Category Archives: Croatia

New Month, Final Full Day

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What a trip this has been … and I could easily continue it! But responsibility calls, and we must obey, I suppose.

There are very few [jptps fro, today … or, in English, “very few photos from today” … heh … left hand was on the wrong spot on the keyboard!

A 10:00 breakfast also meant an attempt to finish up some food. Of course those with cars can also bring things home with them: we don’t want to add a bit to our luggage, as there are stricter weight limits on our first, short flight. So far we’ve never had anything weighed, and while we had checked luggage on one flight we later saw that people were bringing on more or larger luggage than allowed according to the website. Go figure! For tomorrow’s flight we are working to distribute things so that no piece is heavier that 8kg, even while knowing they probably won’t check: I just don’t want to be charged more to check a bag, and we really like to have everything with us when we have an airport hotel night before our final flight. (Having checked my backpack I know it’ll be easy for me to carry on my allowed two bags plus a personal item, even while I will do my best to squish the backpack so it doesn’t look too large.) Last days are nearly always lazy days. This one was no exception. The younger family set off to the beach — this location was absolutely perfect for the kids who adore being in the water! They could do the beach and then come home and hop right in the pool. They’ve had a blast!

I did start my packing on the early side. I always set aside my travel clothes, and pack everything but the clothes I’m wearing for the day, my pajamas, and toiletries … oh, and devices since I use those during the day. At bedtime I then pack up today’s clothes and in the morning I merely have to pack the pajamas, toiletries, and devices, all of which go into the smaller carryon luggage.

After some time the younger set took off for the beach and, a bit later, Jan, Greg, Dan, and I took a drive on this island. It’s a crazy spot: twisty, narrow roads and people might be walking along as well. I doubt I could ever feel comfortable driving here. We saw more of the incredibly blue and turquoise water, and lots of boats. It really is a lovely place and I’m so glad we came here.


We spotted Vanessa and Avni’s car at the beach, so we found parking and wandered the area to find them. They were close to leaving, but Greg bought the kids ice cream cones and then us four slightly older (hah!) people went and had beers. I’m rather amazed at the number of people out in the sun — but then I have a horrible reaction to it so I suppose I’m overly cautious. Still, I saw plenty of sunburned bodies.

Eventually we went to the store for just a few things for tonight’s meal, and then we were back at the house, where Greg began preparing dinner while others enjoyed pool time.


Later pool time included Greg, since he promised Levin he’d get in there! (Bravo, Greg!)

Later Avni took the two older children to the beach (again, one final time) and the rest of us enjoyed snacks and drinks on the lower deck.

Nearing dinner time:

The view at night:

Then it was dinner time. Greg had prepared fish, and we had leftovers from last night as well. Anything not eaten gets tossed or taken home by those with cars. Obviously the fish, leftover chicken, and the salad will have to go into the trash.

Now it’s just go to bed, post this (yeah, I do all this from bed if the internet is working), wake, finish packing (I’m already packed aside from my toiletries, devices, and pajamas), call an Uber, and head into Trogir, most likely. The rest of the gang will leave around 8 AM, and we must be out by 10 AM if we don’t want to pay €130 every half hour we over stay!

And that’s that. Vacation over. Two travel days and we say hello to the house, work (well, for me, anyway), and real life.

I like pretend life an awful lot!

Thursday, August 31

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Not a ton to write about today, but here goes …

Breakfast. As always, after Greg took a ride and after the kids get up.

Then we decided to take a drive to Krka National Park.

The drive was fun: Greg’s car was programmed to skip toll roads, and so we ended up taking longer but seeing more.

Greg knew, in fact, that we’d be stopping on the way back to get a few things that he saw on our way to the park.

The park itself was crazy! SO crowded. It felt a bit like Disneyland, with the line of people we followed along a boarded walkway. The waterfalls were pretty.

Then it was time to head home. Greg stopped at one place for garlic because he also saw the “Vino” sign. When he asked the man about that he was taken to the house and downstairs where the wine was and we all took a little taste (one small glass that we shared). Then Greg said he’d buy two liters. The man took the wine from whatever he had it stored in (I couldn’t see that far into the room) and put it in a plastic Fanta bottle! Greg bought a few other things as well, and then it was back to our house.

I was making dinner, and of course Dan helped quite a lot. I was making chicken cacciatore, but not in my usual way, where I bake the chicken with the sauce. I wanted to be sure the kids had their choice of how they would eat it. So I made the sauce (onions, garlic, celery, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and lot so tomatoes along with herbs, salt and pepper), and Avni grilled the chicken. Meanwhile Greg made a “Greek-ish” salad. Dan boiled the pasta. All in all I thought it was a pretty good dinner.

I love that Levin doesn’t yet think cleaning up is a woman’s job, so he helps a lot. May he continue to be that way when he grows up!

After dinner some of us sat around and yakked for a while.

Now, back in our room, I can barely keep my eyes open, so off to bed I go!

One. More. Day.

That makes me sad, but of course all good things much come to an end.

Wednesday Croatia Report

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When I woke up Greg was out on his bike ride and only a few people were awake, so I took a few photos of our place. (We are on the top floor of this building.)

Then it was time to start on breakfast. Dan was the cook of the day (thanks, Dan!). After a slow morning Greg, Jan, Dan, and I headed down to Trogir.

I’d been there earlier with Franka and Dan, of course, but it was fun to see it in the light. Parking isn’t easy, but we managed to ace a spot. Then we walked a bit, enjoyed a very light lunch, and walked some more.

We also went to the outdoor market in Trogir and picked up things for tonight’s dinner as well as tomorrow’s. Dan is so good at conversing with the sellers and it was fun to be taught how to say various things — not that I’ll remember any of them! (But I’ll try.) We needed things the outdoor market didn’t have, though, and also went to the grocery store for the things the market didn’t have. (Sorry, I neglected to take photos of the market. Rats!)

When we got back to the house it was time to start preparing the soup I had planned (Greg was doing fish). Dan and I were chopping things, but who knew I’d mange to chop (okay, “slice” is a better word) my left thumb in the process? Turns out I became the executive chef and Jan and Dan did all the hard work. Still, it was “my” soup — go figure! (It was a carrot ginger cream soup, in case you are wondering.)

Greg had purchased some wonderful fish earlier in the day (while he was on his bike ride) and Avni grilled the fish. Add to that the tomato dish Greg prepared, and the bread we bought, and we dined very well!

Then it was a bit of conversation, but none of us lasted for long. So now I’m typing this up, hoping the photos load. and hitting the hay.

Sadly only two more full days for us and then it’s time to start our journey home. How hard to believe!

G’night!

Second Full Day With The Family

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Hm … what DID we do today? Funny how I tend to lose track!

But okay … we ate breakfast. I know that. Avni made our yummy meal and I’d love to tell you what it was but I only remember it because with “kaiser” … so much for me, my memory, and German! It was, as usual, a late breakfast, and by the time we finished and cleaned up it was later in the morning.

While the younger family decided to go back to the water, Jan, Greg, Dan, and I went off to Split. First we had to find parking which was quite the challenge and that’s when I realized it was a tourist spot. Once we found that we walked a bit to get to the part of the city everyone visits. It reminded me of other small older towns we’ve seen, and I’m wondering if maybe I’ve run out of energy for them, since it didn’t make me “ooh and ahhh” like I have in other places. Or perhaps it’s just all the cruise ship people that block a lot of the walkways. In any case, we walked around, had a snack, and eventually headed back.



On the way “home” we went to the grocery store. I’d been before with Greg and Jan, but this time Dan came along as well. Going to grocery stores in other countries can be confusing! We picked up a few things, and then headed back to the villa.

Then it was food prep time. Greg and bought fresh fish this morning, so Avni got the fire going and we prepared all the other things. Dinner was just fabulous! Fish (prepared by Greg, cooked by Avni), potatoes (by Dan), tomato salad (by Vanessa) … and of course Jan and I helped do some chopping or whatever. But WHAT a dinner! While going out can be fun, a dinner like this makes me think we should always eat at our place!


Oh … and about weather … we had thunder, lightning, and rain today. I even was a bit cold nearing the end of our dinner. We are in for more of this weather, I think, so I’ve no clue what we will do. Time will tell! (But shame on me for not taking photos of the weather we had!)

The kids are such fun, by the way … and extremely entertaining. Just had to mention that!

Now it’s to bed with me. I have no clue what we’ll do tomorrow. Depends upon the weather, I know.

First Full Day In The Family Vacation Home

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What a lazy day! Breakfast was around 10, so that wasn’t any different than usual (and actually earlier than sometimes). Greg had already taken a bike ride down to the fish market (but while it was open, there is no fish on Sunday). Jan had taken a swim. But Dan and I only managed to get up and get dressed.

Our bacony view:

Then it was mostly “hang out and relax” for Dan and me. Eventually Vanessa, Avni, Jan, and the kids went to a beach, but we, being non-bathing suit sorts, stayed home. Greg was already on a second bike ride of the day at that point.

I did do a bit of work though: I did my laundry (last load before we get home!), and wrote to my oboe students and parents to see what their plans are regarding lessons. It was strange to think about how soon I’m back to work!

I didn’t bring a swimsuit, so I went down to the pool rolled my pants up, and just swished my feet in the pool a bit. Note to self: get over body image problems and buy a suit!

Eventually it was lunch time. Or was it? Those that went to the beach hadn’t returned and it was a bit after 3:00, so Dan brought out bread and a pepper spread and three of us enjoyed a slice of bread with the spread (plus beer). It’ll do. For now. (The spread was a purchase from yesterday while we were on the road and it was quite yummy!)

We heard from our friend Franka, and agreed to meet this evening, so knowing that, I took a bit of a short nap.

Then we hung out with the family (when everyone was back here), enjoyed fun times, and watched the sun set (photo of Dan and me is by Greg).

Later Dan called an Uber so we could get to Trogir. (We are actually in Zedno, I’ve learned … or at least I think we are!)

Meeting up with Franka was a treat … she took us around a bit and filled us in on the area. As we began there were some singers singing opera selections. We also walked out to the water — tons of yachts were parked there (I didn’t take any photos: I like the smaller boats more). I didn’t even realize there was an area like this — the stones remind me very much of Dubrovnik.

After walking around we sat down for some beer, and her sister and brother-in-law met up with us as well. It is now after midnight … time has flown by!

Thank you, Franka, for sharing your country with us!

Driving Day

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Today was basically a driving day. We left Dubrovnik at about 9:30, and headed north. We drove up the coast, which was incredibly lovely. At one point we stopped to get coffee, and bought some local wines, along with olives, peppers, and other tasty treats. Later on we saw so many stands with the same things, and also watermelons with some sort of sprinkler system which poured water over them. And garlic … huge huge bunches of garlic!

The drive … many photos via the window of a car so not great!


Eventually we arrived at our final big destination. TROGIR! One we will share with Greg and Jan, Vanessa, Avni, Levin, Maya, and Hannah (all family members). We were with the same group in Kosovo, and of course Greg and Jan were in Dubrovnik with us as well. (Thank you, Greg, for all your driving!) Family is so wonderful, and I am so glad we get this special week with everyone. (I’m sorry to miss others, though … you know who you are!)



To have dinner with everyone, and to have such fabulous cooks … we are truly spoiled!

Now, though, I’m exhausted. Perhaps I’ll write more tomorrow. But who knows? Family first, and all that!

Cheers!

A Day Of Driving And Our Next Destination

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No leisurely breakfast today, believe it or not: we wanted to be on the road by 7:00, so we woke early, had a coffee, said goodbye to Vanessa, Avni’s father and step-mother, and headed out.

It was easy to get out of the area, and we headed up a mountain. And up. And up. And yes, I had to look down or to the side where there was no drop-off much of the time. I am amazed at these mountains and also rather scared … or, to be honest, VERY scared sometimes! Cars pass by so closely. Cars pass us to get ahead even at what I would consider very dangerous times.

We got to the border crossing and said goodbye to Kosovo (where they DID ask Greg to show the insurance so I’m sure glad we bought that the second time we entered Kosovo!), and then said hello to Montenegro. Again, such beautiful country! It began with so many trees and the mountains were beautiful. We drove and drove and the terrain did eventually change. The road continued to scare me a lot. The road was so narrow at times. When we turned on to one road we thought it might not be right it was so narrow but as it turned out it was just a narrow scary road for a good (or bad) long time. As I told Greg, I had a lot of time to look at the floor of the car, and I held on to the the bar on the door (or whatever it’s called) to help hold the car on the road. I thanked Greg later for not killing us, too! We had a few extremely scary moments … just crazy drivers!

Eventually we got to the next border, saying goodbye to Montenegro and hello to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Any photos I got were from the moving car so they are pretty awful, but there was really no choice.

Here are photos from the drive … I’m sorry I can’t label them at the moment … just dropping them here and hoping they will load!

More photos … (doing only so many at a time):

Heh … never mind. Internet crashed. It’ll have to wait.

UPDATE: Here you go … just a few at a time, though … don’t want to crash this thing!

Did I mention that the sign photos are mostly so I can look back and figure out just where we were? And tunnels … TONS of tunnels on a very new road in Montenegro.

BUT there was something else I wanted to mention and now I’m drawing a blank. Argh … I hate when that happens. This will be my place holder in case I finally recall what it was. I need to take notes while I’m in the car, I guess.

Finally, there was our country destination: hello Croatia! We continued the drive for a rather short time and got to the city we will spend the next few days in: Dubrovnik is the city, and we are staying in the historic old town. What a place. First we had to find the parking garage. It’s absolutely horrendously expensive. The most we’ve ever spent for something like this (they say it’s best not to have a car while here and I would agree!). THEN we had to find our way down to the old town. Turns out we would have fared better getting a car to take us to a gate, but not knowing that we hiked with all our luggage down stairs and stairs and more stairs. Greg and Jan had wheeled luggage and that was more difficult than our backpacks, but even the packs were painful with the heat, humidity, and stairs. When we reached the gate we weren’t close to our final destination so we continued to walk and take more stairs. But we did eventually get to the rooms. We are situated in a nice place and I’ve neglected so far to take photos, but suffice it to say we are content to have rooms with air conditioning.

After washing up we went out, had beers and a snack at the restaurant right across from our door, and then walked a while. It’s quite a place and of course we’ll spend a lot more time checking it out tomorrow. Then it was dinner time.

I really wish I could post photos now … so sorry you can’t see this wonderful city!

UPDATE: The next post shows the Dubrovnik photos.

We looked at a number of places and eventually opted to go to a spot on our street, because we saw a server showing customers there the choices of fish for today, and because (hooray!) they had a room with A/C and we were just so darn warm. The dinner was super, and our server was really fun … she had a sense of humor we could relate to! What a fun, fun time.

So here we are in our room, and I’m typing and hoping I can post some photos, but the internet connection is so weak I’m guessing they won’t work so first i will post this and then see if I can add those after it’s published. If photos don’t work I’m guessing I’ll have to wait until our next destination.

Side note: This trip is ending too soon. I could go on and on and I’d be a happy camper. But of course one does have to finally get back to real life and (sigh) work.