3 days with the Palekas in Zadar

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It all went according to plan, it was quite amazing. Although they're were some dicey moments getting to Zadar.

We met Son & Kevin when they arrived at Heathrow (I love airport arrivals) and we hung out with Odin for a while. We had a relaxing lunch in the airport waiting for our flight to Zadar. We first flew to Zagreb, which was delayed, and we would have missed our flight to Zadar had that flight not been delayed as well.

We arrived rather late in Zadar but with the best meet and greet: Maja, her sister Marina and her Mom, Amira. Too fun! The best part, however, was our mode of transportation for the next 4 days: the people-carrier. Yes, Marina's poor duty for the next few days was to be the bus driver for 8 of us! Too funny.

SUNDAY
We stayed with Steve's Aunt Marelle in 2 apartments right in the Old Town. We wandered around looking at the sights (Son & I remembered quite a bit from our first trip 8 years ago). Had a yummy lunch, which I insisted had to be eaten with sour cream, as this is how we ate 8 years ago. One lunch, I got Maja to text me the Croatian word for it (kiselo vrhnje) and I showed it to the waiter, who we then think went to the store to buy it as I got a whole tub! Heaven.

That day we went to the so-called Best Bar in the World (it was nice, but we found the REAL best bar in the world in Dubrovnik).

At night Marina and Maja came to get us and we all piled in the bus to head to their grandparent's village, Zemunik, just outside of Zadar. Last time Son and I were here we stayed in her grandparent's house so it was briliiant to see them again. The whole Paleka family was there and we had a fantastic meal in the backyard.

I had been telling Shane for years about Dida Ante's (Maja and Marina's grandfather) vineyard at the back of the house and asked Dida for a tour, which Marina translated wonderfully. It was amazing and we all loved it. It's how Dida keeps his mind and body active in retirement as he pretty much does all the work himself.

The night continued on with musical entertainment by Dino, Maja and Marina's cousin, and lots of us were dancing. Most of us drank too much of Dida's wine, so Maja's parents considered the night a success!

MONDAY
Some of us were hurting the next day.

I had a lovely walk with Marelle along the boardwalk the next morning (as usual, I wake up early no matter how much I drink the night before) whilst the others were sleeping. When the others were up, we ate burek (baked cheese pita), gelato and hung out with Steve. We met up with all the Palekas that night for a drink on the water and talked about the upcoming wedding. A couple of people I haven't mentioned so far who were also there: Aldo (Marina's fiance) and Ines (Marina & Maja's cousin).

When the Paleka family went back to the Zemunik, the 4 of us and Marelle went to a gorgeous restaurant just outside the gates to Zadar. We ordered and shared 2 large fish, one of which was a John Dory fish. We'd never had it before but it was incredible. It came with swiss chard mixed with potatoes, which we're told is typically Croatian. Yum!

TUESDAY
We set out super bright and early this morning for Dubronik in our jam-packed people-carrier. We drove along the new highway and then the coast to Dubrovnik.

The trip was great fun, some people sleeping, some listening to music, lots of laughing and stories. We stopped at the dodgiest cafe ever where some had the worst coffee ever and some saw the worst bathroom ever. I guess Croatia isn't the best at EVERYTHING, sorry Maja. :o)

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