Refreshed. Relaxed. Restored.
I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed the journey, the weather, the company, the food and the food. I think I may had added an extra chin whilst I was away. What the heck! Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous. Each region has it’s own culinary traditions. Stews are very common with plenty of meat! (Vegetarianism is almost unheard of for the Croatians).
Hungry yet?
We did the tourist thing. We went to Venice, to The Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni Island and we did a boat trip to Rovinj where we had a little tour and a fish picnic.
Venice is wonderful, the journey was good too. We travelled in a catamaran type thing and the journey took about two hours. The heat in Venice was oppresive, really overwhelming. En-route to Venice we did see this wandering the Adriatic like a Nomad Boat.
The sights in Venice are wonderful. I don’t think you can prepare yourself for the sights. The narrow streets, expensive looking stones and marble, the Realto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs (even covered in scaffolding!) and St Marks Square.
St Marks Square is notoriously expensive. We decided to risk a drink in a cafe in the square… it surely couldn’t be that bad….could it? We found a little place where a lovely string quartet were playing, we sat down and ordered three iced-teas. We enjoyed the moment and bravely asked for the bill….
36 Euros! The iced tea was 8 euros per drink… not so bad I thought, but my husband and I had been charged 6 euros each for the music! I kept the receipt as a souvenier.
So this was just a little taster…. There is still so much more to share…
The scorpion and the Locust on the balcony… my husband was sure he was going to find a tiger up there one night!
The lizards sleeping in my daughters shoe… the wonderful foreign holiday makers…
I’ll leave you with this..
and for any car mad boys I leave you with Tito’s 1953 Cadillac Eldorado.
I hope you are all well, I promise I will catch up with everyone soon. I’ve missed you all more than words can say. 
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August 7, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I didn’t realize you would be popping over to Venice! What lovely sights. At least they don’t charge you by what your eyes see! However, 36€ is tough to swallow. Yikes! I’m so glad you are feeling refreshed and have made some interesting memories. Welcome back!
August 7, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I’m so glad to see that you really enjoyed yourselves. It all sounds, and looks, wonderful!
I’ve been to Venice twice and it was cold and damp both times!
Lucky you seeing that sailing ship, especially if it was under way with full sails.
We’ve all missed you too, and I’m know that we’re all happy to see you back home. xx
August 7, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I was starting to wonder if you’d ever come back!
Glad your journeys were safe.
August 7, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Yay, you’re back! I’m glad you had such a wonderful time. The pictures are amazing! Now rest up from your vacation, and then come see us all again.
August 7, 2008 at 4:52 pm
P.S. Your eyebrows look exquisite in the photo.
August 7, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Glad to see you back! Your blog theme looks different, or is it just that I’ve not been here for a while?
August 7, 2008 at 6:48 pm
That water was SO CLEAR.
August 7, 2008 at 6:53 pm
missed you!!! your pictures of venice remind me it’s time to go back and visit again.
August 7, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Welcome back! What beautiful photos. I’m so glad to hear that you guys enjoyed yourselves
August 7, 2008 at 9:50 pm
What a surprise, your back. A wonderful time was had by all reports. Never ever visited Venice, but I can imagine they attempt to maximise on all profits where the tourists are concerned! You are not alone, I have two chins too! Looking forward to seeing more photos of your holiday soon. x
August 7, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I’m Glad that you are back.Thanks for the photos. I really enjoyed the water falls.
Hugs and God’s Love and Blessings-Mike G. said that!
August 8, 2008 at 1:07 am
It sounds like fun, and I enjoyed your photos. Welcome back!
Do you read mysteries? If so, you might enjoy Donna Leon’s series set in Venice. I really like them.
August 8, 2008 at 5:58 am
I remember sitting on the deck of a liner having breakfast sailing into Venice.. marvellous. Sailing out was very sad….a bit like coming out of Dubrovnik. Like Flighty we have been in Venice when it was freezing….but still ’something else’. People have told us about smells in the heat, but have never had that problem.
Rovinj is something else with the old town on what seem like a little island.
Glad you had a great time…keep the photos coming!
August 8, 2008 at 6:53 am
Welcome Back Daffy!
Glad you had a fantastic time! Great photos! But what happened to squeezing me in to your suitcase?
August 8, 2008 at 10:01 am
J- I was going to take you but you went awol… I checked everywhere for you… under the bed.. down the back of the sofa… no sign.
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) and I’m in very good company!
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) Filled with Fish! My hubby would love to get in their with his rod. ;o)
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) Hello there. I’m back, I do feel as though I have been away a long time.
Hope you are ok.
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Harry I bet I am rekindling some lovely memories for you. I expected Venice to be smelly but it really wasn’t. I didn’t bother with a Gondola ride as there seemed to be a bit of a Gondola Jam and I wouldn’t have fancied being involved in some Gondola rage!
Rovinj is very Italian but beautiful. I loved the market, it was a very laid back, relaxed place. Easy pace of life in the Mediteranian-like surroundings. Got loads of photos to come don’t worry! (If I open an online account for them I’ll send you the details to go in and have a peek.)
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Ruth – I’ll give the book a try. I finished The Lovely Bones whilst I was on holiday, I enjoyed that and the other book I read was a ‘chick Lit’ Story from one of the UK’s Breakfast TV Presenters, Penny Smith. That book was very good, a nice easy, occasionally funny read. COming up Next is the title.
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Mike Hello, so glad you enjoyed the photographs. I have so many more!
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Hello Louise… two chins is better than one!
The holiday was lovely! I did love Venice too, perhaps when my hubby and I have ditched the kids we might revisit.
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Hi Laura, I did miss you, thought about you a few times as I meandered through the narrow streets and thought, ‘Laura would love this peace and tranquility!’
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WurlyGurlyCurly – Go back! Just don’t go for an iced tea at St Marks Square!
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Hayden it really was. The colours were beautiful too, some green, some blue, some greeny blue.
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Diddums! Hello, I redecorate in here so much I’ve no idea if it’s a new look or not! haha. I do think I’m due a change though.. not keen on the flutterby now.
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Tracie… no more uni-brow…
I’m back! I’ll be over soon I promise.
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Stephanie.
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Flighty it was all too wonderful. We had lots of fun and sunshine. Who couls ask for more.
Seeing the sailing ship was really good, it looked marvelous. We also saw some huge cruise ships which were impressive. Venice is the place to be if you are on a cruise!
I would certainly like to go back to Venice again. We got a photo of three police officers at Venice. Very samrt!
xxx (Thanks for my e-card!)
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Nikki! *waves* Popping over! I like that. It sounds so casual and easy. I am pleased we did. It certainly added something to the holiday!
It was expensive! We did kind of expect it but I couldn’t do it too often!
August 8, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Wow! That must have been a grand trip. Thanks, Daffy, for sharing the photos!
August 8, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Hi Nick, you are welcome. (I won’t mention testicles if you don’t. *smiles*
We’ll keep everyone guessing huh! haha.
Hope you are ok.
August 8, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Oooooohhhhh!!! Those photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them! And welcome back! I came by to check on you every once in awhile, but you were gone A LONG TIME!
It sounds like you guys had fun! I haven’t been on a vacation like that since… well, maybe never. Nowadays, our trips are short visits to relatives with a little sight-seeing squeezed in. I want an exotic trip like yours!
Well, until then, you keep taking trips and letting me see what other parts of the world look like, okay?
August 8, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Unbelievably beautiful photos, Daff! So glad you’re home safe. CAn’t wait to hear about all the rest – the animal stories esp. You know me.. xoxo
August 8, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Dish Lady… I’ve missed you.
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Q. Why are you walking so much… have I missed something.
The price of fuel here I should be doing the same!
(We walked sooooo much in Crotia.. I’m not sure how I manged to gain a chin at all!
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Lanzarote next year Carol. You’d love it! It was the very first holiday we had as a family (me, hubby and kids) and we can’t wait to go back.
I’m so glad you missed me! haha!
August 9, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Great stuff – Glad you had a great holiday. Must admit, I’ve always been put off going to Italy, despite their beautiful cities, because of stories of being ripped off. I’m afraid your 36 Euro bill for drinks has confirmed my prejudice. still, at least I’ve your nice pictures to look at instead!
August 9, 2008 at 6:43 pm
wow wow and wow.
I just wanna jump into that lovely waterfall.
Glad you had a lovely time and that you came back refreshed nad relaxed.
Hurrah for breaks. x
August 9, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Happy Birthday. I did a small tribute to you at Nikkipolani’s place. It looks like you had an awesome trip. That bill is astounding. I won’t complain about the prices here when I recall that bill. Gorgeous photos. It is a little far for me to travel over there, but maybe some day.
August 10, 2008 at 10:24 am
Hi Tracey. Happy birthday 10th August. These cards just for you – Mick
here and here
August 10, 2008 at 10:36 am
I have read that the Adriatic Coast is lovely. I am glad you had a refreshing time.
I am pleased you like my son’s name. It was deliberately chosen. Philip Parker Robinson. Named to honour his English grandfather Charles Parker Beeston, also know as Parker. As a little boy, it was a big name to carry but he has grown into it. I tried lots of combinations so it would sound distinquished if he turned out to be a doctor or lawyer .
I find not everyone takes care in naming their children. My Welsh pen pal called her first child Emma. She got married and became a Virgin. so her daughter’s name is Emma Virgin. After 30 years, it still brings a smile to my lips. I have a neighbour who named his son Justin, Justin Case. “What just in case he is yours”, was my less than sensitive reaction.
After writing I, with some dread, hope you last name is not Duck, Daffy Duck! Oh! too funny
August 10, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Glad to hear you all had a wonderful holiday, now you’re all rested up how about popping down here and helping me move?
LOL
August 10, 2008 at 7:08 pm
What a great vacation! We’re going through pitchers of iced tea – no string quartet. Also, no stews – too hot. Great vaca post!
August 10, 2008 at 7:50 pm
It’s lovely to see you had such a good time and you’ve taken some lovely photos looking forward to seeing the rest.
August 10, 2008 at 9:02 pm
It’s nice to see you back, and the holiday snaps are great!
I would love to visit all those places that you were at
Back to reality now
August 11, 2008 at 5:58 am
Amanda, they were lovely, not, might I add as lovely as Dubrovnik but still lovely. Ah yes. Reality!
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haha hello missus, it was refreshng. The best pics are on the camera, I’ll sort them soon. Along with the random laugh out loud pictures my daughter took… a close up of a seagull and one of her shoes come to mind!
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Chippy I can’t tell you how happy I was to read your last few entries. Onward and upwards eh? xx
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Ann, there were days when I could have happily been one of your buffalo and submerged myself in the nearest muddy pool!
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You see Philip, I am very impressed with the fact that you chose a name with the foresight of his future in mind. I think that is good. My son was always going to be named agter his two Grandads…even if it was a girl but my daughter just seemed to suit her name. I was convinced I was having another boy anyway so it was a bit of scramble for girls names.
) Thanks for the comment Philip, and thanks for that lovely entry about your cabin. (Beautiful!)
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Regards… Mrs Duck.
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Hello Mick! Wow Two cards! Both of which are fabulous! Many thanks indeed. They were a nice surprise. So… I’m 39 and one day. Must say I don’t feel any different!
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) Everywhere else was quite reasonable. At least we did it and it was something to remember but I couldn’t afford to do it all the time! I’d rather take a flask and sit nearby! 
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Dawn I read it and it was lovely, made me feel all warm and fuzzy. (It made me chuckle too!) Likewise Dawn, with all the beauty you have on your doorstep, I’d like to visit where you are… maybe one day! xx
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Fabby Lady, well hello there! The pics are only from my phone camera but with so much wonderful scenery around even I couldn’t go to far wrong!
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Hi Mark, to be fair, it really was just in St Marks square where they robbed the eyes out of the tourists…
August 23, 2008 at 9:36 am
Ok so I am now a totally non sweet shade of green, each spot is now added to my travel to-do list.
Out of interest, where are you based? I can not tell and am fearful of calendars because I too am approaching something in numbers which of course I shall not discuss!
August 23, 2008 at 1:21 pm
SF Many thanks for the return visit. Croatia was very beautiful and very green too! ;o)
) (Almost understandable!)
It’s the closest image to my perception of heaven I have found.
I’m in the UK, I live in the North East region. Not quite a Geordie but I do have a slight northern accent.
I’m not afraid of 40! haha 40 should fear me! (they are only numbers… don’t be afraid.) ;o)
August 23, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Oooo you live near No Place!??? Ok well in the same “quarter” at least. I miss the UK very muchly so please blow a kiss to your air for me!
August 23, 2008 at 3:16 pm
OOOh SF, I live VERY near to No Place and I am amazed you have heard of it. It makes me laugh because I also live near a place called ‘Pity Me’. I guess I live in an area of strangley named villages!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Place