Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Istria Peninsula


I apologise first – I have lots of photos.
******Warning….this blog mentions nudity, and not in a good way******
An easy day booked for the day.  We had a big one planned but decided to slow it down a bit.  Visits to Rovinj and Pula only.  Good sleep and away after breakfast by about 9am.  Drove to Rovinj – absolutely stunning place.  Parked at the wharf and looked towards the old town, church and bell tower at the top with gorgeous coloured houses down to the water front.  Walked along the wharf and was talked into doing a 1.5 hour boat cruise around the town and islands.  Calm day, overcast, temperatures down from 35 to 25 so it was a good way look at the area.
Most of the islands have resorts on them, the islands are surrounded by rock, people walk around the island and find some rocks, settle in with towels/umberellas and swim out in the sea.  Looks incredible.  On closer inspection we realized many of the sunbathers/swimmers were naked.  If any of you have any concept of the typical Croatian body shape (especially the ones wanting to get nude in public) you’ll understand it shook us up.  Remembering when they finish their swim they have to climb up the rocks to their towels.  Some of the yachts sailing past were also crewed by old, large, naked men and women.  Don’t use your imagination – it will damage your brain!  This experience made us appreciate the value of decent clothing.
Needed to get a drink when we got back, found one of the many restaurants on the water, it was like sitting next to an aquarium, watching the fish eating off the rocks next to us, (as we ate their cousins) was fascinating. I’m not one to drag on about food but…I had anchovies as entrée and mixed shell fish for mains – stunning food – I have photos!
After lunch we walked around the shore of the old town, up to the cathedral, down into the old town then back to the car, ensuring we bought ice cream on the way.  Tourist numbers were starting to build up so we headed to Pula after lunch.  A much bigger town with a huge arena/coliseum on the waterfront, right in the centre of town.  Built by the Romans in the first century AD, probably as a Christian culling centre.  Also used to stage gladiator bouts and blood thirsty wild animal hunts.
Time to head home for beer, wine, cheese and more.  Home by 7pm tonight so we are much better organised! 


Our first look at Rovinj

We knew you were waiting for this moment - our first selfie - don't worry - not our last


Washing day Rovinj

Just don't drop a sock!!!

Haul away, heave away me hearties!!!

Pam may have been wanting some 'walking the plank' action?

Rovinj from the boat

again

Some of THOSE rocks - hoping there are no nasties!

New resort

Our lunch place


Lunch 1

Lunch 2 - some of the shellfish still had seaweed and tiny barnacles stuck on them

Down town


Great swimming spots

Vernon bunked

and debunked

Art from the Cathedral

Bell tower beside the Cathedral

View from the steps of the Cathedral

Pam leaving the Cathedral

Walking back down town


Arena in Pula






Steps in Pula - too good for us today

Shopping in Pula


The road home
Little tunnel on the way - the longest was 2km


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