Blogs from Croatia, Europe - page 4

I’ll begin by saying that at this point in time, Komiza is by far my most favourite of places in Croatia. After doing something I haven’t done in years, sleeping over 7 hours straight, I was refreshed and ready to experience what the day would bring. An ocean swim. Swam like I was in my late 20’s early 30’s. Stroke was long and easy, kick fast and strong … all because … the high salt content had me so buoyant. Loved the feeling. Onto a little breakfast before sitting with my legs over the side of a yacht under sail as we cut through a sea so, so rich in its blue. The only thing missing were dolphins leaping out of the water at the bow. At times we could see not a soul in a ... read more

Jane is loving this “type” of holiday … laze in bed … with coffee … rise gently … change into bathers … head to beach 5mins away … into the water … in and out as many times as she feels like … sunbath … return for shower … lounge on bed reading a book … afternoon nap … refresh … pre-dinner drinks … dinner … wander/soak in holiday atmosphere … deep sleep … (Me? I’m endeavouring to adapt). Met up with the Kennington’s for dinner at Vrilo Restaurant. Apart from eating a Nutella filled croissant this morning, by choice, we hadn’t eaten anything else, hence dinner had been eagerly awaited. We weren’t disappointed. Luggage has been rearranged with sailing clothes at our fingertips as we have readied ourselves to board the yacht tomorrow, a Beneteau ... read more

“You can’t be serious”, says Jane, (quoting John McEnroe) as I step out into the outside world in my beach attire. For me it was all about protection from the sun. However, my ‘what’ reputation took a hammering with youngsters barely out of nappies pointing at me asking their mothers, “What is that?” I was saddened that the “What” replaced “Who”. I rarely fail with getting a lift when hitch-hiking but today vehicles slowed and then sped away! All this time Jane had headed in the opposite direction. I later found her sunbathing on a pebbly beach. “Get in the water fast and don’t come out until I leave”, she says. Talk about feeling wanted. The water was absolutely beautiful. I disobeyed ‘O great one’s command’ and was in and out several times, each time minus ... read more

With the weather forecast being in the negative with regards to comfort we closed the door of our accommodation behind us at 5.30am to climb Marjan Hill and reach its peak, Telegrin. With over 800 stone constructed steps and sections of gently rising flat path the climb proved to be well within our capabilities. The best part was striking up conversation with a retired Croatian photographer, originally from Zagreb, who had worked for a number of years in Denmark but was now happy to stay healthy by walking his dogs. He was very interested in Australia, particularly opal mining in Coober Pedy. I filled him in, having only last year visited there. The Kimberley region of WA, crocodiles and Uluru plus gold mining were his other interests. The volunteer lady was wonderful too, doing the climb ... read more

No rush today. Very leisurely rising. Listened to the West Coast Eagles v Richmond Tigers game whilst Jane decided to do some ironing! All packed for early departure for tomorrow. Walked to buy some peasant food for lunch which we ate in our apartment. It was very hot outside. Had a video call from Sam which was wonderful. He is still working on the boat out of Weipa. “All good,” he says. Had photos and messages from Tom and Whitney which was terrific. They were relaxing on the beach in Denmark with their dog, Lenny. I’ve kept up with the AFL, Ashes cricket, Tour de France, Aussie Matildas, Wimbledon and various Aussie athlete performances as well as the swimming … plus … the devastating war … plus news from home. We went to “Sport Pub Mario” ... read more