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Five years ago, I started on an adventurous path that would change my life forever, when I began my journey traveling to Croatia regularly to showcase the majesty, beauty, and diversity of its wonderful culture and cuisine to guests through my new boutique travel company Captivating Croatia. For me, coming to Croatia was as if I had stepped into a new world and it was my goal to find all there is to know about the land, people, and culture of Croatia. I was mesmerized by the intricacies of Croatia; its populace, their land and the things that make it so special. Quickly the world became both small and much larger. My appetite for learning about other places grew. Are other counties very different, perhaps altogether unique? Is there a key or pattern that binds us all? I didn't realize at the time but an answer was soon to be delivered quite unexpectedly. How could I have guessed that I would find Croatia's "Culinary Cousin" in, of all places, Ireland? Yes, Ireland! Charleston, South Carolina, October 2013. I met Chef JP McMahon at Cook it Raw, an international gathering of respected chefs from across the globe, brought together to experience different regions of the world and to learn about their food history and influences. He was just one of the many chefs taking part in the event, as was I, but I was instantly drawn to his character. He was more than just a chef, rather a study; always appearing to be analyzing and observing. He was a true philosopher chef. We had a blast at Cook it Raw and remained friends. Later McMahon was an obvious choice to invite to Kinookus, a food film festival taking place in Ston, Croatia, as a participating Chef. We would be showing the Cook it Raw documentary film from South Carolina, recreating some of the dishes shown in the film to attendees. In turn, McMahon invited me to take part in Food on the Edge, a food symposium focusing on the future of food he was putting together in Ireland. I have returned every year since. And so, began, my very new relationship with the Emerald Isle. Through my research on gastro touring in both Croatia and Ireland, I have had the good fortune to spend quite a bit of time in getting to know the lands, the people and the cultures better than most people living there. To my astonishment, I had found the answer to that question I had asked myself years ago. Many people think I am kooky when I say the two countries are very similar, almost "Culinary Cousins." I think it is quite fitting that both Ireland and Croatia were selected to host the European Capital of Culture for 2020, with Galway, in Ireland (both JP's residence and the site of his restaurants) and Rijeka in Croatia (where my Captivating Croatia Tours often takes guests). Perhaps 2020 is the year that will have others see what I see: two countries that look vastly different, but once you peel back a few layers, are remarkably similar. With beautiful landscapes, passionate, vibrant people, grand celebrations and amazing foods ...they are cultural and culinary cousins indeed! Over the rest of the story, I would discuss the similarities, facts and other items that would showcase the similarities between the two countries and bring as many personal touches as possible. I have the content but struggling with the emotional side, the personal side.