Croatia - Time Spent with Good Friends

I like Croatia.   Nice scenery,  interesting,  and historical... I know I have seen only a small portion of the country and yes,  I have heard of the politics, lack of employment, business and government issues...but as tourists and realizing that I cannot change the world - I  find the country worth visiting.

Dubrovnik,  interior view

Sailing next summer, looks good  - all those islands and old towns,  stones and orange roofs...and more.

This past August,  we shared Croatia with a number of friends - Linda and Eveleen,  John (IVAN) and Elizabeth,  and of course our old faithfuls,  Terri and Drew -  what a pleasure to spend time with everyone

Sipanski Luka,  island of Sipan

First Linda and her daughter Eveleen arrived.  Neither have sailed or spent anytime on a boat - but decided to spend a week, having very little idea of what to expect - I love Linda (and Eveleen too), for many reasons,  one being their willingness to experience, the unknown.   When Linda and I were younger,   I asked Linda to go canoeing with me, Friday to Sunday,  14 hour days,  portaging and paddling - the entire time. "Sure she says,  sounds like fun"  And the rest is history - we spent weekends and holidays for the next few years together.   I am so happy that Linda and Eveleen enjoyed themselves -because I want them to come back again and again.

Sipanski Luka, photo 

Although Linda's blog was detailed,  she missed out on a few things,  so I will tell you....Linda wanted to experience everything;   so, um, we let her....she did our laundry, twice, - stomping on the clothes and devising new ways of cleaning (see soon to come pics on our photo page) ..,  it was a treat for me!   Linda and Eveleen cooked, cleaned, swam,  and got in and out of the water via our dinghy...quite a feat.   Linda also took the jump,  literally;  not a confident water person ( I know,  all those canoeing years....) so was cajoled by Branko to jump from the boat into the water...not once,  not twice but I think three times.   What a brave person.   Eveleen of course,  thought all was normal and did not think twice, about anything, just did.   Really,  it was me who had all the fun.  Eveleen even slept through all the boras,  she thought the rocking and rolling in the Vberth very comfortable - crazy kid.

Dubrovnik, view from our boat

Next came our good friends,  Johnny and Elizabeth - again, two people who had not spent anytime on a boat,  except for the odd day sail on Lake Ontario.   Unfortunately,  Johnny is prone to seasickness and came prepared with remedies, just in case.   What adventurous souls.    We had a  wonderful time, catching up and just having fun.  The weather cooperated and we swam off the boat, journeyed to strange shores and laughed, alot.  Sophie also had a great time - John would wake up and hug/kiss Sophie before he said a word to anyone else ... very funny,  especially Elizabeth's responses!   Thank you,  for spending your hard earned time off (aka holidays) with us.  Oh,  and about Johnny and seasickness...there were no storms or rough weather,  so all was great - which means many more visits - YEA!  

View from our boat,  with John and Elizabeth

Next came Terri and Drew.  We benefited from our adventures with Linda, Eveleen, John and Elizabeth; we knew where to go, what to see,  and how long it should take us....plus the weather was perfect - no boras!  OK one,  but we were snug,  on a dock,  in the well protected town of Ston.    Plus,  Terri and Drew were spending almost two weeks with us - so we could travel a little farther.  Terri has been my friend since we were nineteen years old, mmhmm,  a long time -  again,  a very special holiday for me.   Spending a relaxing and fun filled (always fun filled) time together,  experiencing different countries and cultures, bike rides, walks and just being,  in each others company - feeling groovy!   And yes,  I think,  the times spent with all our good friends should be in the book of awesome!

P.S.  More pics of everyone will be on our photo page - once I get back to the boat that is- so stayed tuned.

Mag

Terri and Drew

Terri, cause I asked her to jump!

Sophie, on my picture book

Bosnia Road Trip - Take 2

Sarajevo,  kiosks selling metal works

Sarajevo,  main Mosque and fountain

We had to go back to Dubrovnik after only a week in Branko's family 'village'.   Daniella, Branko's second cousin, kindly lent us her car for the journey - which made a huge difference logistically.   The week in Dubrovnik was spent in and out of the immigration, police and insurance offices,  an experience, but boring in the retelling,.

  We also spent time with our friends Helmut and Monika from S.V. Maren,  watching a road rally, eating pizza, drinking beer, swimming in the pool and enjoying their company.    Soon all papers were signed and secret police visited (OK not so secret.)  Time to drive back to the village.

The quickest way to get to and from the village from Dubrovnik is via Bosnia.   So off we went,  but this time decided to spend a night in Sarajevo - it was just a short detour off the main highway and I had heard it was lovely...hmmmmm.

The drive through the Bosnian countryside is stunning and we all enjoyed it,  Sophie included.   As we entered the outskirts of Sarajevo,  we were surprised at the number of cars, trams, lack of trees, or any beauty - and the pollution we thought first it was fog...but it was not.   We joined the trail of cars, buses and trucks into the city - and fortunately found our apartment with very little difficulty.    Unpacked,  set Sophie up in the room and then we left to visit the city center.   Luckily,  our apartment was only a few blocks away from the major sights - and after a few wrong turns,  a beer and some sightseeing we found the market kiosks - which is quite nice.    A number of streets,  where no vehicles are allowed, only footpaths, that snake around traditional Bosnian kiosks (made of wood) with vendors selling,  t-shirts, Turkish coffee, metal objects, copper tooling, jewellery and pastries - my kind of place!

We also made a pact that we would NOT get any speeding, parking or any other kind of ticket to support the Bosnian police - and Yahoo,  we were successful.   Although the drive did seem extra slow,  going the speed limit.


Mag

Along the highway to Sarajevo

Bosnian highway - sure beats the 401

For Guy, Bosnian beer

Sarajevo, market kiosks

Yes that is our road map, Sophie, wake up!

Enroute to Mostar

Bosnian highway views

Damn,, can't that hay go any faster?

The mechanics, in  Sarajevo

Spoons , Sarajevo market