CROATIA-ITALY 27th & 28th October - recovery and travel.

Don't hate me but it's funny how I really have no concept of dates / days of the week at the moment. It seems when traveling you pinpoint different important times or periods, much more immediate, needs driven. Eg stomach growling - 1st meal of the day, 2 hrs before airports, 3rd day of cruise, 4 days until tour. The only indication I have that the work wk has begun is all the i hate Monday' posts on FB lol

Yesterday was the day that didn't really happen. I really took advantage of the hotel room and super comfy bed. Woke up for included breakfast and then went bk to bed pretty much. Wrote up my blog, did Internet stuff, put in laundry, found a couple of English movie on tv and felt compelled to watch them despite having seen them and one being a Van Dam movie... Seriously dude what's with the shoulder pads? Am thinking I could have used my time a bit better lol. That said it was good to just b able to catch up on sleep from the cruise and try stockpile more alertness for future travels. 

My stomach forced me out of my hidey hole and I ventured down to the marina. I bought myself a glass of red and sat there by myself, forcing myself to not pick up my phone, and watch and absorb what was gng on in the moment and around me. It was seriously difficult and not the greatest feeling. But I persisted and then made my way to a restaurant just beyond the palace walls. I had the most delicious spag Bol , possibly second best meal of the trip. Allowed myself some distraction and read a magazine. Good meal only lacking some company but nevertheless was satisfying. Made my way hm, chatted to a few people at hm- the first time if really chatted all day - I was suffering lol lol

Woke up in my blissful bed, breakfast, got my newly laundered clothes wrapped in cling wrap (that's a use I've never seen b4), re packed - have hardly bought a thing but my case is full full full :( checked out after paying a ridiculous amount for laundry... Price u pay for taking the convenient route and doing it at the hotel. That said after hrs of wandering I never did see a laundromat- next country ill b more frugal. 

Went for my last wander around the old city feeling quietly confident that I knew my way round the winding alleys. Had a coffee back at the same place near the bell tower that I'd had lunch b4. Chatted to the waiter- very friendly. Diana had set me a challenge to meet one new person a day. Meeting to the extent that you exchange names. No exchange of names with my waiter but it was nice to just have a yarn after self imposed hibernation. It made me feel confident again that I could do small talk, was friendly and could rely on the Australian reputation for being kind friendly people. 

Bk to the hotel to get my transfer and then chatted to my driver in broken English ( him not me lol I can still manage English pretty well :-). He asked me to source a new akubra hat lol very random ... He got one from Kakadu and wanted to buy one for his son. I used my akubra hat expertise (NOT LOL ) to advise him. 

It still amazes me how international travel here is no big deal. The airports are probably more used to the international travel than domestic. A far cry from Australia when an hr and a half travel will only get u to Melbourne not another entire country. 

So was sitting ready and almost uncomfortably early for my flight. I guess I'm not used to this whole being punctual thing. So minding my own business when who walks by but Canadian Ashley from Hvar. We met Ashley back on the infamous keep the bar open night ( I know it's hard to distinguish one keep the bar open night from another lol). She was on a big trip abroad with the common theme of F### you to her husband serves you right for cheating me and should I shouldn't I make friends with an overly friendly and well versed in tourist romance bar tender. 

We chatted, it was nice to speak to someone and it was the first true example of travelling karma.  Of the world being small but in a good way, not in a every corner I turn is another child I have taught kind of way.

Flight was un eventful except for saying that I'm liking the Italian look. ... Mmmm thou the not so subtle stares of the old guys I could leave. Arrived at Rome airport, to not find my transfer. Stay calm stay calm... I actually was, just kept walking until I saw the only guy with a blank iPad and in broken English we established I was who he was looking for and he was who I was looking for. :-) I tried to ignore the flurry of grunts and quickly spoken Italian that came out of his mouth as he lifted my case.... Oy!

After quite a long journey, and with me making 'oh wow, beautiful' to the random comments and sights my driver would point out. My hotel was hilarious. Very ornate. My friend / travel agent warned me that it was a flashback to the past but I was not prepared for the gilded head boards and faux plush bed boards and stools. I was escorted to my room by a very friendly (read over friendly creepily smiling Angello) bellhop. Had to laugh at the room and the spray painted gold furniture and fake plush stools with red leather head board

I unpacked slightly and then started checking on my travel details for the next day to Cinque Terre. It was then I realised, that what I thought I had sorted was in fact not really sorted. It only occurred to me that my train ticket only took me to La spezia and my hotel was in Monterosso. At this stage those were all just Italian sounding names with no meaning. I google and tried to plan the route between the two to get a reading of 3 hrs 47 minutes walking time!!! WTF???? After much more googling and putting in the wifi code numerous times, I figure they were in fact different towns reachable via a regional train. Not a major deal but at that stage sent me into having a small wobbly and started me thinking why oh why am I doing this to myself?????  

My need for an ATM and my growling stomach forced me out of my downward spin. I also needed to 'waste' time until 8am Australia time so I could contact my phone provider on their emergency number so I could access data.... Dataless=stressmore to me. I walked the streets aimlessly trying in vain to follow directions ( seriously I'm useless, definitely born without the direction gene). I found a place for dinner. Unspectacular relatively unfriendly though I got wifi and managed a few teary phone calls home.

Found my way back to the hotel to try to repackage my back pack so I could travel to the cinque terre area with only that instead of my cumbersome suitcase. Did a pretty good job... Got it down to one toiletry bag....yes you all should b proud!!

I find it really hard to predict the weather around here so I packed layers hoping I could manage and would have to just make do. I'm already getting irritated by all of the 'stuff' in my world and am wondering if I will eventually just get sick of carrying it all and will begin the dump stuff... But what to dump, that black top goes with everything, that Tshirt is nice because its colourful, I might need those pants if.... U see my problem?? Lol

Put myself to bed in my throne lol

26th October - good byes to Croatian peeps.

So I slept fitfully counting down the hours and doing calculations of ... If engine started it must mean it is 5 o'clock, means 2 hrs till my alarm, 1 hr to pack toiletries, etc riveting stuff I know lol

Actually got to breakfast earlier than any other day and had last conversations with some of my ship mates. I was beginning to feel a little sad, and the all familiar nerves were beginning to return in force. After the last drops of soy milk were finished and last tabs paid we all began to say final good byes to our trusty crew. Lovely Luka managed to lift / drag / catapult my bag out of the cellar and off the ship. We all watched our temporary home 'Vapor' sail off quickly into the distance for its final clean before hanging up its sails for another season. 

After a bit of indecisiveness and with most of us still slightly rocking back and forth... Weird how we had begun to actually rock less whilst on the bait. Lol we made our way to the marina. Most settled in for some much needed coffee now that Tommys bar was official closed. I went bk to my original hotel (Found it easily !!! I was even surprised lol) managed to check in and then met the girls for coffee and a yarn. We reminisced and found out some interesting stories that had yet been untold by some of the girls... Some stories of domestic duty excuses, the captains son, knowing moves and happy campers lol. I was surprised only because I was gullible enough to believe the excuses lol but go girl!!!!

We all strolled along the marina and people bought some last minute gifts. Unfortunately the Inevitable time had come to say good bye to Sandy, Tara, Jen and CC. I was sad to see them all go :(. They all left with promises of future contact (I think I have found my match on FB usage with Sandy lol), and travel plans with invitations to stay. 

Then there were 4. 

Andrea, Di and Janessa and I continued to get our shop on. The girls shopped hard, fast and successfully. I also bought a lovely necklace inspired by Croatia and Jen in reds and aqua. We rediscovered a great chcocolate shop Janessa had found before and bonus it was DAIRY FREE! We then took a load off and sat down for a drink and watched passers by until it was time to say a farewell to Janessa :(

Then there were 3. 

After getting almost too much sun, especially while dressed in jeans. Andrea, Di and myself went in search of food. Went into the palace and found a good cafe where we could get salads and sandwiches.. A far cry from our usual lunch but also a welcomed  change. We ran in Bud (Bud-a-bing) who was also in Split for another day or so. Every now and again I had to remember to look up and around and try to absorb where I was actually sitting, underneath marvellous architecture imprinted with years of memories, people and time. 

With me directing ( I know! Who would have thought!!) we walked bk to our respective hotels for a  few hrs. I met Andrea Di and bud for a drink in the main square. Greatest wine of the trip - yum. Had dinner - nothing of note except note to self when ordering vodka and lemonade I need to say sprite as otherwise u end up old skool lemonade complete with pips. We gave Bud some new to the scene dating advice which he eagerly took note of. We wait eagerly to hear how he and the hot ex model brazilain go!! Cocktail alley called and we made our way to a small alley way filled with outdoor seats and different bars. We parked ourselves here for a good couple of hours, chatting away a d watching the people. It seemed like it was truly a local hang, not a tourist in sight. Di and I played a couple of inappropriate games and involved Andrea and Bud in the process.  After a while the smoke, noise and barge of people began to get to me. The days of not enough sleep and lack of general exposure to smoking caught up with me and I think everyone else was beginning to fade.  We half escorted Di and Andrea to their hotel and said some teary farewells. 

Bud escorted me most of the way home and said bye as well

And then there was 1 :( 

25th October - lasts of the cruise

Got up with a few minutes and cereal to spare feeling a bit dusty but happy. There was the usual night catch up where details were exchanged,  notes compared, theories proven and disproven. Lol

We pulled into the beachy island of Bol - Brać and had a quick chat from Aida under the always useful island sign. The sun was out and it was suggested we walk the 1.5 km to the finger beach. I got ready in record time ( getting better :) and joined everyone on the walk under pine tress with light speckling on the footpath, it was gorgeous. We walked past many resorts and 'clubs for dance, clubs of discotheque' all names at pretty specific lol.  The walk took a bit longer than expected but we arrived to see some eager beavers had already braved the pebbled beach and were swimming. Spurred on by my first very positive Adriatic experience I went in. I struggled to get past boob level as it was brrrrrrr. We all acclimatised and stayed in bobbing with the gentle waves for a while. Managed to struggle through the pebbles ( this ain't no Bondi beach!) trying and failing to convince uncle Ole to not take unflattering pics of us as we did the 'ouch ouch rock ouch' step back to our towels. Hung on the beach for an hour drying off. The sun here is so different to bk home. The gals were very good at smothering themselves in sunscreen, I think Tara got up to factor 400 lol. I sat out got slightly tanned, not burnt into resembling a lobster as I would on any other Australian beach.  Stayed for a bit longer with Janessa and Andrea and worked out the panorama function on my phone - score!!!

Returned on board for another chef special of 3 courses just what the waistline needs, thank god I don't usually get offered dessert as there is No dairy free option. We had another hour before we disembarked. So Di and I went perusing the local shops along the water. I think I may have found my sista from another mother lol. I have found someone who likes accessories, scarfs and shopping as much as I do. I think Di has the same unique skill of being able to shop in any shop big or small lol 

Boarded our Vapor again and set sail to our last port

We all sat on the deck chatting and sharing email addresses. Di and I had bought some postcards so we could write cards to everyone in the crew. I can happily report my many years of organising group presents and writing cards paid off as I wrote messages on behalf of the group. We gave Aida the earrings we had bought on behalf of the group (last cruise 2013). I'm so glad she liked the coral earrings with silver claws as I felt considerable pressure buying them for everyone - but I think I did well :-) and she seemed to be really touched. 

We arrived just at sunset at our last stop. Even Aida said the island had nothing of note except a sardine factory lol so I have no idea what it was called. It was pretty nevertheless. Some went exploring the small town to report it didn't seem to be a very touristy place, with a lower socioeconomic population.  Then we all got dolled up for the Captains dinner. No ball gowns but everyone looked lovely. We got to applaud the crew and toast everyone for their great job. We were treated to a banquet of potato salad (very similar to the potato salad my grandmother makes - pickles, mayo, potato carrots peas,  funny I never really placed it as a European dish having grown up with it so often), and then seafood extravaganza ... Looked delicious pity I couldn't eat it but then again I was still pretty full from lunch as well as the obligatory bread, olive oil and salt.... Must stop filling up on that!

During dinner we were serenaded by a Croatian father and daughter team. Dinner then turned into dancing. The captain did the rounds of his favourite blondes and others. He has the moves... Romantic or sleazy I am still undecided. Uncle Ole grabbed partners and got his dance on. We all sweated up a storm and danced for a couple of hours hydrated by our last bottles of wine from Tommys bar. The band packed up and Tommy was packing up and settling bar tabs to sad faces from many... Though he had a smile lol. I think the crew appreciated us a great cohesive group with charisma but I also know they were counting down the hours until we were gone and the season could officially be closed for the year. 

After some shirtless Physio for Tommy care of Sandy we made our way into one of the open bars. We sat down and were accosted by a weird little man with a his shirt tied in a little bow at the bottom, who seemed to take a liking to me. He would imitate our laugh pop his cheek and then make a farting horse noise. Hard to explain in writing but it was hilarious to begin with but got more than slightly annoying and encouraged us to move on.

Went to another bar but I got a pretty ick feeling, was hard, filled with a few not so friendly or healthy looking locals.. Stayed there for one drink and made our back to the boat. Others stayed behind and ended up finding a bar with a pool table and had fun but I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and headed back down to the cellar to try and pack.

Lovely last day. 

Sailing Sunning Swimming

Dragged my bottom out of bed to make last calls for toast, after 3.5 hrs sleep I think I looked pretty shiny for that little sleep. Checked all girls were accounted for with no stowaways and headed bk to bed for an hr

The dropping of the anchor which sounded like it was bring deposited on my bedside table woke me and I headed up stairs to b faced with a spectacular little cove. A place where Aida had swum as a child. The brave jumped right in. I watched from the side wondering if I could muster energy and cope with the cold. I chickened out... Until pretty much everyone made the jump in and I thought f### it how often will I get the chance to jump in the Adriatic?

Jumped in and it was well worth it. Cold to begin with,  cool then so pleasant I didn't want to get out. Yes yes, I told you so people, happy to concede to this point!!

The rest of the day we sailed peacefully along whilst sun baking on deck. I lay there not a care in the world, swim suit only no hint of self consciousness even when Ole came to take pictures of us for his 'memories' lol, listening to the gentle breeze and lapping of the water against the boat. I think I may have frightened our sailor Luka (son of the captain) who popped down a hidey hole to check on the anchor being pulled up and then came up quickly to be smack bang eye level with my cleavage as i was lying on the deck lol lol, awkward much or lucky boy luka hahaha ;-p. 

We arrived at trstenik... I think... Can you tell I'm getting very much relaxed and into the groove of this vacation lol. It's a sleepy place operating at a very relaxed pace, mostly closed at this stage. You could imagine it buzzing with tourists during the summer months.  A few people went to explore while others stayed on board and passed away the time before getting ready for our excursion. 

Our excursion was to a little village about 20 minutes away. We explored with Aida until a stray dog looking for a throwing-stone partner interrupted and stole the lime light lol

We headed to dinner or traditional Croatian fare. Cured meats cheese olives delicious damper like bread, lentil soup and slow roasted lamb. All accompanied by sour cherry liquor and wine with added protein (in the form of many flying gnats who committed suicide in the carafs of wine- they were buzzing around as we were sitting under 4 wk old cured legs of ham). Dinner was good but I think many of us, me included were beginning to feel either the lack of sleep, hangover or a combination of both. 

Headed bk to the boat where we hung in Tommy's bar, aka the dinning room and just chatted until we peeled off to bed. 

Amazing day weather and relaxation

24 th october-Rocking, rolling, Hvar and night life

Woke up with the rolling ocean, though didnt sleep well and had breakfast. Made my way white knuckled and hoping to god I didn't trip and end up over board bk to my cellar. Went bk to sleep and slept on and off for a few hrs through the to roughest weather. Woke up feeling decidedly worse and like I couldn't quite get the motor started. 

Had lunch and arrived in a cove just off Hvar where it was calmer and then arrived at Hvar. Hvar was a gorgeous town reminiscent of what I think Monaco would look like. Supposedly the sunniest longest island in Croatia. Small boats bobbing in the harbour, cafes and bars surrounding the town square. Unusually we were docked three in a row, us being the third. In order for us to get off we had to cross through the other boats. This was quite a challenge as they are all at different heights and all rocking at different speeds. I found the best thing to do was to not hesitate and just jump and rely on the kind hand of the other ship's captains. 

We went on a tour around the city with a very charismatic Karmen. Of most interest to me after the copious amounts of churches and ornate architecture was the quaint patisserie and jewelry stores... Felt I needed to get my shop on!!!

Got a coffee dairy free!! And a cookie dairy free!!! Woo hoo first dairy free snack of the trip!!! It's the small things in life lol. Once charged with caffeine through my veins we felt motivated to go shopping. We had a look through the jewelry stores some of which were quite unique. Of course I picked some amazing pieces worth $1000 Australian dollars. So alas I was left jewelry-less except for a pair of earrings. 

Snack hunting (not snacks lol) was next on the agenda. Some gals were planning on staying aboard during the evening for fear of having to negotiate the three ship boarding process and ending up gng for a swim. 

Back on the boat Tommy's bar was gng strong. Everyone was finishing of room bottles and having a jabber. Some us braved the disembark and eventually made our way to a recommended dinner where the service was somewhat lacking but the food was devine. 

After dinner and trying hard not to lapse into a food coma we wandered down the marina to a bar where it was hoped there would be some people watching a soccer match. We missed the soccer match and met the owner beginning to tidy up. 

One drink turned into two or three, shots on the bar, self DJing, flaming bars, lesbian overtures to some, declarations of love to others (ole to one of his blonde crushes). Girls had met many Croatian men in our stay in this lovely country and reported back that what Aida said first 'Croatian men made good lovers but bad husbands' held true. Also added to the list was that they were great kissers. I think most got to test out this theory. ;-p. 

Headed/ clambered / fell back to the boat at about 3:30/4am. Feeling quite happy after a great day. 

Walking Dubrovnik

So we woke up to full tourist mode. Breakfast, gos catch up about the night out, then out the door on to a bus that took us to the old city

Under brilliant blue skies, we went on a walking tour around the old city amongst the walls and fortress. Despite it being off season it was quite busy, lots of tour groups so much so that we had to be careful not to be in the middle in the back of or in the front of people's photos. Aida our tour guide walked us round. It is amazing her depth of knowledge and obvious passion for her country. It also amazes me how the people of Croatia have been through so much. Their history is rich and turbulent, though it seems they have come through it with a positive attitude and a huge appreciation for what they have and the beauties of their land. 

It was nice to have all of the group together on the tour. We have already started having group photos,much to the annoyance of other groups. Lol we quite a stern talking to by another tour guide.  After the tour some broke off and went up the gondola up the surrounding hill.

The view was amazing worth the wait. 

From there we made our way bk down to one of small alley ways filled with cafes/restaurants / bars. Reminder me a lot of Granada in Spain. It was so lovely so all eat together even if we didn't have to. Young old, USA, Denmark, Australian all eating and chatting easily, looking out for one another. 

After that the girls and Ole our 75 yr old Danish cruise friend, climbed the outer walls of the city. The view from the different perspectives was incredible. The islands off the coast the sparking aquamarine ocean. The walk was great though a bit on the hot side. Not sure im loving my 'long time searched for Kathmandu perfect no buckle pants', maybe in cooler weather they will b more suitable. I can't imagine being here in summer- it would almost be too uncomfortable. That said the cruise 2 weeks ago was plagued with rain nearly every day so it's pot luck. 

We stopped at the end of the walk and had a couple of drinks. Chatted to the locals and launched into a rendition of the proclaimers 'we would walk ten thousand miles or we would walk Dubrovnik walls'. We got a laugh but I wouldn't take us touring. 

After finishing up we walked through the old city finding a friendly but sad stray dog. Took all my will power not to pat him, despite the fact he took it upon himself to drop to the floor and roll onto his back for a pat.... I have that affect on men lol lol 

As a group we all caught buses bk to the boat. I have to say it is so nice to be in a group to work out all of these bits and bobs travel wise. I will admit I'm taking a bit of a back seat amongst all the organising. It's nice to relax into traveling and I guess for this portion of the trip to not have to labour over the details. 

Back on board we say on the deck chatting away. I was really tired even though everyone was still gng strong I decided to take myself for a nana nap. It was hard as had a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) but knew that if I didn't I wouldn't be able to power through the night 

Snoozed away for a whole got ready in gng out gear to meet everyone (with a few appreciative whistles ;-p). Now consider how long it takes for one female to get ready have their last drink and pee ....times it by 10.. Lol it took us a while to get out before the whole process was put on repeat lol

We made our way bk to the old town and Tara and janessa had done some reconnaissance and found an Italian restaurant especially with me in mind. Soooo nice of them xxx. We order up a storm washed down with Croatian wine. We all got merry and chatted. Janessa has just been traveling so she is giving me advice about my future travels. I really feel a part of the group 

From here we scoured the streets for noise ie people ie some place not closed. We arrived at an Irish pub that was pumping with a group of UK

people who were just finishing a travel expo. The bar was fun, nice to be around a group of people as most bars etc have been quiet or closed or closing up. We stayed there drinking, chatting away, watching some dirty dancing between Ole and Tara, worrying about Ole's 75 yr old heart, watching the girls making new 'friends'. I met some boys from the UK who I made quick FB friends with and who promised to take me out when I get to London. We will see if Mr Marc-one wife-three children-four cats-one dog and Mr Andrew-hot hunky-virile-great humoured-sharp, intelligent-clearly successful-stud (he made me write that and I don't want to burst his bubble but..... Lol) from the UK come through

Headed bk, less one gal to the boat and fought it out with the UK contingent for cabs. Once on board we chatted with the others who were bk. we then spent a good half am hour trying to get into the mystery bottles that JC left us. It took a nail file, pen, and finally a spoon to break into the promised beverage. I have to say I wasn't gng to give up, it was not gng to beat me!!! I now have the nickname Macguyver. Lol

Just after our captain, Zoran sleepy and grumpy (totally justified) came out at 4am to tell us the boat next to us had complained and we met one gals 8 pack buns of steel guy I headed to zzzzzzz. 

Fabulous day x