To be born
in Podravina means that from an early age, one
appreciates; the
blue sky and blue eyed people, thick willows and slender
girls, old oaks and
young men, the slow and sleepy Drava and a quick deer, an
early morning call
of a proud rooster and the echoing sound of church bells
in the evening.
Podravina is a province of Croatia,
and rests between the Hungarian plains
and mountain range of Bilogora. Its beauty is enriched by
constant soft
whispers flowing from the Drava and is caressed by gentle
breezes dancing
through the golden seas of swaying wheat and cornfields,
and endless plains
covered in blankets of beautiful wild flowers.
Playful birds and soft, dreamy clouds
float through the sky painting it into
an ever-changing masterpiece that improves with
every season and
every movement.
Especially in its
beautifully blooming and singing springs, warm, sweet
summers and rich, golden autumns. The graceful and
gorgeous winters are like
brides in crisp white lace wedding dresses.
With prayer but sometimes with
swearing too
people that are born here are
thirsty for life, knowledge and love. The skies are torn
by church bell
towers and factory chimneys.
On summer nights you can hear
love sigh from afar along side the contrasting
beat of disco music and the distant roar of the motorbike
engines, together
with frog concerts, which for a moment are all
interrupted by the sound of a solitary otter.
Modern times have brought
progress through impending technology and improved
communication.
However a sensual
charge has fallen from the sky and stayed here ever
since;
scattered and planted in small vineyards and large
dancing halls.
Is the strong powerful
Drava and the hot Hungarian blood responsible for the
full breasts and dangerous looks from Podravina girls!
Or is it the morning dew coupled with the restless
wind of spring! ?
Maybe the responsibility
falls onto the ancient ancestors and their genetic
predisposition for songs, work, love and art all of which
flow in the blood
of the people from Podravina.
Not even the northern
winds, that bring snow over the Hungarian steppes can
cool down the desire in the eye or the blush on the cheek
of a man from
Podravina when hes melting in the arms of his loved
one with the
sound of violins playing in the background
.
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