Hvala

 

You didn’t come years ago despite my invitations, but you were preoccupied with living and would doubtless have regarded me as loud and brash. I see now that I was arrogant, flouting my warm sea and cheap beer. Then I was besieged, raped. Rebuilding has taken years, but, once again, I woo travellers to come, anchor and enter the city. A multitude of languages are spoken within my walls and my rich history can be read in my streets.

Decades ago there might have been little passion between us, but thank you for coming now.

My name is Dubrovnik.

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*Hvala – Thank you (Croatian)