Croatia

  We may have to stay here forever. Not because its awesome, it really really is but because on our way here the line to leave the country was 7 miles straight of dead stopped traffic. We wondered if Croatia had a zombie apocalypse and we were the only fools driving right in to the country. Not looking forward to leaving and having to deal with that, but not minding being here at all. And no zombies.

  First impression driving into Croatia was that it reminded us a little of Mexico. The economy is not good here and you can see it in the maintenance if some of the buildings. But it's not a bad thing, the scenery is outstanding olive orchards, wine orchards, gardens galore lavender fields all butting up to the Adriatic Sea with its clear blue sparkly clean water sunshine everyday,  what more could you want? Add to that local people who are gentle and kind. We ate ate at a pizzeria yesterday where the whole family cane out to greet us. The father took our order the whole time with the sweetest little girl maybe 3 years old clinging on to his leg. I love that families work together like this. The place itself was small with most of the tables outside looking out onto the garden that was recently tilled and ready to plant a new crop of something. The dirt was the most interesting color of red brown and you can see why there are gardens everywhere. The man brought us out a plate of pita bread with delicious dips " on the house" he tells us. Then after our meal he brings our schnapps " on the house" and if that wasn't enough a beautiful bowl of fruit for all of us for dessert " on the house" so sweet, I felt like a guest in someone's house. We were so impressed with him we went back later for more pizza for dinner to support him. 

  We took a boat ride the other day, it was really fun. It was an all day adventure that started with a ride to the ancient town of rovinj. Just being on the boat was fun, then we had a guided tour around the town. This was one of the coolest places I've been in Europe. Tiny windy cobblestone streets so narrow you can almost touch both walls. Art galleries galore, artists migrate here, live upstairs in one of these awesome apartments, then have their gallery downstairs. We stopped off for a beer with our guide, jim and him were buddies by now,  imagine that. It was the perfect place to stop we sat on stairs with cushions , overlooking a courtyard with people's freshly washed clothes hanging on a line above us. The small bar was decorated with amazing art everywhere a cat napped on the table. It was quintessential Europe. The place where you imagine sitting in your most dreamy European dreams. After our visit to this town the boat served us lunch a choice of chicken or fish. I chose the fish and it was delicious. A whole fish complete with a head and eyeballs . Jim and cole my little foodie ate the eyeballs. Gross. It was served with a bottle of wine and a simple fresh cabbage salad. Next we stopped off at pirates cave. It was not so impressive. A cave is a cave. There is a bar up there so that was kinda neat. Jim ordered a caprinia. Next dancing on our return home. Suddenly out of nowhere it hit me , the wine the grappa the lack of carbs and a terrible thing happened. I thought I could dance. Oh god I should never ever dance. Jim has the video to prove it. With my liquid courage I eagerly dove into the promised dance party and made it my personal mission to make sure everyone danced too. I danced with some very young strange boy from Germany who I think was amused by me, I danced with an old man with a yellow hat and long grey hair who seemed to enjoy my antics as well. I danced with a Brazilian girl and a Dutch girl. Oh boy , my poor family. I am not kidding , I think I'm the worlds worst dancer, it's really bad, yet give me a few drinks and I forget all about that. 

Well the boat was fun , ill just leave it at that. 

   Yesterday the boys had a blast on an outdoor water trampoline obstacle course. They spent the entire day in the sun climbing, jumping and swinging. There was a huge floating climbing wall that was 15 feet high off the water they would scale up the sides and jump off. Yikes. I was happy to lay in the warm sun all day and watch them. 

   Today we head out for some sight seeing. It's amazing here in Croatia. I'm already scheming my return. Jim is so relaxed . Finally. He is so happy to look at his phone and not have a commitment. Actually he doesn't have to look at his phone. This man works so hard at home, his head is always spinning, he is amazing what he accomplishes but it's so nice for us to all have him to ourselves. We are loving it. We have all slipped into a place of relaxation and peace and calmness and a intense awareness of our love for one another and it's a paradise for me. 

   Well let me see what adventures await us today!!! No grappa for me though...