A little place in the mountains

One interesting fact that came out on my Croatia trip was that, from prehistoric time, the people of the Croatian area lived in villages built high in the hills.  Even though there are miles of beautiful sea coasts there were also constant threats of pirates.  Living in the hills was safer.  On one of the early days of the trip we were driven high into the hills to a farm for a lavish afternoon dinner.  The food was delicious and I appreciated the way it was served.  We were seated at long narrow tables and as each course was served a platter of food was put down between every four people at the table (two on each side) so, while it was essentially being served family style there was no need to pass anything.  Each of the 4 people could easily serve themselves, very nice and simple.  many of the meals we were served on the trip consisted of meat, often veal, and potatoes and greens cooked together, also lots of good cheeses, fresh vegetables, and one of my favorites - octopus salad..  We didn't have octopus salad on this farm trip.  The Croatian government is encouraging agrotourism and our dinner at the farm was an example of that idea.  We were at a private home that has opened its doors to tourists.  I remember thinking, as I stood outside after the meal enjoying the vast rolling landscape in all directions, that if my bother, who has a farm on a hillside near Spokane, Washington, was Croatian this would be his place.