ADRIATIC SPLENDOR

[Music] [Music] the narrow line of yugoslav coastline with its more than a thousand islands is probably the most beautiful part of europe along the shores lie a string of romantic little townships seeped in historical remnants the innumerable coves and beaches are a paradise for bathers and sportsmen and the natural hospitality of the slave people an age-old tradition we enter yugoslav from the north through the alpine country of slovenia with its numerous charming tourist resorts this is bled a popular winter sports center an old castle standing high on the cliff top proudly guards this beautiful lake where international rowing championships are frequently held [Music] a chairlift enables tourists to enjoy the splendor of the surrounding scenery good roads take us in three hours away from this lovely corner to the adriatic coast and one of the largest holiday resorts apatia situated at the foot of the thickly wooded mountain are several fine beaches surrounded by forests of evergreen laurel and populated by bathers from all parts of the world comfortable hotels dotted along the shore stand in their own picturesque [Music] grounds many of the visitors come by car some bring their tents and camping equipment so as to be still nearer to nature these beaches are wonderful for children [Music] even the adults let down their hair and indulge in carefree games the beauty of this bay is quite breathtaking [Music] a little further along the coast is poola a naturally protected harbour noted centuries ago by the romans who built up an important trading center here even the youngsters are encouraged to lend a helping hand today pooler is a lively port fishing is all important [Music] ancient buildings provide quiet corners where fishermen prepare their nets singing their songs in anticipation of tomorrow's good catch pooler's most renowned monument is the enormous amphitheater dating from the 1st century a.d it is still so well preserved that every year regular performances of opera ballet and even sporting events take place yugoslav film festival is also held here annually adjoining the slender collinated august temple is the medieval town hall which today houses the people's council of buddha [Music] another harbor of perhaps less historic importance but greater beauty is raw modern steamers bring scores of sight seers to this lovely island like other towns along this coast rob fought during the last war and it was to commemorate their fallen that the people erected this bronze monument near the largest city park is a picturesque little market in which the local produce is sold [Music] small but adequate it supplies the daily needs of the inhabitants and enables the visitors to prepare their own food should they so wish leaving the island of rob we sailed to the old city of shivenig a particularly fine example of 15th century architecture is the cathedral built by the famous croat architect george our mission a few miles inland are the wonderful kirker falls a favorite beauty spot for visitors the boys from nearby villages know all the dangers of this foaming river and fearlessly enjoy the freshness of the blue green waters [Music] traveling along the road south of chibanik one easily understands why this shore is called the coast of a thousand [Music] islands in a small cove a group of peasant women carry sticks for the sport of the vines in their vineyards [Music] they travel by rowing boat to one of the surrounding islands [Music] profiting by the short break one of these women spins thread in the age-old way [Music] filled to the brim with sticks and hay for their cow the small boat sets off [Music] these people lead an industrious and happy life [Music] our next stop is the miniature city of trager once a greek colony built on an eyelet and encircled by mighty walls which were to enforce the city's defense against the turks and pirates the cathedral a gem of medieval architecture was built over a period of 400 years and as a successful intermingling of architectural styles the 13th century yugoslav sculptor and architect randover has left some of his best work on the marble portal of this cathedral perched high on a hill stands the old fortress of clich the name means rock and that description of this ancient battlement which weathered many an onslaught during the wars against the turks [Music] below the fortress life goes on a village wedding party wins its way to the church [Music] every year during the month of august in the town of sin a costumed horse tournament is held to commemorate a glorious victory of the people of this region over the turks in the year 1715 spectators come from miles around to see this colorful and exciting spectacle [Music] the tournament opens with a ceremonial march through tree-lined roads crowded with eager onlookers old and picturesque costumes are jealously kept in the family and handed down from generation to generation for this annual pageant called the alca or ring the excitement mounts as the last minute preparations are completed in the middle of the road a ring is fitted to a tight rope the competitors one by one must lance this in full gallon [Music] the first rider mounts his horse his aim is to hit the center of the ring this brings him three points the upper outer circle two the lower ones one point each the total number of points collected in each riders three attempts to size the winner should two contestants gain the same number of points they must each ride [Music] again [Music] on completing the run the competitor must place his ring in front of the judges this is a limestone region called the cast baron and desolate in places but impressive nonetheless a land of contrasts beyond the blue grey mountains on the adriatic coast are a series of picturesque seaside resorts here at macaska where the center pine fills the air the holiday makers forget the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in the sun one might almost be on the beach a can [Music] but in land the landscape is utterly different as is the life of the inhabitants this is mustang which is in the heart of the historic province of herzegovina [Music] this bridge across the naretta river erected by the turk several hundred years ago has become the symbol of the town the name mostar being derived from the word most meaning the bridge under the bridge is a sandy beach and the quickest way to it is through the air and into the river like this from one of my star's numerous minarets which clearly show the oriental influence one overlooks the rooftops of the town old and new intermingled in a colorful pattern the dresses and affairs also mark along turkish domination and of course the majority of the population is muslim by religion as in most of the towns and villages throughout yugoslavia there is much building in progress even the women lend a helping hand in this great effort for the reconstruction of the country in a land where the past and present stand shoulder-to-shoulder and progress forges ahead nature alone remains unchanged so with a last look at the emerald green waters of the noretha river we leave mostar and the picturesque country of yugoslavia [Music] you