Although we are technically in Croatia
this weekend, the region of Istria has changed
hands so many times that it is really a mix of cultures. Throughout the past century, it has been part
of Venice, Austria,
Italy, Yugoslavia, and now Croatia. Three language dominate here: Croatian,
Italian, and English, and the region seems to be popular with European tourists
from all over. We neither met, nor saw any
other Americans here, so we joined the Europeans and had a relaxing beach
holiday in Rovinj/Rovigno..
Highlights:
- Golden Cape: Our apartment was a short
walk from this nice wooded area on the water with walking/biking
paths. There were plenty of rocks
to claim for sunbathing and swimming in the clear, blue-green waters of
the Adriatic, and the bed of pine needles
under tha canopy of trees provided shade along the shore. Found a great spot for swimming near a
small jetty that made it easier to get in and out of the water in between
the waves. It was the perfect place
for a hot, humid day! We came here
to swim twice…until our fun was interrupted by a huge jellyfish floating a
few feet away from us in the water!
I’ve never seen Lisa run out of anywhere so fast!
- Rovinj: Looks like we hit the town on the right
night. Tourists, locals, and
vendors crowded the streets for a big town festival, Vecer Ribarske
Tradicije/Serata della Tradizione Marinaresca. We wandered the slippery cobblestone
streets of the Old
Town, grabbed beer
for the boys and gelato for the girls, found our way to St. Euphemia’s at
the top of the town to watch the vatromet (fireworks), and caught part of
the 2 Celloss concert by Luka Sulic & Stjepan Hauser on our
way out of town. Great evening in
town!
- Food: Dinner at Sidro on the patio facing the
marina was a good pick (thanks, Rick!).
The bavette tartufi (pasta in a truffle cream sauce) was delicious,
and the raznjici (pork on a skewer) and cevapcici (similar to sausauge
links) were decent. Food was
reasonable priced for a waterfront restaurant.
- Money:
Croatia
is on the kuna, and once we learned to divide the price of everything by 7
to convert to euros, we got the hang of money here. Despite all the tourists in this area,
prices seem a little lower compared to other countries we’ve visited.
Lodging: Malena’a two bedroom
apartment next to her own home was perfect for us! We had plenty of space including a kitchen
and two balconies. Everything was very
clean, and we were a 10 min. walk from the beach. No Internet, but we survived. Even though we were a good 25-30min. walk
from town, for a beach vacation, this was a great spot!
Unfinished Business: Biking the Golden Cape,
buying aqua shoes so we can get in/out of the water easier like everyone else!
No comments:
Post a Comment