Imagine dedicating more than four years of your life to a single, audacious goal: walking 40,000 kilometers around the globe. For one remarkable woman, this is not just a dream but a reality in motion. Starting her journey in Madrid in August of last year, Taina Liekari has taken on the challenge of walking the world while adhering to the stringent guidelines set by the Guinness Book of Records.

This is more than a physical endeavor; it’s a personal quest to explore new horizons, connect with diverse cultures, and, ultimately, discover herself. From the bustling streets of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Croatia, her journey has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences and moments of resilience.

Walking an average of 30 kilometers a day, she navigates weather challenges, cultural differences, and the occasional mishap—like losing her way in the mountains near Omiš. Despite the hardships, her spirit remains unshaken, driven by a Finnish concept called sisu, symbolizing determination and grit.

We caught up with her in Dubrovnik to discover her amazing story.

Meeting Taina Lieka in Dubrovnik 

So you are walking around the world! When and where did you start and when do you hope to finish?

I started my journey around the world in Madrid on the 15th of August last year. I think it will take more a little more than four years to complete my walking adventure. The whole walk is around 40,000 kilometres.

Four years is a long time to be on the road. Do you stop sometimes for a break, like for Christmas?

Yes, I have some free “resting” days during my journey so far. However, even during these days I like to get out and explore the city or rather place that I am resting in. I had a rest one day whilst walking down the Croatia as the north wind, the so called bura. It was really cold. And I don’t go home to Spain, in fact I will not go home for four years, as I am doing the walk in line with the rules and regulations of the Guinness Book of Records. And that doesn’t allow me to break my journey.

How did this love of walking begin? What are your motivations?

I want to see the world. It is as simple as that. I can’t get to see the world as a tourist, if I just fly to countries. I want to dig a little deeper to meet people, talk to them, learn their culture and traditions. I can only do this if I walk.

During your walk through Croatia what experiences (both good and bad) have you had?

I have to say that in Croatia everyone I have meet has been very kind and generous. Yes, the people have certainly been the most positive experience in Croatia. On the other side I had a bad experience a few days ago near to the city of Omiš. I decided to climb the mountains above the city to get a different view and perspective. I was following a mountain path but unfortunately on the way down the mountains I missed the signs and I ended up actually climbing, rather than walking, down. That was a little frightening experience. I guess you learn from every experience, good and bad.

What have you learned (probably about yourself) during the walk so far?

I don’t need a lot of things, that is absolutely the biggest lesson I have learned. We tend to surround ourselves with all sorts of items, but when you walk with your whole world in a rucksack on your back you soon realise that less is more. I have also learned to celebrate the little things in life. I have had so much happiness on the walk by just enjoying the little things in life. Three years ago I walked from Malaga in Spain to Finland. When I arrived at my home in Finland I opened my wardrobe and almost completely cleared it of clothes I really didn’t need. Walking opens your eyes to many things, but mostly it shows you who you are and want you need in life.

Taina and her 20kg rucksack - Photo - Mark Thomas 

On a personal level how are your husband, children and even grandchildren, coping without you at home?

WhatsApp! My husband and I live in Spain, but my children and grandchildren live in Finland. We speak via video on a daily basis. And when I reach Istanbul my husband and my family will fly out to meet me there. And maybe my children will walk a little with me. Of course I miss them all.

How far do you walk every day and indeed do you plan your distances and goals beforehand?

I usually walk around 30 kilometres a day. Sometimes I walk only 10 kilometres, and then the next day 50 kilometres. It really depends on the weather and the possibilities of sleeping. So I really only look one day on advance. I have a rough plan for five days ahead, but I only book accommodation one day ahead. I usually stay in hostels, apartments or hotels, but I am also carrying a hammock with me. So if I can camp I do. Believe it or not I have had situations where I can’t even find two trees close enough together to actually make a hammock and sleep. It’s all part of the walk, the adventure.

Taina and her support team - Photo Mark Thomas 

What are you looking forward to for the rest of your walk?

I want to see as much as possible, and I think I will. I want to see the world, but above all I want to see and find myself. Who I am. At first I thought I wanted to go to see the world, but now I see that I am continuing to discover myself.

Sisu – can you explain that word to me?

Yes, this is a word that is very difficult, almost impossible to translate into English. It basically means that I intend to do what I have planned and nothing will stop me. It is about self-determination. And is also one of my keywords for this adventure. Nothing will stop me.

You can follow her walk around the world here - LINK - and don't forget to check out the videos 

The celebration program for the Festivities of St. Blaise and Dubrovnik City Day begins on Thursday, January 23, and spans 18 days, concluding on Sunday, February 9. During this period, more than 70 diverse religious and secular events will enrich Dubrovnik's cultural and spiritual life.

This year’s program offers a wealth of artistic and educational activities, including workshops, exhibitions, lectures, theater performances, children’s and youth programs, concerts, and numerous special and traditional events that enhance the festivities each year.

The opening event of the Festivities is an ecumenical prayer for Christian unity, held on Thursday, January 23, at 7:00 PM in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Later that evening, the Marin Držić Theater will host the charity concert “Festa od Klapa.”

On Candlemas, February 2, the traditional solemn session of the City Council will take place, featuring the presentation of annual public awards to deserving individuals, companies, institutions, and others. In the afternoon, the grand opening of the Festivities will be held in front of the Church of St. Blaise. The central Eucharistic celebration will occur on St. Blaise’s Day itself, Monday, February 3, starting at 10:00 AM in front of Dubrovnik Cathedral.

The culmination of the Festivities, on Sunday, February 9, begins at 8:00 AM with the gathering of banners and pilgrims in front of the Church of St. Blaise. This will be followed by the traditional pilgrimage to Gorica, where Holy Mass will be celebrated. The final festivities include the return of banners to Pile Gate, their ceremonial entry into the city accompanied by Dubrovnik’s City Band, and the formal closing ceremony of the Feast.

"We invite all citizens of Dubrovnik and their guests to join this magnificent celebration, a testament to the city’s thousand-year tradition, faith, and unity," stated the City of Dubrovnik. 

Over the past week, the Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department recorded four traffic accidents involving injuries, resulting in minor injuries for four individuals. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported. Additionally, six accidents resulted in material damage.

Traffic Control Measures

As part of traffic monitoring efforts, police officers took 650 enforcement actions against traffic violations. These included measures targeting offenses commonly linked to serious accidents, often referred to as the “four traffic killers.” Among these:

• 306 individuals were fined for exceeding the speed limit.
• 51 individuals were penalized for not wearing a seatbelt.
• 7 individuals faced sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• 44 individuals were fined for improper mobile phone use while driving.

Other notable offenses included:

• 54 measures issued for improper overtaking.
• 60 measures for unlawful stopping and parking, including four violations involving parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities.

As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape global priorities, some nations have ramped up their defense spending. Among the most powerful military forces globally, the United States, Russia, and China remain dominant. Meanwhile, within Croatia's regional neighborhood, Italy boasts the strongest military presence, whereas Kosovo ranks the weakest, reports Forbes.

The Global Fire Power website recently published its 2025 rankings of the world's most powerful militaries. Covering 145 out of 195 nations, the list assigns each country a Power Index score derived from 60 individual factors. Leading the pack is the United States, followed by Russia, China, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy.

Croatia's Military Ranking and Regional Context

Croatia holds the 74th position globally, placing it second among former Yugoslav states after Serbia, which ranks 63rd. Other neighboring countries include Slovenia (96th), North Macedonia (112th), Montenegro (127th), Bosnia and Herzegovina (132nd), and Kosovo (141st). Notably, NATO membership unites several countries in the region, including Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

Among Croatia's closest neighbors, Italy leads at 10th place, followed by Hungary (55th), Austria (68th), and Albania (78th).

Croatia's Military Capabilities

In the realm of airpower, Croatia ranks 79th, with a fleet of 67 aircraft, 50 of which are operational. This includes eight combat aircraft, 28 helicopters, and 21 trainer planes. On land, Croatia operates 45 tanks (36 combat-ready), 42 rocket artillery systems (34 operational), 25 self-propelled artillery units (20 operational), and 42 towed artillery units (34 operational). The country also boasts 2,848 military vehicles, with 2,278 in active service.

Regarding naval capabilities, Croatia ranks 59th with 30 vessels, including 10 patrol boats.

According to the eVisitor system, nearly 800 guests spent the weekend in Dubrovnik, marking a 22% increase compared to the same period last year.

The largest groups of visitors came from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States, China, and Montenegro.

Since the beginning of the year, Dubrovnik has recorded 5,800 arrivals and 18,000 overnight stays, representing a 19% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

"We are pleased to inform you that the planned opening date for Lokrum Island for visitors is February 1, 2025, weather permitting", writes the Lokrum Reserve, sharing wonderful news that will delight all fans of the city's green oasis.

Transportation to the island will be provided by the boat Argosy, which has a capacity of 63 passengers. Until April 1, 2025, the boat will operate on weekends, Saturdays, and Sundays, following a schedule that will be announced in advance on the official website.

Special Offer: During the first weekend and on the Festivities of St. Blaise, February 1, 2, and 3, 2025, transportation to the island will be free for all visitors!

Ticket issuance and renewal of passes will be available from January 27 to February 3, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Luža sales point (with a valid ID). Starting February 5, the ticket office will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Dubrovnik Museums will host the presentation of the new publication "Stećci and Other Late Medieval Tombstones in the Konavle Region" on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Rector's Palace.

The book, authored by Dr. Domagoj Perkić, senior curator and head of the Archaeological Museum, explores late medieval tombstones in the modern-day municipality of Konavle. It provides essential insights into stećci (medieval tombstones) and other late medieval funerary monuments, with a focus on a topographical overview of the sites and a catalog of decorated examples. The work primarily covers the late medieval period, from the 13th to 15th centuries, a time of significant development in the culture of stećci in this area.

The publication is a continuation of a previous work that examined late medieval tombstones in the Dubrovacka Primorje and the western part of Dubrovnik. Along with the author, Dr. Perkić, the presentation will feature Dr. Ivan Alduk from the Ministry of Culture and Media and Dr. Marija Šiša-Vivek, Director of Dubrovnik Museums.

Two years after Croatia adopted the euro as its official currency, citizens are still holding onto 4.3 billion kuna—3.1 billion in banknotes and 1.2 billion in coins. Despite the currency change, kuna can still be exchanged for euros at the Croatian National Bank (HNB) in Zagreb or by mail.

To date, 85% of banknotes, or 470 million pieces, have been returned, but only 27% of coins—819 million—have been exchanged. This leaves 2.18 billion kuna coins still sitting in Croatian homes.

Around 200 people visit the HNB office daily to convert their leftover kuna. "I found a few hundred kuna months ago and decided to exchange them while I’m in Zagreb," said a visitor from Germany to HRT. 

Collected banknotes are shredded and recycled into new paper in an eco-friendly process, while unexchanged coins, which can be returned until the end of 2025, will eventually be sold as scrap metal.