Page 24 - Dispatches - Winter 2022

Crossroads of the Settling into the village life is made easy by next morning, it’s all done with fresh, real
Adriatic with O.A.T. Goca and Denis, the hosts that make O.A.T.’s ingredients. Farm-to-table may be a trend
exclusive A Day in the Life experience possible. in the United States, but here it’s truly a way
Oftentimes, you’re welcomed here with of life. You might make popara, bread pieces
homemade donuts, some local rakija brandy, soaked in milk and butter, then lightly fried
and a smile. Their passion is Karanac, what and topped with cheese and spices. You could
they do and where they live, and that passion enjoy some oven-roasted potatoes and krvavica
is contagious. Travelers that come to Karanac sausages or a fresh salad made from seasonal
often say Goca and Denis made them feel like vegetables. You might try some baklava, a
Created by Petra family, opening up their home and their lives traditional dessert with a flaky golden crust
Graves, 14-time to strangers just to express their love of their and a filling of nuts and honey. All of it is made
traveler from Saint village. with incredible care.
Simons Island, GA
The home they open up to us is a perfect You can’t talk about Karanac without talking
Watch Slideshow example of “not simple, but rich.” The about the villagers themselves. Locals in

farmhouse and the rooms travelers stay in is Karanac are easy-going, warm, down-to-
built to reflect the aesthetic of the turn of the earth and, above all, friendly people. They
20th century, because that’s when it was built. don’t live in fancy houses, nor do they drive
It’s not uncommon to find hundred-year-old fancy cars. But they can quickly show you why
buildings in Karanac, because the villagers those things actually matter very little. Taking
here take pride and care in their homes. It care of the animals, fishing or hunting in
“Immediately, you’re gives the village a feeling of being sturdy, their free time, caring for your neighbors, and
put to work–you are almost everlasting. These houses were here being a true community is what makes locals
part of the family, before we were born, and will be standing in Karanac so interesting to the travelers who
after all. Cheese strong long after we’re gone. visit their village.

making, bread Immediately, you’re put to work–you are And many of the villagers can tell incredible
making, starting part of the family, after all. Cheese making, tales of life here in Croatia. Once, we met a
breakfast for the bread making, starting breakfast for the lovely older woman who revealed that she was
next morning, it’s all
done with fresh, real
ingredients. Farm-to-
table may be a trend
in the United States,
but here it’s truly a

way of life.”

Right: Denis, one of
our hosts in Karanac,
shows a group of
travelers how to use
some farming tools.

24 DISPATCHES • WINTER 2022

4037_Dispatches.indd 24 12/22/21 11:57 AM