Gornje Tucepi - part 2

 There was, of course, a second part to my musings on Gornje Tucepi - there is so much that  I love about being up there that of course it would fill to entries. There are so many little corners and photos that I want to take but they never do the place justice. There's a solemnity, but a peaceful silence.

Always the cemetery to check out first (actually wanted to know whether our cousin has fixed the cross back to the top of the monument (he hasn't) - do you think liquid nails would do it?


Scooting past our grandfather's old property, a guy came out to see who the stranger was - 'samo fotografiram'  - I'm just taking photos. I indicated to the old property and said that it was our grandfather's - 'Jakic?' he said - Jesam - Yes!

We talked a bit more, and I was about to go when he motioned me to wait - he rushed into his house and came back with a book, a cooking book with recipes of old, food made by his mother and grandmother when scarcity created creativity. I asked the cost, and he said that it was a gift, poklon. So mum (I know you are reading this) he has dedicated it to you on the front page - you'll be able to read it with your magnifying glass, but you won't need that for the lovely photos. 



He then asked me to follow him into his house, into the konoba, and showed me the painting of his ancestor from 300 years ago, a fine soldier with a fine resemblance to him, he fought against the Turks (as many did). There is a tower nearby which bears his family name, a place where those in the village used to hide when the Turks were advancing.



Then even deeper into his house, with prsut ageing in paper bags, potatoes, salami hanging and wine in barrels. He tries to live off the land, growing potatoes from the same seeds as his grandmother did. And the potatoes here are so much nicer than I have ever tasted - I don't really bother with them at home, but a plate of blitvah i krumpir (chard and potato with olive oil) is one of my favourite dishes here - imagine. With garlic and black pepper...







I was thrilled, what a treat, what a gift of a vignette. And I've got the book in my luggage and we can try some of the recipes!




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