Dalmatian Sights

While there is no doubt that camping sucks, Croatia itself is beautiful.   For instance, just about a mile from our campground is an old abandoned fort. 

We've also visited a couple of small towns, nestled in the hills and surrounded by the sea.  Skradin is a town of barely four thousand and is near the Krka National Park.  Getting there was as gorgeous as the town itself.  We drove down into a valley and the first thing we saw was a lovely cemetery (I adore cemeteries, but more about that in a few posts from now).

Primosten is another small town, this one closer to our campground than Skradin.  It's a tourist destination par excellence but with a breathtaking cemetery atop a big hill.  I wouldn't mind resting here for eternity.  

Also breathtaking sunsets over the sea, viewed just steps from our camper.

Croatian Culinary Delights

The already mentioned shrimp

Delicious grilled calamari

Blue mussels

Two types of street food:

 Crepes, here known as pancakes

 Tiny little fish, deep fried on the spot, served with bread

Croatian wine purchases:

Croatian Adventure Continues

 The rather dubious comforts of camping.

Definite joys of Croatian cuisine.

PS: Croatian wine, while pleasantly refreshing, brings with it a headache of truly continental proportions.   

European Vacation

The Solaris campground is huge.  It includes hotels, mobile homes, campers, and tents.  And people from all over Europe.  I've heard German, Polish, Russian, French, Hungarian, Croatian, Italian, Bosnian, Czech, and English.  We are in the camper city part of the grounds.  Unfortunately, tents are erected in-between the campers, even in the smallest of spaces, obstructing views if not camper exits.

Everyone has their own way of doing things.  One of the things that we all seem to have in common, though, is that no one cares about the way they look.  Both men and women, no matter age or body shape, wear whatever beachwear they find attractive.  I am totally on-board with this type of body freedom though have to admit that tiny speedos, even on slim and attractive men, skeeve me out.  After living in the U.S. for as long as I have, I've thoroughly outgrown this European manfashion.  American-style swimming shorts are worn by only a small, woefully too small, handful of men.

Finally, camper living has its own rules.  For instance, taking a nap inside the camper during the day is highly inadvisable.  Inside temperatures easily reach 100 degrees.   It is also wise to hang laundry out on lines all around one's camper area so as to border the place up.  Otherwise, you wake up to find newcomers' tents and cars spread out all over your dining area.  And never, ever forget to use the restroom before going to sleep.  Finding your way there in the dark while trying to remember your way back without tripping over tent lines is a challenge not easily overcome. 

Drive Thru

We have successfully arrived at our campground on the coast of the Adriatic.  The drive was loooong!  So loooooong!  Here is a brief recap:

Slovakia: Welcome to our tiny and cute country.  Please drive slowly through our many villages and hamlets. 

Austria: Welcome!  Please drive quickly through on our efficient, clean, and well-groomed autobans. 

Slovenia:  Ha!  What the hell are you doing?  Using us as a hallway to your vacation destination?  You're just like all the others!  GIVE us 30 euro NOW for no more than 5 miles of country road.  Fuck you very much!

Croatia:  Welcome to our wonderful country!  Be so kind as to give us 5 euro and we'll give you endless miles of highways through the most beautiful countryside ever!  Enjoy the views while leisurely driving to the seacoast.   You are so very welcome!

Croatia or Bust

We are about to set out on an 11 hour car journey to the gorgeous Adriatic coast in Croatia.  Our drive will take us through Slovakia, Austria, and a bit of Slovenia.  

Since we're traveling Polski-style, our car is filled with everything from toothpaste to onions to bread & butter.  Food is said to be expensive in Croatia so pantry r us. 

We are staying at a campgroung near the city of Sibenik.  

Author: User:Tieum512 via Wikimedia Commons

No tents, but campers of some sort equipped with everything but food.  

http://www.chorwacja.croatia4u.org/