Reflections on Hrvatska

Our time in Croatia was, simply put, fabulous.  Granted, it had its moments.  Like when we walked out of the ballet last night to an absolute downpour.  But then again, as you noticed from the above comment, we were at a ballet.  So certainly not much to complain about.  And that’s how the trip has been so far: the glass could be half empty, but it’s way more half-full (or all the way full, as the case may be).

We fell in love with Istria.  The region of Istria is in the far north west of Croatia and about as close to the Italian countryside as you can get without actually being in the Italian countryside (if that wasn’t already obvious).  The small fa

Pigs on the run

rm we stayed at was perched atop the highest hill in the area and had a commanding view of the entire region.  And not only that but it was a working farm where they grew their own food, made their own wine and olive oil (and jams), and had two pet pigs that roamed the property, keeping the place clean – and the family busy keeping them out of the gardens. The gardens.  The rows of vegetables growing in rows between the olive trees!  Fabulous.  And the vineyards, olive orchards, pigs wandering around.  Glorious.

So, naturally, Cara and I want our own slice of Istria.  If not the real thing, then a version of it back home.  I’m already dreaming of 10 acres of olives, vines, fruit trees, and animals all around.  Throw in a woodshop and I’m in bliss.

I hope to have time to write more about it later, but for the now I’m racing against the time-allotment I have here in Gatwick airport as we get ready to head on to Athens.  Athens will be a flash in the pan – we have only one full day to see the Acropolis, etc – but hey, who wouldn’t take the opportunity to see the birthplace of Western civilization?  The flight to Athens just posted on the billboard.  Off we go.

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