, promote the medicinal cuisine industry, and enhance public appreciation for both this culinary tradition and the impact of traditional medicine on health.

The event featured an esteemed panel of judges, including Professor Chen Hongbin, Secretary-General of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies’ Medicinal Cuisine Research Committee, along with seven experts hailing from provinces such as Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Hunan.

Awards were distributed across various categories, recognizing not only the top teams but also excellence in organization, creativity, flavor, presentation, and theoretical knowledge.

Dishes that made the list as the “Top Ten Medicinal Dishes” included fried astragalus pine cone balls, chicken kidney stew with herbs, and a variety of soups, such as pork rib winter melon soup and ginseng rib soup.

The winners of the “Top Ten Medicinal Soups and Porridges” celebrated flavors and health benefits with dishes like pork rib winter melon soup and ginseng and astragalus rib soup, showcasing the rich heritage and potential of traditional medicinal cuisine.

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She fled domestic violence fears in Mexico. Now she’s California’s first deaf Latina mayor

Josefina Dueñas, the first deaf Latina mayor in California, has navigated skepticism from her fellow city council members but remains unwavering in her mission. “I represent the women, the immigrants, the disabled, and the homeless,” she declared confidently.

Upon entering the Ukiah city hall in Mendocino County, Dueñas reminisced about her journey, which began with a childhood diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss that family members had suspected for years. “It wasn’t until I was five that I finally received the diagnosis,” she recalled. Nearly six decades later, she channels her personal experiences to confront and overcome the challenges posed by her hearing impairment.

As mayor of Ukiah, Dueñas, alongside six council members, serves a community of over 16,000 residents, primarily Latino and white according to census statistics. Council members serve four-year terms, and the mayor is chosen annually in a rotating fashion.

Before taking on the role of mayor, Dueñas earned a degree in psychology from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla in Mexico and worked in the state finance department, analyzing tax documents. It was during this time that she began using hearing aids and communicating through sign language.

Despite her professional advancement, Dueñas faced significant personal turmoil. She escaped an abusive relationship and moved to California in 1989, where she worked in local vineyards along busy Highway 101, contributing to the local economy.

“I was undocumented until 1999, following domestic violence from my second husband,” she shared during a recent afternoon at city hall. Thanks to the Violence Against Women Act passed by Congress in 1994, she was able to gain legal protection as an immigrant who had suffered abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen. “The law also provided protections against discrimination based on disability in immigration cases,” she added.

In 2000, Dueñas was granted permanent residency through this program and became a U.S. citizen 17 years later. By this time, she had earned a bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University and worked as a teacher’s assistant while contributing to bilingual newspapers, often grappling with financial difficulties. “My electricity bill was $750, the same as my rent,” she recalled, reflecting on times when she had to live in her car.

Driven by a desire for change, Dueñas attended a city council meeting to voice her concerns. “I thanked them for their efforts, but I told them it wasn’t enough. That’s when I thought, ‘I could be there and do something different.'” This revelation inspired her to run for city council in 2020, where she achieved a successful election.

Despite facing some doubts from other council members regarding her capabilities as mayor, Dueñas has remained resolved. The Americans with Disabilities Act promotes equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and in the U.S., approximately 17.7 million adults experience hearing disabilities, nearly 2 million of whom reside in California.

During the appointment process, Dueñas faced opposition and took on the vice mayor role for an additional year before her official confirmation as mayor, despite two members voting against her. Outgoing mayor Mari Rodin expressed her opposition, stating, “I wouldn’t vote for Dueñas simply to add diversity; that goes against my principles,” although she declined an interview for this piece.

Douglas Crane, a 20-year council veteran, voiced his support for Dueñas’ appointment. “I believed she could do this,” he stated, clarifying that while he provided assistance, she possessed the skills necessary for leadership all along. “I was merely helping boost her confidence.”

To facilitate her responsibilities, the city provided Dueñas with an iPad equipped with real-time transcription software. However, she has encountered challenges with its performance, noting that slower transcription can impact her effectiveness in meetings and affect her confidence among council members.

As her term nears its end, Dueñas is running once more for a city council seat. Just prior to a recent candidate forum, she took a moment to reflect on her journey. “I thought about those who welcomed my family when we had nowhere to go. They told me, ‘Josefina, you could do it.’ And look at me now—what were my chances?”

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National Development and Reform Commission- Overall, energy supply security has a good foundation

During a press conference on October 8th, the State Council Information Office unveiled vital information regarding a comprehensive set of incremental policies aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing development structures. Li Chunlin, the Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), discussed energy security, highlighting how early preparations have laid a solid foundation for energy supply.

When a reporter inquired about plans to ensure energy supply stability as regions approach the peak demand for electricity, heating, and gas this winter, Li assured that comprehensive measures had already been put in place following a Central Politburo meeting on September 26.

Addressing energy security, Li revealed that the NDRC has collaborated with relevant stakeholders to secure adequate energy supplies. He noted that coal production has remained stable nationwide, and regulated power plants are currently holding coal reserves exceeding 200 million tons—sufficient for over 30 days of operation, which is historically high for this period. He also mentioned that the northeastern region is well-prepared for winter. By the end of August, the country had an installed power generation capacity of 3.13 billion kilowatts. Despite challenges posed by increased reliance on renewable energy, enhanced smart dispatching and improved inter-provincial cooperation guarantee reliable electricity supply. In terms of natural gas, Li reported a plentiful supply, with peak shaving storage capacity up by 8 billion cubic meters compared to last year, and storage facilities being maximized as winter approaches.

Looking ahead, the NDRC intends to strengthen monitoring and analysis while ensuring accountability across all sectors to maintain stable energy supplies. Plans include increasing coal and natural gas production and supply, optimizing the operation of various power generation units, and boosting renewable energy utilization. The commission aims to raise coal and natural gas reserves, enhance cross-regional electricity dispatching, and ensure effective energy use during peak demand periods. Li emphasized that prioritizing the energy needs of the public will be crucial in minimizing disruptions during extreme weather or unexpected events.

Li acknowledged the challenges faced this past summer, including record-breaking extreme heat that pushed peak electricity demand to 1.451 billion kilowatts and daily consumption to 32.5 billion kilowatt-hours. He highlighted that energy supplies remained stable despite these pressures. The quick restoration of power was organized in response to temporary outages caused by typhoons and flooding. Collaborative efforts are expected to ensure a robust energy supply for the upcoming winter heating season, supporting economic recovery and providing warmth to the public.

Regarding the availability and pricing of essential consumer goods, Li confirmed that the market remains stable and well-supplied nationwide. There has been a boost in summer grain production, and autumn crop yields look promising. Livestock production levels are satisfactory, with abundant stocks of egg-laying chickens, and an increase in vegetable acreage has been noted. Furthermore, major cities have enough reserves of processed grains and cooking oils to meet consumer demand for over 15 days, while the capacity to regulate pork reserves continues to improve. Northern cities are ensuring sufficient vegetable supplies for the winter and spring months.

In response to the surge in consumer spending during the National Day holiday, many localities have introduced discounted sales and increased the supply of affordable goods to stabilize market prices. Moving forward, the NDRC plans to closely monitor market trends, particularly as winter and festive seasons approach. They aim to collaborate with key stakeholders to proactively address autumn and winter agricultural production, reinforce local reserve responsibilities, enhance production and sales links, facilitate logistics, and strengthen market regulation—all to ensure a stable supply of essential goods. These efforts are designed to create a conducive environment for the effective implementation of incremental policies.

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How to effectively overcome jet lag- Expert- Choose the right flight

Traveling internationally often means dealing with jet lag, a challenging aspect of air travel that can significantly affect your experience. To better understand how travelers can minimize the impact of jet lag on their bodies, we spoke with experts in the field. They emphasize that preparation can begin even before you board the plane; selecting flights at optimal times and choosing the right aircraft can make a difference. Additionally, external factors such as sunlight exposure and melatonin can play crucial roles in effectively resetting your internal clock.

So, what strategies can travelers employ to tackle this common issue?

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Rachel Roddy’s recipe for spaghetti alla carbonara like it’s 1979 – A kitchen in Rome

Cream or no cream? Onions or no onions? What kind of cured pork or cheese should we choose? It’s intriguing to think that spaghetti ‘carbonara’ likely didn’t come onto the scene until after 1950.

Ada Boni, a trailblazer in home economics, launched a magazine called Preziosa (Precious) in 1915. Just six years later, her collection of slender monthly issues laid the foundation for her legendary cookbook, Il Talismano della Felicità (The Talisman of Happiness), which is still in print today. Boni ran Preziosa until 1959, creating a dynamic synergy between the magazine and her cookbook, each influencing culinary trends as they evolved.

I happen to own a fabric-covered 18th edition of Il Talismano from 1949. It boasts an impressive array of recipes sourced from Italy and beyond. Since Boni was Roman, it’s fascinating to see how she interpreted classic pasta dishes during that time—like spaghetti all’amatriciana (featuring guanciale, onion, tomato, and either pecorino or parmesan), spaghetti al guanciale, and spaghetti con tonno e funghi (with tuna and mushrooms). Yet, there’s no sign of a carbonara recipe at all, which didn’t appear in print until several years later.

There are suggestions that chef Renato Gualandi from Bologna may have created a dish similar to carbonara for American soldiers stationed in Rome toward the end of World War II. Others speculate that traditional Abruzzese recipes, which combined pasta with cheese, egg, and cured pork, could be the origins of carbonara. However, as food historian Luca Cesari notes in his biography on carbonara, the first documented recipe emerged in America in 1952, found in Patricia Bronté’s book, Vittles and Vice: An Extraordinary Guide to What’s Cooking on Chicago’s Near North Side. The recipe was straightforward: boil one and a half pounds of tagliarini and fry half a pound of Italian bacon. After draining both, mix four eggs with a quarter-pound of grated parmesan, whip them, and then combine with the pasta and bacon over a flame.

In August 1954, La Cucina Italiana published Italy’s first carbonara recipe, spurred by reader requests. It called for pancetta, Gruyère, eggs, and garlic.

While I don’t yet have a 1960s edition of Il Talismano, I do possess a notable 1961 cookbook titled Il Carnacina by Luigi Carnacina, which includes a carbonara recipe that features spaghetti, guanciale, olive oil, butter, parmesan, and “a few” tablespoons of fresh cream. Additionally, a 1979 edition of Il Talismano suggests that carbonara should include onions and pancetta cooked in butter and wine, along with eggs, parsley, parmesan, and pepper, while a 1999 edition omits both onion and wine.

This illustrates a fundamental truth: recipes are always evolving. Through the contributions of Ada, Renato, Luca, Patricia, and Luigi, we combine elements like bacon, butter, parmesan, pancetta, wine, onion, garlic, and cream into our understanding of carbonara. For this week’s recipe, I’m recommending the 1979 version, adjusted for six servings to honor Ada’s proportions.

This recipe uses a clever “bowl” technique to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat in the warm bowl allows the beaten egg, cheese, pork, and its fat to come together as a sauce. I’ve made a couple of adjustments: I found that using three whole eggs was challenging to incorporate, so I suggest using three egg yolks and one whole egg instead. Also, the recipe advises against salting pasta water, a step I’m skipping from now on. Feel free to experiment with Il Talismano’s suggestions or stick with your go-to recipe, which may insist that carbonara must contain only guanciale, pecorino, and egg—at least for now.

**Spaghetti alla Carbonara, 1979 Style (Serves 6)**

– 1 onion, peeled and sliced
– 200g pancetta, diced
– 30g butter
– Half a glass of white wine
– 3 egg yolks, plus 1 whole egg
– 50g grated parmesan
– 1 small bunch parsley, minced
– Black pepper
– 600g spaghetti

1. In a frying pan, sauté the onion and pancetta in butter until lightly colored, then add the wine and let it simmer until it evaporates slowly.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and whole egg with the cheese, parsley, and black pepper.
3. Cook the pasta in plenty of water until al dente, then drain or lift it directly into the bowl with the cheese and egg mixture. Mix well, then add the very hot pancetta and onion, mix again, and serve immediately.

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Island-hopping in Croatia- adrift in the Šibenik archipelago

With the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and gentle green pines surrounding her, Mary Novakovich describes her peaceful end-of-summer escape to the quieter islands of Zlarin and Prvić. In an interview about her travels on October 7, 2024, she highlights how her journey took a different path than the typical Croatian island-hopping route, which often emphasizes well-known spots like Split, Hvar, and Brač.

“Šibenik itself is a hidden gem,” Mary shares. “It’s relatively crowd-free compared to other coastal cities in Croatia. People are naturally drawn to the breathtaking UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, and then they often relax at the café terraces along the Riva waterfront or enjoy the bars by the fishing boats moored at the quayside.” She adds that the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress, along with its 17th-century Venetian counterparts, provides a stunning backdrop. “These fortresses were built to fend off Ottoman attacks and have since become cultural sites, with St. Michael’s hosting concerts and Barone functioning as an outdoor cinema.”

As she explored further, Mary reflected on the history that drove locals to seek refuge on the islands during Ottoman threats. “Today, it’s a car-free oasis in the Šibenik archipelago,” she explains, reminiscing about her 25-minute ferry ride to Zlarin, one of the six inhabited islands. “Zlarin village is car-free except for a few emergency vehicles and the occasional film crew. Instead, transportation consists of golf buggies, bicycles, and the rare scooter.”

During her stay on Zlarin, she rented an apartment with a breathtaking terrace that overlooked the bay. “The view of the vividly blue sea against the terracotta rooftops and deep green Aleppo pines was just stunning,” she recalls. “It quickly became my paradise for relaxation.”

Reflecting on her previous visit just a few months earlier, she reveals her growing curiosity about Zlarin and its even smaller neighbor, Prvić. “These small island communities have such unique stories and the unhurried lifestyle I craved as summer came to a close.”

Zlarin, with its charming harbor filled with boats and bustling bars, was exactly what she envisioned. “You could see visitors enjoying their coffee in the sunshine, while the pebbly beaches—warm in September—beckoned for morning swims.” She also praises the local eateries that serve exceptional seafood in rustic settings.

As she delved deeper into Zlarin, she learned about its historical importance as a coral harvesting community, a trade that supported its small population for generations. “It was fascinating to discover that Zlarin was once Croatia’s largest coral supplier until the Italian market started sourcing its own in the 1970s,” she explains.

While tourism has since flourished, transforming the village atmosphere, Mary found Zlarin’s charm to remain intact during her quiet September visit.

When she moved on to Prvić, Mary was enchanted by the smaller island, which features two picturesque villages and a welcoming population. “The vibe here was just as delightful,” she describes, noting the absence of cars and the lovely stone homes adorned with colorful shutters. “My flat in Šepurine was perfectly located by the village square and fishing port.”

Exploring Prvić allowed her to embrace the slow island life. She discovered the culinary talents of Krešimir Kursar, a chef who returned after years abroad to reclaim local traditions. “Hearing stories of locals coming back to their roots and positively impacting the community was heartwarming,” she shares.

Mary also highlights the genuine warmth of the people she encountered, like Goran and Lenka Franić, who took her on a squid-fishing adventure. “Listening to Goran’s journey from renowned musician to local boat renter made the experience even more memorable,” she adds. “Their singing of traditional Dalmatian songs created a beautiful soundtrack to my trip, making it one I wished would never end.”

Her journey through Croatia, organized by croatia.hr, offers a glimpse into a more serene side of the Adriatic. Accommodations at Heritage Hotel Life Palace in Šibenik start from €95, with affordable rental options available in Zlarin and Prvić.

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