Friday, 14 February 2025
Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.

Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com

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.

As her term comes to an end, U.S. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes took to social media platform X to express her heartfelt farewell to Croatia. In a poignant message, she reflected on her time in the country and the connections forged during her tenure.

“Croatia, this is not goodbye, but rather – see you later. In my final message here, I thank you for the warm welcome and unforgettable moments we shared. Together, we strengthened the bond between our nations. I will always cherish the time spent here,” wrote Rayes.

During her time as ambassador, Rayes worked to deepen diplomatic ties between the United States and Croatia, fostering collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange. Her departure marks the end of a chapter filled with shared milestones and mutual respect between the two nations.

Her message resonated with many in Croatia, who have appreciated her dedication and enthusiasm. The ambassador's warm words left no doubt about the lasting impression her time in Croatia has made on her personally and professionally.

As Rayes prepares for her next chapter, her farewell echoes a sentiment of optimism and continued friendship between the two nations. Her parting words, “This is not goodbye, but see you later,” reflect the enduring connection she feels with Croatia and its people.

 

2025 has barely begun, and already it feels like the universe has taken a personal vendetta against the Thomas household.

They say bad things come in threes, so I’m praying this trifecta of misfortune is the year’s quota, all crammed into the first week. And let me assure you, the “Rule of Three” is not a comforting adage when you’re living it.

It all started innocently enough, with my wife’s car refusing to start.

Fair play, it’s not exactly a showroom model—more like a veteran of the roads with scars to prove it. A quick call to our local tow truck service and off it went, sulking to the garage. Little did I know that the tow truck and I were about to become far too well-acquainted.

Being the dutiful husband, I lent my car to Mrs. Thomas so she could continue her daily routines.

Bad idea.

No sooner had she driven a few miles than the clutch decided it was time to give up on life. Cue the same tow truck—I’m fairly sure the driver’s greeting had a tone of, “Oh, it’s you again.” Now, two cars down and no apparent guardian angel in sight, we were officially stranded.

Saved by a nephew who lent us his car we were mobile again.

The wife’s car, after a week of scavenger hunts for parts, was eventually brought back to life by our heroic local mechanic. Again it was a friend who saved us with the car parts, whoever said it’s not what you know, but who you know hit the nail on the head.

My car, however, remains in automotive purgatory, awaiting its resurrection.

But wait, there’s more.

Bad luck rarely misses an opportunity to add a dramatic twist, does it? Enter the third act (and yes, it also involves a car): the near-disaster.

Mrs. Thomas, out walking our two dogs, spotted a speeding car doing its best impression of a runaway roller coaster. Sensing imminent doom, she leapt to safety but landed on a patch of seaweed. Down she went, head-first. The scene, I imagine, was part slapstick comedy, part horror film.

The dogs were unharmed, in case you’re wondering, though their judgmental stares likely didn’t help.

The result? A trip to the ER, scans for her head and ribs, and a diagnosis of a mild concussion.

You remember those Tom and Jerry cartoons when Tom got hit on the head and a bruise would grow like volcano on his head? Well, that was what she looked like when I picked her up. She now resembles someone who picked a fight with Mike Tyson and lost badly.

On the bright side, she’s conscious, her sense of humour remains intact, and she’s discovered that ice packs are her new best friends. On the not-so-bright side, the Thomas household is one clumsy accident away from being featured in a Netflix documentary about cursed families.

Another friend, this time a neighbour, came to the rescue and brought her soup, tea and lunch for two days – along with another ice pack. As for me, I’ve spent much of this week reflecting on the absurdity of it all. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes all you can do is laugh—preferably after you’ve checked for concussions and called the tow truck.

So, what’s the takeaway from this tale of woe?

For starters, I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories. Like the fact that our dogs, oblivious to the drama, have continued their walks with unshakable enthusiasm. Or that Mrs. Thomas, despite her bruises, has managed to retain her sharp wit and indomitable spirit.

And let’s not forget the invaluable lesson that seaweed and speed are a dangerous combination. As for the Rule of Three, I’m cautiously optimistic that our streak of bad luck has run its course. After all, statistically speaking, things should only improve from here. And if not, well, I’ve got the tow truck driver’s number on speed dial.

Here’s to 2025, a year that has already proven itself to be memorable—though not quite in the way we’d hoped. If nothing else, it’s given me a story to tell, a few laughs to share, and a renewed appreciation for life’s unpredictability. Cheers to that!

Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to

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About the author

Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik

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