Exploring Croatia: The Bura In Makarska

The infamous Bura, doing its thing. Makarska, Croatia

Yes, I've become that person. I now talk about (write about) the weather.

So here we go.

It has been one month since I moved into my apartment in Makarska, Croatia. My apartment is on the fourth floor of a four-story building.

My balcony faces the Adriatic Sea.

Like many people in Croatia, I use the balcony to dry my clothes. Not many people here invest in a dryer. Or at least not the people I know.

Most days, the weather is ideal, and I place my clothes out to dry on the balcony.

I do not entertain putting my clothes out to dry on certain days.

Why? Because of this four-letter word:Bura

Bura comes from the north and is a dry, cool wind. I've read that it can reach a speed of up to 220km/hr.

Since moving into my apartment, I've become acquainted with this wind.

A few weeks ago, the bura woke me in the middle of the night. I wasn't alarmed. I knew it was coming. I knew the wind would be a force unlike any I'd experienced, but I don't think I understood what that meant.

That morning, with the bura still in full effect, I was scheduled to meet a friend for coffee.

I always walk to the cafe. It's a five-minute walk downhill. My friend called to tell me he'd be picking me up.

Why?

The bura.

Before he arrived, I saw some tradespeople start walking towards their cars. I asked them where they were going. They said they were going home.

Why?

The bura.

As we made our way to the cafe, I saw the stacked tables and chairs.

Yes, the bura.

I spent the rest of the day indoors.

I watched from my balcony as the bura did its thing over the Adriatic (see video). I'd never witnessed anything like it before. It was impressive.

For me, the bura serves as a reminder that sometimes, it's best not to fight the element but instead step out of the way and let it do its thing.

I'm not sure if it's out of respect or fear. I'm not sure it matters.

All I know is the next time the bura comes through I will watch from my window. Mother Nature offers up a pretty spectacular show.

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