Blogs from Split, Dalmatia, Croatia, Europe - page 10

Dobar dan! On my last day in Puglia I went to Bari, where I had to take a ferry to Croatia. Unfortunately there was no time to visit the city itself, which has a beautiful historic town according to Giuseppe. It was the second time I visited Croatia, after I visited the Istra peninsula and Plitvice National Park in 2007. I must say that for me Croatia is, so far, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe! Croatia became independent in 1991 after the break-up of Yugoslavia which consisted also of the current Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia. Croatia still remains the second wealthiest of all the former Yugoslavian countries, behind Slovenia. Since earlier this year, Croatia is part of the European Union but still uses the Kuna as its currency ... read more

TRYING TO BEAT THE HEAT As reported previously, we have been sharing the heat wave and it's effects with the natives and visitors. Our campsite in Prebold was a perfect location for our visit to the center of the Hop-growing and brewing Industry in Slovenia. As we headed into the local city of Celji, we found Large fields of what appear to be giant pole bean plants turned out to be HOPS. Natural growing hops are supported by trees but here they have poles to support their growth, We also learned about the industry and the attendant celebrations throughout the year. We were able to use our motor scooter to access Celji, locally known as the City of Legends, and one of Slovenia's oldest cities. We were able to learn of the legends of conflict between ... read more

We had a nice last night in Split. Dad was beat out though so we headed back to our apartment early. Tithe following morning, we left Podstrana and ate lunch in Šibenik. I always expect there to be more of a tribute or memorial to Dražen there. After lunch some of the group walked up into the old town for a while and dad and I waited for them in a nice, shaded, breezy walkway Inside the town's walls. From there, it was back to the auto cesta for the Ernest of the trip to Brinje. We got to Brinje and visited with Mira and Tomo for a while. After supper, we headed to Letinac to see Nevenka Perković. She seemed to be doing well. A couple of shots of rakija later, we were listening to ... read more

18 June 6am ferry to Hvar, fast ferry takes 1.5 hours, catamaran. Had breakfast and checked out a place to stay, got a great apartment, very clean and new, for 40 Euro, right near the old town, bus depot and supermarket! Walked up to Fortress for the view and around the old town, lovely town! Very hot today, and sunny. Took a bus ride around to Jelsa, via Starigrad and some small villages, bus driver was crazy! Drove so fast, even round the corners! Witnessed a German tourist v Croat bus driver dispute, very funny! Went round for a swim at the beach then back for dinner, had our ham and salad, plus potatoes, home cooked! Went to a 9:30 pm Concert at the Franciscan cloister of the old monastery - Split Minders/ Partet with Jasenka ... read more

Hi All, Long time no blog. I have basically been in London since Jan/Feb with only one trip to Stratford-upon-avon so it was nice to finally be able to get away. I've been working 6 days a week for 5 weeks to save up for this trip and I must say it was worth it! For one week I did a Topdeck tour of the Croatian Islands. Topdeck is a company that specialises in tours for 18-30 somethings. I had quite a few friends that had done the same tour and had an amazing time, most of them Aussies and Kiwis so since I would be travelling alone I thought it would be a good idea to jump on one of these trips. The tour is a round trip from Split stopping at a few islands ... read more