Croatia

During the 30 year war, Croatian soldiers serving in France, wore brightly coloured scarves around their necks. Made quite an impact so, Louis XIV, being a stylish fellow, copied the look and voila! The humble necktie was born.

Showing of their beautiful kravatas

Zagreb

From the taxi driver, to our host and a place to eat, everyone was incredibly friendly and the feel of the city was so uplifting. The accommodation was fabulous for $45 ( for 3 of us) a night and our host was terrific. No wonder IKEA is so big. Almost all our accommodation throughout Europe has been decked out with 100% IKEA.

Paw rooms Zagreb

$45 a night between 3

Market Woman

Dolac Market Mural

3rd from the bottom

proud Croations

Zagreb Cathedral – tallest building in Croatia

There is a heart shaped sweet or biscuit called Licitar, meaning little heart. It is the symbol of Zagreb and is given as a show of affection and often used as a Christmas tree decoration. Some of the wooden hearts have little mirrors in the middle so the receiver can look into the heart of the loved one. Another version is to look into the face of the person that loves you the most. Both stories work.

Another soldier on another horse in Ban Jelacic Square. This statue originally faced north to show defence against the Austria Hungary invaders. It was removed in communist times but now, it faces South to add a better balance to the Squares’ aesthetics.

Said goodbye to our overnight bag, Libby and took off to Zaton (Dubrovnik).

Zagreb to Zaton. A good bus will get you there in comfort  for  A$45 and 8 hours. Zaton is 15 minutes out of Dubrovnik and about 50% cheaper. The accommodation was 10 metres from the deliciously green- blue water of the Adriatic. These days were filled with swimming, having adventures and drinking beer with two very lovely ladies from the UK. Again opting for peace rather than the tourist trample in Dubrovnik.

Beer o’clock

Accommodation, restaurant and bar all in one place!

Fliss and Chips

Teo – waiter with the mosto!

just want to take this colour home

the beach?

Dubrovniks old town is lovely but it is disappointing to see every available space filled with expensive cafes and bars, catering to the masses of tourists wanting to soak in the Game of Thrones atmosphere.

Great place for a basketball court

The old fort

Good use of space

View from the basketball court

The  surrounds of the castle are used by the locals and tourists for sunbathing and diving. Again, the water is lovely, the beaches are pebbles and sea urchins pop up and get you if  don’t wear reef shoes or thongs.

A “fish picnic” and cruise around the  Elaphite Islands consisted of 3 Islands and all the grappa and wine you want. Hence, our musical singalong on the way home and the beautiful voice  of Pauline.

Sunset at Bol

Back of the bus

and another

Dubrovnik to Split

The ferry takes 4 hours and about $15. Our UK friends decided to join our adventure which made it a laugh a minute. The island of Brac by ferry,  another swim and another beer or two and an unfortunate but delicious farewell dinner in Split. We have met some really wonderful people in our travels and these guys are what it’s all about.

Split, on the Dalmation Coast was a huge surprise. There is still an abundance of touristy shops and markets but there is a lovely feel to the place. It has an old world charm showcased by it fortress, Palace and Cathedral. Ruins everywhere and all, a beautiful white stone.

Zagreb, Zaton back to Zagreb. Used up so many zzzz’s, cant sleep!

Off to Turkey…