Morning ritual

It didn't take long to become regulars at the local bakery. Most of the dough is puff pastry (though traditionally it is homemade filo) filled with apple, poppy seeds, or a semisweet cottage cheese. I read that if you really want to insult a woman here, tell her that her filo dough is not thin enough.

Vowels are overrated

We moved south down the coast to an island so small it didn't get any vowels -- the island of Krk. We are all staying together at an Airbnb rental house in the small seaside town of Malinska. We wake up faced with tough decisions such as whether to swim in our pool or take a short walk down to the sea for a dip. So instead of stressing ourselves, we do both.

Sand beaches are overrated

A local told us that the water is so clear in Croatia because the currents push the crystalline water up the east side of the Adriatic along Croatia's coastline and then the backwash swirls down the Italian coast. I don't know if that's true, but it gives me a good excuse to show you some of our favorite swimming spots.

Italian influence

The Italian influence in Croatia goes way beyond the architecture. While exploring the Istrian peninsula we found hill towns, vineyards, truffle-filled forests, pizza, and, most importantly, gelato.

Pula Arena

Our GPS sent us on a backroad and right past the site of the Roman quarry where the stones for the Pula Arena originated. Seemed fitting to then take a look at the impressively preserved arena that rivals the Roman Colosseum. Apparently the sand covering the "slaying field" absorbed the blood spilled by man and beast. The sand ("harena") gave the amphitheater its nickname "arena." Completed in 80 A.D., it was used for Gladiator fights for 500 years.

Day trip to Rovinj

We set out through the olive orchards to the seaside town of Rovinj to walk the narrow cobblestone alleyways. We climbed the 192 creaky wooden stairs to the top of the bell tower for a sweeping view. Our impeccable timing put us directly under the bells at noon and really tolled us off.

The town feels a lot like Venice and, if you squint, they say you can see Venice from here. But I think you need a few glasses of the local Istrian wine first. This is a foodie-friendly land of olive oil, wine, and honey. What doesn't taste better with one or more of those ingredients. 

John L: Notice the ATM built right into the bakery...that's where to go for bread.

Sent from Ann's iPhone

Day trip to Rovinj

We set off through the olive orchards to the seaside town of Rovinj to walk the narrow cobblestone alleyways. We climbed the 192 creaky wooden stairs to the top of the bell tower for a sweeping view. Our impeccable timing put us directly under the bells at noon...and really tolled us off. 

The town feels a lot like Venice and, if you squint, they say you can see Venice from here. But I think you need a few glasses of the local Istrian wine first. It is a foodie-friendly land of olive oil, wine, and honey. What doesn't taste better with one or more of those ingredients? 

John L: Notice the ATM built right into the bakery...that's where to go for bread.

Sent from Ann's iPhone