VISITING NATURE RESERVE HUTOVO BLATO IN A GREEN AND BLACK WINTER STYLING

Hello readers and fellow bloggers. Today I'm taking you with me on a winter walk through Hutovo blato, and let me warn you in advance, this post is going to be picture heavy. We visited Hutovo blato about a month ago on a sunny but mildly windy winter day.  Needless to say, I really enjoyed our visit. The start of the year was pretty rough for me, as it was for most people, one way or another. We seem to be living in rough times, and while every time has its challenges, I feel like we're living in difficult times. Unless I'm mistaken, this is one of those challenging periods for humankind.  There are days when I feel like there's too much collective burden on all of us. All the more reason to take a moment to breathe- and what is a better place for that than Hutovo blato? Honestly, one of my favourite places in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Hutovo blato. I consider it to be the hidden gem of Europe. So, let's talk about Hutovo blato (literally translated it would mean Hut's mood). I mean if you're a regular reader of my blog, you might remember this place because I blogged about it so many times. However, I never get bored writing about Hutovo blato, so here we go again. Besides, what is the point of living in such a beautiful country if I'm not going to at least try and share its amazing beauty with you? 

What is Hutovo blato?  Is it a nature reserve? Is it a wetland? Is it a bird reserve? Is it all these things mentioned? It's all!  Hutovo blato is a nature reserve, one of Europe's most important wetlands, spanning over 4, 11 kilometers, it is also a home to a great number of birds. How many birds exactly? In the migration season, tens of thousands of birds can be found there! Hutovo blato is a home to about 240 migratory bird species!  If you love birds, this is the place to be. If you love nature and greenary, open spaces surrounded by mountains,  and stunning marshlands, then look no further. Here is a perfect weekend destination for you. It's open to all visitors, there's no fee or anything. 

HUTOVO BLATO IS ONLY 15 KILOMETRES AWAY FROM THE ADRIATIC SEA!

Whenever I visited Hutovo blato, I had this feeling that I could smell the Adriatic sea. I thought it was only in my head, but it actually wasn't.  Adriatic sea and Hutovo blato have a special connection, as do Neretva and the Adriatic sea. 

Adriatic sea is quite close to Hutovo blato, as Hutovo Blato is very close to the border with Croatia, only ten minutes of drive or so. So, if you're visiting Croatia, consider visiting this gem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

When I blogged about Hutovo blato in the past, I described it as a nature park because that is what it legally was, and it's still in the same legal category just now it's referred to as nature reserve. In fact, when you check the English article about nature parks of Wikipedia, you can find the picture of Hutovo Blato listed as an example. That article is still there, but Hutovo blato wikipedia page now describes it as a nature reserve rather than a nature park. From a legal point of view, it's the same category of protection, but natural reserve is often defined as more protected than nature park. I hope it makes sense. 

Hutovo blato is currently protected under IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)

As I wrote back then in this post - National Park and Nature Park are terms that are sometimes incorrectly used as synonyms, for there is a difference between them.  National park is defined as category II type of protection areas. Nature park is also a protected area, but it falls under III or IV type of protected areas. A Nature Park typically involves long term protection planning and protection, but the laws governing National Parks tend to even more strict.

Have things changed for Hutovo Blato and has  moved on the protected list ? I think there are efforts to protect it more, and that's certainly great. It's still a type III protected area, but it seems that it is, if not legally speaking, then semantically more strictly protected. It's not yet a National Park, so it's not the strictest category, but it seems to have moved up on the list somewhat. 

What exactly is a nature reserve?  Well, it's similar to a nature park, but more strictly protected. 

A more detailed definition, according to Wikipedia: 

A nature reserve (also known as a wildlife refuge, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or bioreserve, natural or nature preserve, or nature conservation area) is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, funga, or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for purposes of conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research. They may be designated by government institutions in some countries, or by private landowners, such as charities and research institutions. Nature reserves fall into different IUCN categories depending on the level of protection afforded by local laws. Normally it is more strictly protected than a nature park. Various jurisdictions may use other terminology, such as ecological protection area or private protected area in legislation and in official titles of the reserves.

Hutovo Blato is a nature reserve and bird reserve located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is primarily composed of marshlands that were created by the underground aquifer system of the Krupa River. It is fed from the limestone massif of Ostrvo that divides the Deransko Lake and Svitavsko Lake.^[3]

 The reserve is on the list of BirdLife International's Important Bird Areas. It is the largest reserve of its kind in the region, in terms of both size and diversity. It is home to over 240 types of migratory birds and dozens that make their permanent home in the sub-Mediterranean wetlands surrounding Deransko Lake. In the migration season, tens of thousands of birds fill the lake and its surroundings.

What are some of the birds we saw? Over the years, we saw a great number of birds.  I'll copy the list of birds and just write the ones I have seen. I didn't keep a written record or anything like that, but I always enjoyed seeing them. It always felt like a wonderful addition to our visit to Hutovo blato.

 I sometimes wonder if birds have gotten to know us by now, since we have been coming for years. There's a lot of research that confirms that birds identify and remember faces. Once they identify you as a friend, they are a lot more comfortable around you. I've witnessed this myself a lot of times. I'd say that the birds of Hutovo blato seem pretty comfortable with us. I typically a distance with them, as they are wild birds. When it comes to some city birds in Mostar, they're almost like pets, but these birds are wild life, and should not be fed, touched or provoked in any way.

Now, I'm not a proper bird watcher, I don't have any bird-watching equipment or anything like that, but as a painter I have a pretty good visual memory, and if I saw a bird, I'll remember it. 

Some birds from this list are pretty common in Europe, so you probably saw them too. Some are a little less common, so you can follow the link to wikipedia to find out what bird it is.

• Little grebe- I saw it many, many times. It's a cute little bird, somewhat shy, but also calm. It never seemed afraid of us, but also it never came close to us or anything like that.The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as dabchick, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The genus name is from Ancient Greek takhus "fast" and bapto "to sink under". The specific ruficollis is from Latin rufus "red" and Modern Latin -collis, "-necked", itself derived from Latin collum "neck".
• Great crested grebe- I saw it only once if I remember correctly, and that from a distance. 
• Great cormorant- I think I saw it once or twice. It's quite a large bird, and a very impressive sight to behold. 
• Pygmy cormorant- I have also seen its smaller relative in Hutovo blato. 
• Little egret- This is one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen in person. It's so elegant and poised. With its perfectly white feathers, and its slender body, it seems almost like an apparition. 
• Grey heron- I've seen the purple herons in Hutovo blato, but not the grey heron. At least, not yet.
• Purple heron- As I said, I have seen the purple one, and it's magnificent. 
• Gadwall- I've seen a lot of ducks in Hutovo blato, but I don't think I saw this exact one, but since the female of gadwall is so similar to female of mallar, I cannot tell with certainty. What I can say for certain is that I haven't seen a male gadwall, just hundreds of mallard ones.  
• Mallard- You can find mallards all over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is crowded with them! I love them, they are such friendly and sociable ducks. They always try to get food from us in Mostar. Although, I never fed those in Hutovo blato since it's protected area and all. The mallard ducks in Mostar are almost pets to most people by this point, so I guess it's ok to feed them. 
• Garganey- I'm not sure have I seen this one, I don't think I did. 
• Short-toed eagle- I have seen this eagle on our latest visit. It was a lovely surprise as we weren't even trying to spot animals. 
• Western marsh harrier- I might have seen this one from the distance, but I cannot be positive. 
• Common buzzard - I'm pretty sure I saw a common buzzard once or twice. 
• Eurasian coot- I have seen this lovely black bird. It's very pretty!
• Ruff- I haven't seen any ruffs in Hutovo blato.
• Wood sandpiper- I have seen wood sandpiper a dozen of times. 
• Black-headed gull- I haven't seen the black-headed gull there, but I spotted it on other locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
• Caspian gull- I've seen the Caspial gull on almost every visit to Hutovo blato. These guys are always around.
• Alpine swift - I haven't seen the alpine swift. 
• Barn swallow-  I can't recall have I seen the barn swallow there, but I often see them in Mostar. 
• White wagtail- I've seen the white wagtail often. It's a common bird in the area.
• Common nightingale- I don't recall seeing the common nightingale. 
• Cetti's warbler- I haven't seen this little guy. 
• Eastern subalpine warbler- I think I have seen these little guys, but I'm not 100 percent certain. 
• Blackcap- I'm positive I haven't seen the blackcaps yet. 
• Long-tailed tit - I haven't spotted this one either. 
• Eurasian penduline tit - I haven't seen it yet.
• Hooded crow- Of course I saw the hooded crow, the House sparrow, the Common chaffinch, European serin, and possibly also Cirl bunting and Corn bunting. 

I visit Hutovo Blato pretty often, but still the fact that I have or haven't seen some bird doesn't mean anything. I have never went there specifically with bird-watching in mind, but as I said, I always felt blessed when I would encounter these beautiful wild birds (and any wild life for that matter). 

LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT VEGETATION OF HUTOVO BLATO NATURE PARK AND RESERVE

As this poster stresses, vegetation of Hutovo blato is also impressive. There are over 700 species. Now, I must admit I'm not a botanist, so I couldn't talk about any of them in detail, but I do enjoy seeing all the flowers, especially the ones from the lotus family. 

WHAT WERE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BIRDS AND PLANTS I HAVE SEEN IN HUTOVO BLATO? 

I would have to say that purple heron was one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. It's also not the kind of bird you can see just anywhere. Seeing it in this national park was an experience I will treasure. Little egret comes second, it's a gorgeous white bird that has this almost dreamy quality to it. If you want to know more about these two birds, look them up online. They both have fascinating histories and live all over the world. Isn't it fascinating how birds connect us? Especially migratory birds!

When it comes to the most beautiful plants I have ever seen, I'd just say the white lotus flowers I've seen there. I've always loved lotus flowers, and I don't get to see them a lot.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HUTOVO BLATO WETLAND!

One of the most interesting things about Hutovo blato is that the water found there is crystal clear. This is not something you would expect in a marsh, but the water in Hutovo blato is cold and crystal clear. Not all the marshes are the same, and taking in consideration the area it is located in, it makes sense. 

Hutovo blato is a Mediterranean wetland, so you can expect to enjoy the benefits of Mediterranean climate.

In the summer, this water in the marsh is not exactly cold anymore, but it still remains pretty clear. Some people enjoy swimming in Hutovo blato in the summer. 

HUTOVO BLATO IS A  TYPICAL WETLAND IN THE SENSE THAT IT IS A CENTRE OF BIODIVERSITY

Some things are true for all wetlands. They are all precious in a number of ways, mainly as centres of biodiversity. Wetlands are very valuable in preserving and aiding species and whole ecosystems. Marshes provide habitats for both flora and fauna, animals and plants. They are also natural reservours of water. All wetlands are precious and we should protect them!

What makes Hutovo Blato even more precious is that it is home to some many animal and plant species! By protecting Hutovo blato, we protect not only those animals and plants, but also our future. 

As you can see, there's an educational trail in Hutovo blato. You can walk on the educational trail and do some reading. I think this is wonderful. While it's true that you can find all this information online, it's nice to see it printed, isn't it? Sometimes we need to rest our eyes from the screen. 

I'm always glad when I see that something new has been added to this natural reserve. I hope even more walking and perhaps even cycling paths will be established, so more people can walk here and enjoy the nature for itself.

Of course, I hope this nature reserve never faces the issue of having too many tourists. At present, it doesn't seem to be the problem. When I visited, I would sometimes see groups, but I don't think I've ever seen more than fifty people in total. Usually, smaller groups visit Hutovo blato. I haven't encountered any crowds. 

What is the best time to visit Hutovo blato? In some of my older posts, I suggested Summer. However, I'm not so sure anymore. I think it really comes down to personal preferences. I think that for a lot of Europeans, Summer might feel too hot. Summer has  the advantage of offering boat rides, something I recommend as the best way to experience this park- but it comes with extremely high temperatures. 

If you want to experience hiking this park, maybe Summer isn't the best time. If you do visit in Summer, you can always wear a big hat and opt for a boat ride where the breeze will ease some of the hotness of the day. You can also opt to visit in early and late hours to avoid the heat. 

If you visit in Winter, you'll be able to hike and cycle all you want without worrying about overheating. Spring and Autumn are a good option for hiking as well, albeit it could still be quite warm in Spring and Autumn. I mean every season has its perks. I truly believe Hutovo blato is magical in every season, just magical in different ways, if you know what I mean. 

WHY SPENDING TIME IN NATURE IS SO IMPORTANT? 

We all always talk about how important nature is, but sometimes we forget to set time aside to actually spend time in the nature. Life is often busy and stressful, at some times more so.

Perhaps that touch with the nature is something we really need. To remember why nature matters and how. To remember we're still a part of it. 

I think it can realistically be said we're living in difficult times. I mean between the wars, the economical uncertainty and the insanity of the media and informational overload, times are hard. 

Everyone struggles in some way. I struggle with my health. For the past few months, I've struggled a lot and I think I might continue to struggle for quite a while. 

It doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for all I have in my life, but I do get discouraged and overwhelmed at times. If there was for nothing else but the fever that persists for months without the end, I'd probably feel overwhelmed. 

Work seems never-ending. I work full time and then some freelance and I'm doing interviews looking for better opportunities. I have this pressure (that everyone who lives has in some degree) to pretend you're doing better than you're are. The truth is that we're all struggling- in some ways. 

A walk in the nature doesn't necessarily cure all problems, but sometimes it helps to have that moment to breathe. We have them so seldom these days that we forget we can make time for them. There are still options, no matter how busy life gets. If you're working overtime, you still have the option of going for a walk once a week or at least once a month. You have the option of taking fifteen minutes to just breathe and be, instead of scrolling for information that doesn't even interest you. 

There are always options in life. Often the options are not ideal, but we have to do with what we have, and be grateful for those moments of peace we manage to find. Cherish them. Often a little gratitude breeds more gratitude. 

Spending time in nature is important for many reasons. I don't have to write them all. Most of us know them, but still sometimes we forget and need to be reminded of all the benefits. According to Mental Health site, spending time in nature: 

" Nature is an important need for many and vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy.

Regarding mental health benefits, nature has a very wide definition. It can mean green spaces like parks, woodland or forests and blue spaces like rivers, wetlands, beaches or canals. It also includes trees on an urban street, private gardens, verges and even indoor plants or window boxes. Surprisingly, even watching nature documentaries is good for our mental health. This is great news as it means the mental health benefits of nature can be made available to nearly every one of us, no matter where we live......

Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. “Fresh air and exercise” have long been recommended as a way for many to feel better, physically and mentally. 

Now evidence shows us that the quality of our relationship with nature is part of the reason for its positive impact on our wellbeing. Researchers use the term “connectedness” to describe the ideal relationship.

 Connectedness refers to the way we relate to nature and experience nature. A strong connection with nature means feeling a close relationship or an emotional attachment to our natural surroundings. 

There are ways that we can develop our connectedness with nature. Activities that involve the senses can help to develop our connection with the natural world, as can activities where we feel emotions such as compassion, perceive beauty or find meaning in nature.

For instance, we might notice the beauty of nature by listening intently to birdsong or touching the bark of trees. Smelling flowers or feeling the soil between our fingers whilst planting bulbs in the garden are also highly sensual ways to connect with nature.

 We don’t always have to be in nature to further our relationship with the natural world: writing a poem about our favourite nature spot or reflecting on preferred walks helps us consciously notice, consider and pause to appreciate the good things in nature. 

People with good nature connectedness tend to be happier. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. 

Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety. Perhaps not surprisingly, people with strong nature connectedness are likelier to have pro-environmental behaviours such as recycling items or buying seasonal food. This is likely to lead to further benefits if these pro-environmental activities can lead to natural improvements that we can then go on to enjoy. 

At a time of devastating environmental threats, developing a stronger, mutually supportive relationship between people and the environment will be critical. 

Green and serene. We benefit from “high quality” nature spaces.

“High quality” natural spaces are better for us and our wellbeing. Quality can mean higher biodiversity (a wide variety of plants and wildlife). Specific characteristics of nature are particularly important in rural or urban spaces. These include the amount of “green” in trees, plants, and grass, the variety of plants and wildlife, and “serene” landscapes that feel calm and quiet. Cleanliness, such as the absence of litter, in natural spaces is also a factor in how much our mental health benefits from spending time outside. Cleaner nature areas are linked to lower rates of depression."

......

I have written about how I believe hiking or spending time in nature can be beneficial a number of times on my blog, and it seems there's some proper data to back my personal views.  Anyway, I haven't written anything revolutionary in any of my post promoting time spend in nature. I think most of us know that spending time in nature is beneficial for us.

Thinking about all that, I realize there's a lot to be grateful for in this sense. We're often closer to nature than we realize. Hiking in nature doesn't require any investment. All it requires is a small time investment. If you're really far away from any nature, you can always recreate the experience in a local park. 

Realistically, most people have access to nature some way or another. It's just that we don't prioritize it.

Personally, I have had wonderful experience hiking and spending time in nature all my life. However, there were times in my life when I sort of forgot about it. Now, I try to make time for it, even when I'm not feeling well. 

I'm grateful for living in a place where I have access to many high quality nature areas. 

Instead of feeling resentment towards the fact that I have to work long hours, I should perhaps feel more grateful for the fact I have always had accesses to quality nature.

While I lived in cities most of my life, there were almost cities in immediate vicinity to nature and connected to nature. Sometimes even as little as ten minutes spent in nature can make a difference. It doesn't always have to be a whole day.

I was blessed to live in a number of beautiful cities and villages, gorgeous countries and places. I have had that contact with nature ever since I was a little child, and for that I'm truly grateful.

I think in a way, I have always been aware of the fact that I live in a beautiful area. As I grew older, I realized the potential of that beauty all the more, but it I was always aware of it. Perhaps sometimes I wasn't as grateful as I could have been, but I cannot say that I didn't noticed the beauty of nature I grow up with. 

There's so much amazing nature in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hutovo blato is a great example of that. Regular readers of my blog know that I'm from Croatia, but for years Bosnia and Herzegovina has also been my home. I've lived in both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for years now. At the moment, I spend the majority of my time in Herzegovina, but that doesn't mean that I won't spend more time in Croatia soon. As a citizen of both countries, I often work and live in both of them. One of the things these two countries have in common is absolutely stunning nature. Maybe that is why I love Hutovo blato so much. It is located near the border to Croatia, so in a way, it makes me think of home. It almost feels like a hidden magical place. A hidden garden, a hidden wetland, situated in between lakes, hills and mountains. A green oasis between mountains, rivers, lakes and greenery. 

THERE'S ALSO AN UNDERWATER DESILO SITE IN HUTOVO BLATO

Back in 2008, archeologist from Mostar and Sweden discovered remains of a more than two thousand years old Illyrian tradition in Hutovo blato. 

Cited from wikipedia: " After intense excavations in the area of Hutovo Blato in the autumn of 2008, archaeologists from the University of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the University of Lund (Sweden) found the very first traces of an Illyrian trading post, thought to be more than two thousand years old. The find is unique in a European perspective and the archaeologists have concluded that Desilo, as the location is called, was an important trading post and a site of significant contact between the Illyrians and the Romans. Surprisingly large finds have been made in a short period of time. The archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a settlement, the remains of a harbour that probably functioned as a trading post, as well as many sunken boats, fully laden with wine pitchers – so-called amphorae – from the 1st century BC.^[12] The archaeologist Adam Lindhagen, who holds a PhD from the University of Lund and has specialised in Roman wine amphorae, says that this is the most important find of all time from the Illyrian areas.^[13][14]"

As a history nerd, I also have to write a few words about Desilo. I wrote about ancient Romans and Illyrians many times on my blog. There are many Illyrian and Roman ruins where I grow up, so I've always been fascinated by their cultures.

Illyrian population in these areas precedes the arrival of Slavic tribes, and it was actually discovered that we present day Slavs of this area have some Illyrian blood. The assimilation of Illyrians into Slavic tribes is now believed to be a peaceful one, as recent genetical studies show. While Illyrian ethnic identity and culture wasn't completely preserved due to them being assimilated into ethnic groups larger than their own such as Slavs and Albanians, their genetical code is nevertheless preserved and they in a matter of speaking still leave in all of us living on the areas of ancient Illyrian provinces. 

Anyway, let's talk about Desilo, this Illyrian underwater archeological site. In a nutshell, what is so significant about discovery of this ancient Illyrian site is that it suggests peaceful interaction between ancient Romans and Illyrians living in the area. 

INFORMATION ABOUT DESILO FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE: 

Desilo is an underwater archaeological site in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, located near the Neretva (or Narenta) river and the Croatian border. 

The site was first discovered in the late 20th century, but Desilo's history can be traced as far back as ancient times. 

Investigations by  University of Mostar archaeological team in 2007 uncovered many sunken boats at the bottom of the small lake in Desilo valley. 

The archaeologists believe these boats to be Illyrian ships, dating back to the first and second centuries B.C. Further excavations in 2008 by University of Oslo archaeologists found evidence suggesting that Desilo was an Illyrian trading post. These archaeological findings are significant because they are the first known discovery of Illyrian ships. Additionally, Desilo functioning as a trading centre suggests there were peaceful interactions between the Illyrians and the Romans.

The underwater archaeological site of Desilo was first discovered and recorded officially in 1972.^[1] It resides 20 kilometers from the coast of the Neretva river.^[2] In the era of ancient Bosnia and Herzegovina, Neretva was home to the ancient Illyrian tribes Ardiaei^[3] and Daorsi (or Daversi).^{[4][5][6][7][8]} 

Desilo is located near multiple land traffic passageways in the direction of Daorsi capital Daorson, as well as the Roman colony Narona.^[2] Today, Desilo lay within Hutovo Blato, a nature park on the Neretva river.^[9] Archaeological research in 2007 and 2008 provided archaeologists and historians with information about Desilo's function and significance in ancient times.

In March of 2007, Professor Snjezana Vasilj of the University of Mostar and her archaeological team found 16 Illyrian boats more than 6 metres under the water level in Desilo.^[2] This discovery is the first of its kind: Illyrian ships had previously only been known to historians through Greek and Roman myths.^[10] The ships were covered with fragments of amphorae, Roman pitchers for holding wine.^[11] From the boat discoveries, Vasilj and her archaeological team concluded that Romans had sunk the ships in retaliation of an Illyrian pirate attack.^[2][12]

Archaeologists Marina Prusac and Adam Lindhagen of the University of Oslo did not completely agree with the interpretation of Professor Vasilj's archaeological team.^[2] They said that Desilo's proximity to the Roman colony of Narona as well as its location at the innermost point of a bay made the site an unlikely area for pirate activities to occur. Rather, they thought Desilo's location suggested that the site functioned as a trading centre.^[2]

 In the fall of 2008, Prusac and Lindhagen's archaeological team conducted the third known underwater research of the Desilo site.^[1] 

From their findings of additional sunken ships and pieces of amphorae from the 1st century B.C., the remains of a harbour, and the ruins of an Illyrian settlement, the archaeologists concluded that Desilo was a trading post and served as an important point of contact between the ancient Illyrians and Romans.^[2][13][14]

Lindhagen and Prusac discovered the remains of a harbour buried in the river bed. 

A polygonal wall 20 metres in length and 60 centimetres in width appeared solidly built. The wall had a row of mooring holes along its width. A second wall found underneath the mud in the river bed appeared not as solidly built. The archaeologists thought that the harbour operated as a trading post, with the stable wall likely functioning as a quay and the second wall as a dam.^[2] They also found many pieces of pottery among the remains of the harbour, which they said indicates that this was a major trading post.^[2]

Prusac and Lindhagen found an Illyrian settlement about a hundred metres from the harbour site. Archaeologists Jo-Simon Frøshaug Stokke, Lene Os Johannessen and Ole Christian Aslaksen also discovered terrace formations in the mountainside of the valley, which they said suggest that a settlement existed for at least several hundred years before any trade occurred between the Illyrians and the Romans.^[2] Anchor parts, lance tips and fibula, and metal buckles for fastening clothes were also found near the settlement, as well as graves that predate any of the other findings.^[2]

Lindhagen has said that the discovery at Desilo is the most important find of all time from the Illyrian areas, and that there is still much more to be discovered at the site.^[2][15][16]

Prusac and Lindhagen's findings suggesting that Desilo was a trading centre between the Illyrians and Romans reveals peaceful connections between the two groups. Prior to this discovery, descriptions of Illyrians focused on their warlike behavior and terse relations with the Romans and Greeks.^[17] Prusac said that revealing peaceful relations between the Illyrians and Romans demonstrates that the Illyrians had grown over time in their cultural contact with other nations.^[2]

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ABOUT DESILO,  AN IMPORTANT UNDERWATER ACHEOLOGICAL SITE

There is a lot more I could cite and write about this archeological site and its significance, but I'll stop myself and just summarize (from what I read) the three most important points from my perspective: 

- LOCATED IN HUTOVO BLATO, this underwater site suggests contact between ancient Romans and Illyrians and also proves there were differences between Illyrian tribes, 

- IT IS THE FIRST EVER DISCOVERY OF ILLYRIAN SHIPS, that were previously only known to us through Roman and Greek myths, 

- IT IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT FIND SO FAR IN ILLYRIAN AREAS, and it yet has to be fully researched! 

MY PREVIOUS  (YEARLY) VISITS TO WETLAND NATURE PARK HUTOVO BLATO- 18 more blog posts and links to explore about Hutovo blato. 

1) 2024- A WINTER VISIT TO HUTOVO BLATO!

2) VISIT WETLAND HUTOVO BLATO WITH ME! (modaodaradosti.blogspot.com) 2022

3) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2021/06/visit-hutovo-blato-wetland-nature-park.html- this was A SUMMER VISIT TO NATURE PARK HUTOVO BLATO . There you can find tips on what to do in this nature park as well as some nice photography. Bellow are links to more visits:

4) NATURE PARK HUTOVO BLATO AUGUST (SUMMER) 2020 

5) HUTOVO BLATO (SUMMER) 2019

6) LET'S VISIT HUTOVO BLATO, JANUARY (WINTER) 2018 

MORE OLDER VISITS AND  LINKS BELLOW: 

7) here and 8) here (Winter 2017) 

9) here  and 10) here (Autumn 2017)

11) here (Summer 2016)

12)  here (Spring 2015)

 13) here  and 14)  here (Summer 2015)

 15) here (Summer 2013) and 16) here (Winter 2013)

17) here (photographs taken during Summer 2012 but published during Winter 2013)

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NATURE PARKS IN THE AREA, DON'T FORGET TO VISIT 18) MY POST ABOUT PROTECTED AREAS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA! 

One thing that I love about blogging is that it makes me a learner. Often when I visit some place, I want to research it and read about it. I try to make my posts informative and in order to that I must gather information myself. This often means that I get to learn things, too.

Perhaps it comes from years of working as a teacher, this desire to both share and gather knowledge. Perhaps it's a way of loving something more- wanting to know more about it. As every visit to Hutovo blato makes me realize something new about its beauty, so does reading about it. 

I knew about some of this archeological information prior to composing this post, but some of it was honestly new to me!

Sustainable travel can be about finding beauty in your own surroundings!

You don't have to venture far to find beauty. Sometimes it's right around your corner. 

Not to mention that travelling and exploring is often a state of mind. 

If you don't appreciate the things you have right in front of you, how you will appreciate those in far away place?

Not saying that there's anything wrong with travelling to distant locations. Of course, that can be an enriching experience in many ways. I'm just saying that you can enjoy exploring your own country as well. 

Being a tourist in your own area can be such an educational and wonderful experience. There's still so much hidden mystery and knowledge to uncover. 

We seem to be overloaded with information these days, but a lot of information online is just copy and paste sort of thing.

That is why you should not be afraid of doing your own research.

Explore the area you live in. Read about it. Visit museums. Read books, articles and consult resources you can find. 

Visiting different places can make us appreciate them more, but as tourists we need to be respectable. 

Always respect the culture of the place you explore. Always strive to learn more. 

A lot of people complain that weren't given the authentic experience, but they invested no effort into finding that authentic experience. 

Mass tourism might be for some, but it's definitely not for me. I love these kind of quiet and affordable solitary explorations. 

I'm always surprised when some people don't visit any sights in their own country, just because  they will always be there. While that might be true, you might not always be there to see them. So, make some time for seeing the things you want in your country. 

Often it is said how mass tourism hurts everyone in the long run, and while that's true, what worries me is how it hurts our minds. Blind consumerism in any shape or form is bad for our mental well being and productivity. We need to be more mindful of how we live our lives. We were not made to blindly consume and acquire things and experience. 

We all have our paths to follow. I feel like we forget that, especially with the time of social media, where the humankind seems to turn into a single empty consumerist machine. 

 If we're all visiting the places everyone is visiting in the way everyone is, if we're wearing clothes everyone is wearing in the way everyone is doing- how are we supposed to learn how to use our hands and heads?

Mental pollution is a problem as well. We speak about the pollution caused by the travel and fashion, and ways to be more sustainable, but mental pollution is a problem as well. 

Trying to find one size fits all never brings any results. The world is too complex for that. We have to learn or relearn to use our heads. 

THE STORY OF MY OUTFIT- HOW I WORE THESE ITEMS BEFORE? 

Rewearing our clothes and revisiting places is a good way to keep that consumerist mentality away. Being grateful for what we have, taking good care of the items we have- that's a way to be sustainable as well. One of the ways to be more sustainable is aiming to maximizing all items in our wardrobe. The less waste, the better. I'm always writing about why we should shop our closets, and while I might be getting repetitive, I do believe in it. 

There are actually two new items in my outfits. The first is this green knit maxi dress I picked up in New Yorker, a rare impulse purchase, and the second is this pair of leather boots I bought in a Retro store in Mostar. The other items in this outfit are all old, like this beanie from my husband, this oversized tartan scarf, and the leather jacket from my husband. So, let's get to linking up these items. 

 35 WAYS TO WEAR A VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER JACKET

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #1: WITH JEANS, DIY PAINTED TOP, A FRINGED BAG AND POINTY BOOTS / OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #2: WITH A DENIM SKIRT, BACKPACK AND BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #3: WITH A PATTERN SKIRT, A YELLOW BAG AND AN OVERSIZE SCARF /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #4: WITH A YELLOW TARTAN SKIRT, FAUX FUR STOLE AND BIKER BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #5: WITH A LONG CARDI, A TARTAN SKIRT AND HEELED BOOTS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #6: WITH A SWEATER DRESS, VINTAGE BAG AND WEDGE BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #7: WITH A FLORAL DRESS, LEATHER BAG, AN UMBERELLA AND BROWN BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #8: WITH A PATTERN SKIRT, CROSS OVER BAG AND BLACK HEELED BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #9 : WITH A GREY DRESS AND CAMEL BOOTS /OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #10 : WITH A STRIPED SWEATER, A GREEN DRESS AND PINK HEELS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #11: WITH A PRINTED SKIRT AND MARY JANE HEELS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #13: WITH A BLUE DRESS AND SNEAKERS

OUTFIT NUMBER #14 : WORN WITH A SKIRT, A BIG HAT AND DOC MARTENS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #15: WORN WITH A PATTERN SKIRT A LEOPARD BAG

OUTFIT NUMBER #16 : SPORTY VERSION WITH SNEAKERS

OUTFIT NUMBER 17: WITH JEANS AND A BEANIE

OUTFIT NUMBER #18 : WITH CAPRI JEANS AND HIGH BOOTS 

OUTFIT NUMBER #19 WITH RED HEELS AND A PRINTED SKIRT 

OUTFIT IDEA NUMBER #20 WITH BLACK JEANS AND A SNAKE PRINT BAG

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #21 WORN WITH BLACK FLARED CORD JEANS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #22 A SHIRT DRESS PAIRED WITH BROWN BOOTS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #23 A BLACK RUFFLED DRESS AND HEELED BOOTS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #24 A NAVY DRESS PAIRED WITH  TURTLENECK

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #25 A SKATER SKIRT WITH SNEAKERS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #26 LAYERED SKIRTS AND DOC MARTENS BOOTS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #27 BLACK WIDE JEANS AND A BLAZER

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #28 A BLACK MAXI DRESS AND HEELED POINTY BOOTS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #29 BLUE JEANS AND OVERSIZED SCARF

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #30 ANIMAL PRINT DRESS AND MUSTARD TURLENECK

OUTFIT PROPISAL NUMBER #31 A GREY MIDI VINTAGE SKIRT PAIRED WITH BROWN HIGH

 BOOTS, A MINI BROWN BAG AND A BLACK AND RED SCARF

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #32 A FLORAL SKIRT PAIRED WITH AN OVERSIZED BEIGE SCARF AND A MUSTARD BAG.

OUTFIT PROPOSAL NUMBER #33 WITH A RETRO PRINTED BROWN TUNICS, A BROWN TARTAN SCARF, A BEIGE BEANIE, BLACK BIKER BOOTS AND LEGGINGS

OUTFIT PROPOSAL #34 WITH A FAUX LEATHER SKIRT, DOC MARTENS AND PINK BEANIE

OUTFIT PROPOSAL #35 WITH A MAXI GREEN DRESS, BIKER BLACK BOOTS WITH STRAPS, AND A BURGUNDY BAG. 

I have actually illustrated this leather jacket a number of times on my blog, and it's one of the most illustrated items in my closet. It's also one of the most worn ones.

A LARGE GREY, WHITE, PINK AND YELLOW TARTAN SCARF (gifted)

#1 & # 2 See two different ways I styled this oversize scarf with a magenta coat here. 

#3 & 4 See how I wore it with a golden skirt, top and a camel coat and another 'home outfit' when I paired with a blue jumpsuit here 

# 5 See how I wore it with a magenta coat, black and white dress, high heeled boots and a red cap

#6 See how I styled this tartan scarf with a grey suit, heeled boots and a magenta coat.

#7 See how I styled this scarf for a warm sporty look with a white tracksuit, sneakers and a brown leather coat. 

#8 See how I styled it with a camel coat, a floral skirt and brown riding boots here

 A MINI BURGUNDY LEATHER BAG- I bought it in Borsa store in Mostar,  I'm not sure how many times I have worn this bag more than thirty times for sure, most recently in this post. 

I often link up this post when I talk about this burgundy bag (even though it focuses on a pair of sandals, it features around 15 outfits with this burgundy bag). In this post focusing on a cherry print dress, you can also see a lot of different ways to style this mini burgundy bag. Moreover, in this post focusing on a white tunic, you can also see a lot of different outfits featuring this bag. You can also see how I wore it in October with a blue dress and a grey blazer.

SEE 7 WAYS TO STYLE THIS BURGUNDY BAG IN THIS POST 

WITH A MATCHING JACKET AND A MAXI SKIRT HERE

WITH A  NAVY DRESS, A YELLOW BLAZER AND A MUSTARD SWEATER HERE

WITH A YELLOW BLAZER AND BLUE JEANS

WITH A GREY COAT AND BLUE JEANS

WITH A MAXI GREEN DRESS AND BROWN SANDALS

I EVEN ILLUSTRATED THIS BURGUNDY BAG AS WORN WITH A MAGENTA COAT

 & 2 MORE WAYS TO WEAR IT

...and here with a lilac set and a camel coat and a blue skirt and a black puffer jacket.

...and that brings us to the end of this rather long post! I hope you've found something interesting in it for yourself. 

Thank you for visiting. Have a lovely weekend!