Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Our next adventure is to spend a day in Croatia with an old friend of Vlado’s, Boris. Left early so we could have the entire day but events sometimes get in the way. Were on the freeway on the way to Croatia when we came to a complete standstill, 18 wheelers on one side of road and cars on the other. No one was moving and then Vlado’s “check engine light” came on. Consultation with mechanic, don’t drive so call Neli to come trade cars. Then she calls back and is stuck in traffic as well so back to proceed as usual. There had been a wreck and they had shut the entire roadway shut down and we got to exit to a small village where the traffic was also backed up! Vlado knows a back way into Croatia so off we go through many winding turns and beautiful scenery. Finally cross into Croatia at a small border post and get a Croatia stamp in passport because they are not part of the EU.
Driving along a winding road and come down hill and turn corner and..........there is a tree across the road.
There was a crew clearing dead trees on the hillside and somehow three trees came down and were blocking the road. Out come the chainsaws and the trees are being cleared as the police arrive. Evidently they did not have the proper permits but we were finally on our way and arrived at Boris’ house by about 12:30 where he first took us to eat at a local Restuarant not on the tourist path. They had a local delicacy, fried sardines. Tried one.....lots of fried. We also tried a new flavor, tuna pate!
Then we are on the road for a tour of Croatia. It was so interesting to watch the interaction between Vlado and Boris, lots of rapid fire talking and gesturing as we drove along. Drove to the Ucka Overlook and down to Napoleon’s well that does date back to the time of Napoleon and had a drink from it as well as wash our face. This is what you are to do. As we drove along gave us a lot of Austria-Hungary, Italian and Yugoslavia history of this region as we drove along. We took many narrow winding roads past old compounds that looked like pictures of old Italy we have seen.
Drove on the Istria peninsula and could see back down across the Adriatic to more of Croatia all very beautiful. Had a coffee at one place and just enjoyed the view back down the coastline. Drove down from there to two of the famous Croatian seaside towns, Opatija and Kastav. When we had been traveling on the road to Croatia had seen many people that were heading to one of these towns for their vacation. Lots of people on the beach, visiting the expensive boutiques and all the rest of the scene. Very busy area but of course there were some beautiful views out to the sea. Walked around in Kastav for awhile and then headed back to Boris house for dinner.
Earlier in the day, they had gone to the grocery store and they had picked out some bream to cook for dinner and left them in their refrigerator until we had returned from our tour. Back to his house where they began to prepare the grille for dinner. Of course, the fire had to be perfect and just the right temperature! Of course, first a shot of schnapps! Sat in the garden and enjoyed the bird sounds and a new sight for us, a hummingbird moth! Dinner was delicious and and the area we were eating in was like a museum. Lots of interesting things all around. Boris had owned a restuarant at one time and some of these things were from those days. Back to Vlado’s and off to bed to see what our next adventure would be.
2025-05-22