RETURN TO VILLA PALMA AFTER 46 YEARS
- Sanja Metković
- Dec 15, 2024
- 3 min read
The soul of a place is a complex and exclusive thing. It is a combination of different elements that create a unique atmosphere and feeling.
The past of a place leaves its mark on its present.
Significant events, people, birdsong, colors, smells of the morning when you wake up, or the fiery color of the sky of the day that goes to rest, a sky full of stars and a moon that has spilled silver on the open sea...so many wonders that give a place a special beauty and peace.
We know that the people who live in a place are the heart and soul of that place, but I would say that these are also those people who brought and left behind happiness, joy, laughter, love, gratitude, respect, their loyalty and friendship.
These are our guests, the good souls of Villa Palma.
This is the story of Evelin, about her arrival in Molunat, to Villa Palma back in 1967. She was 8 years old then, and the current owner of the Villa, my husband Nikša, was only 3 years old.
Evelin and her parents came to Molunat without any plan, without any advance reservations, travel plans, online bookings and all the possible preparations that we do today for every trip we take. They came because they couldn't find accommodation in Dubrovnik or Cavtat.
There they found their paradise, the pearl of the Adriatic Sea... so for the next few years they came to our place every summer for their vacation until life, or rather the love of her life, took Evelin to the other side.
Her parents Gisele and Wolfgang continued to come to their beloved Villa Palma, with their grandson, Evelin's son Jesko.
After 46 years, Evelin simply appeared again. Nikša's phone rang, and after a few sentences he rushed outside to meet his childhood friend. For Evelin and her son Jesko, arriving at Villa Palma after such a long time was very emotional. They recognized every corner, every tree, every path. Memories flooded in, and stories and recollections flowed like waterfalls. They talked about playing on the terraces, gardens, swimming in the sea, about Pave's most delicious cuisine, Mato's stories and jokes, children's mischief and adventures, about endless sunny days and carefree childhood.
This villa was more than a vacation home for them. It was an oasis of peace, laughter and family happiness. It was a place where they created unforgettable memories that accompanied them throughout their lives.
What makes a house and a place so special that you want to return there every year? It is a combination of different factors. It is the warmth of the space, the comfort and peace that you feel when you cross the threshold. It is the beauty of nature that surrounds you and a lungful of fresh air.
But most importantly, it is the people with whom you share these moments. Family and friends who are dearest to you and with whom you feel at home. It is the warmth and love that fills the space and makes it unique.
This family's return to my villa was a reminder of the strength of family ties, friendships, and the unbreakable bond of growing up and remembering.
It was a day full of laughter, tears, and joy. A day that brought back old memories and created new ones.
And as they said goodbye, we knew that this family would return to their paradise once again.
Because, as they said themselves, "This place is in our hearts. This is where we are at home."
Here's what Evelin wrote after returning from Villa Palma. You can read the letter here:
Comments