We got off to an early start this morning in order to visit the nearby town of Pula. It is located at the tip of the Istrian peninsula of Croatia. The main tourist attraction is the Pula Arena which was built between 27 BC and 68 AD if you believe Google or in about 100 AD if you believe our guide (or if I heard him correctly). During the Roman era it was used for gladiator battles and is now available for concerts. When we were visiting they were in the process of breaking down the stage from a concert that occurred yesterday. Here is an incredible picture of the Pula Arena.
Here is my photo.
The remainder of the tour of Pula was very interesting. We were shown the various types of architectural forms in the town. As you would expect the different styles are dependent on when they were built. In one area alone we saw construction that represented the Roman period, Mussolini era, Austrian (also known as the Habsburg Monarchy), and finally Croatia when it was part of Yugoslavia.
After our day in Pula, the bus, I mean the coach brought us back to the hotel. By the way, did I mention we are staying at the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (Smareglijeva ulica 1A, 52210, Rovinj). Yes, Rovinj is another one of those Croatia towns with a random J thrown in. I suspect a government official at some point in time owned the rights to the letter J and got a commission every time it was used.
After a hot time in Pula, Patrice and I just wanted to chill. We had a nice lunch at the hotel cafe (yummy 4 cheese pizza) then headed to the Adriatic to dip our feet in the waters that have been purported to be therapeutic. It has been said that putting your feet in the Adriatic Sea can cure strept throat, urinary tract infections, and bacterial pneumonia. That is if it is also accompanied by the appropriate antibiotics.
It was great resting out by the water. The hotel provided very comfortable lounge chairs and shade umbrellas. We took a quick dip in the water but just up to our mid shin and I can report that the pain in my right foot felt much better almost immediately. Of course now my foot is complete numb from the cold water.
Now that my blog has become so popular we did have the occasional passerby asking for a photo with us to show to the folks back home. Of course we accommodated all our fans. I’m not sure if it was the blog that attracted them or seeing Patrice in her thong bikini and me in my Speedo. Here is a picture of us relaxing in our aforementioned bathing suits.
While relaxing I heard a loud squawk. I looked up to find this guy standing on one leg. I tried to film a video of him squawking but he must have been camera shy because he’d only do it when I lowered my camera.
Well rested, we were now ready to resume our vacation which more times than not means to get some food. I didn’t plan to write much about dinner but tonight was a special event. The meal was good but the dinner was more of an experience than a meal. On the boat ride over we were entertained by some men singing in what I assume was the Croatian language. They joined us at the restaurant as well. I was told that the restaurant (Spacio Matika) is only open 3 times per week and only for special parties. Following the meal the singing got even more intense. Our tour director, Gabby, serenaded us with two John Denver classics. She was great. Then one of the male singers sang “O Sole Mío” in Croatian. Here is a YouTube link if you are interested in hearing this young man.
After dinner we walked back to the hotel. Tomorrow we leave for Venice. John and Brian were asking for more magic tonight but they will have to wait for my ace trick tomorrow at our farewell dinner. I told them I get it right about 50% of the time. My good friends know it is closer to 25%. But when I do get it right it is SPECTACULAR. Well maybe not that good, but I think it is pretty cool and in the end isn’t that all that really matters?
Ciao
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 