Barbara's travels continue 2018

It would be hard to match a day like yesterday, our visit to Plitvice, but nevertheless we had a brilliant day full of wonderful, rapidly changing scenery, as in NZ, and interesting visits. Even stops at motorway areas for a break gave us a chance to enjoy the local flora. Our first stop was the historic town of Zadar, which is overshadowed by its larger neighbour Split, but is starting to attract more visitors and particulatly, more cruise ships. It would be a pity if it gets overrun, but I am sure it will! The medieval part of the town is crowded into a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic. It has a picturesque harbour for the locals, and the big tourist attraction is the recently created and very quirky Sea Organ, loved by tourists, but not so popular with those living nearby because of the strange sounds it emits, very loud when the waves are large. As I was there, the sound was quite pleasantly melodic, but I can see how annoying it might become. The organ consists of w...

Having been woken by torrential rain, I had no preconceived ideas about the coming day apart from the fact that we would be visiting one of Croatia's star attractions, their number one national park ( one of 8), Plivicka Jezera ( jezera meaning lake) . For me, wet or fine, I was sure we were in for a treat! Our 40 minute drive along the start of the Dalmatian Coast was glorious. The rain stopped and the dark clouds over the densely bush- covered mountains looked ominous and yet really beautiful. Our first stop was the little fishing village of Senj. Nothing sensational, but calm and picturesque. The 200 km drive from Opatije to Plitvicka was fantastic. The lush green forest carpeting the hills and valleys is quite breathtakingly vibrant. This, and possibly autumn, must be the best times to visit. As we climbed the winding road to the top of the 800 metre pass , we headed into fog and drizzle, so once again our weather for this all important trip to the park was uncertain.  Down in...

The morning light over the bay was fantastic and the occasional breaks in the clouds made me feel somewhat optimistic for the day, despite the rather dire forecast.  It is good to be optimistic, but sadly we had a day with a lot rain, though temperatures were okay. I have to say that it did not spoil my day, but of course views of the many outlying islands would have certainly been spectacular on a clear day. This view reminded me very much of  the view of Queen Charlotte Sounds in NZ. The drive over the mountains and through lush forests was lovely but a very windy road. I was pleased to be at the front of the bus.  In Pula, we met up with guide Adriano, a very interesting and witty man from the area. It was fascinating to listen to the historical background of this region, which has changed nationality so frequently over the last centuries. Being so close to Italy, all signs are bilingual and apparently so is most of the population. We were fortunate enough to view the...

It was a long bus trip, Bled to ljubljana, and then to Zagreb, made longer by the late arrival of my Flixbus for the second leg of the trip. It was my first experience of Flix, and apart from the delay and the cramped and smelly toilet on the bus, I was pleasantly surprised how smooth and comfortable the journey was. Arriving in Zagreb at rush hour was rather hectic, so I took the soft option of a taxi rather than trying to jam myself and luggage into a very crowded tram - must be getting older and wiser! The hotel was much more luxurious than I would normally choose, so that was quite nice for change. Bit sterile perhaps and I felt rather scruffy. Before dinner, it was time to meet Zoran, our guide/ driver, and the other 22 passemgers. I think it will be a good group of mixed ages and nationalities, Bahrain, Australian, Kiwi, Canadian and American. Everyone seems very open and friendly so it is really easy to mingle. Our first meal together was typically Croatian, though I think it su...

Out of the blue some months ago, I heard from an ex student of mine, Rosche, the first European to attend the Polytechnic, and it was so exciting to catch up with him and family again at a wonderful Mother's Day brunch at his sister's home next to the Swiss/Liechtenstein border - not that you see one! Travel is such a fabulous way to make friends around the world, to keep contact and to better learn the different cultural values and ways of living. I continue to be fascinated by the splendid castles, perched high up, watching over the valley below. They are so very impressive and constantly get me thinking about how such incredible buildings were created in the first place, and how have are they still standing? What clever people they were. It still confuses me how the two countries of Liechtenstein and Switzerland share so much and yet have tax laws, etc, which are so different. The next day it was time to at last catch up with Dennis again. Since we have known each other, we...