There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and
truth. -Leo Tolstoy, novelist and philosopher (9 Sep 1828-1910)
Young Patrick, Sounds like a wonderful holiday thus far. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.. What a beautiful country. Thanks also Pat for sending Ted Blair's Obituary. I liked Ted very much and loved that laugh of his. He was going with Merle when I met them and I loved them both. I worked Ted's Bachelor party and remember it as the quietest one I ever saw. I also remember Merle calling me sometime after 1am after your brought them all back after League squash one evening. She was just really upset and she said to me "is Ted Blair there.. and don't you dare lie to me Bill Dempster" I of course lied and he finished his beer and left. I felt bad when they broke up.. but he seems to have done well.
I guess my replacement hip surgery is off the table again. My white blood cell count is very low making surgery too risky. They don't bump it up for elective surgery. I have had very low counts for many years, but it is now less that 1/2 what I used to have. We went through the tail end of a hurricane (Dorian) last night and the city is just a mess. My neighbor/buddy Steve went to a church breakfast this morning and there are huge maples (like 100 year old trees) down everywhere. Our power was out for about 18 hours but we at least have power again. All the best Kid to you and Corrine and your friends.. Cheers Bill.
Hello Patrick & Corrine, We are now in Keremeos & headed to Naramata for 3 nights. Hoping you around. Would be great to catch up with you over lunch or dinner, even coffee. What's your schedule looking like? Maybe a winery lunch together? We're off to France for a few days, then Spain (Andalusia mostly), leaving on the 21st so not spending quite so long touring up this way this year, and processing what we gather has to happen before we leave. Had a good visit with Lynne & Peter both in Victoria in their new place as well as in Vancouver over dinner with Anne P and the usual suspects. Jim, with Jocelyn not far away
Hello from The Dalmatian Coast! Trust everyone is well. We most certainly are. Life couldn't be better unless we had a fourth for bridge! This morning, we left Ljubljana at 8:30 am and sailed along the highway through mist shrouded hills. Around 10:30 am we were driving around Trieste looking for parking. We spotted an underground parkade beneath Il Castillo and Sarge did a very nice job of backing into a tight slot on -2. Took us longer to figure out the elevator than it did to find the parkade but eventually we made it to the surface and after asking a few passers-bye we strolled to the Centrum.
As soon as we entered the first piazza The Sisterhood went AWOL, looking for shoes! This being the case, Sarge called us all together and we decided to meet on the edge of the neighbouring piazza at noon. This gave each of us an hour’s worth of wanderage without constraints. I waved goodbye to Sarge as he was headed for the promenade along the marina while I decided to follow the small side streets, running parallel, more or less, to this busy thoroughfare.
Young Patrick, Sounds like a wonderful holiday thus far. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.. What a beautiful country. Thanks also Pat for sending Ted Blair's Obituary. I liked Ted very much and loved that laugh of his. He was going with Merle when I met them and I loved them both. I worked Ted's Bachelor party and remember it as the quietest one I ever saw. I also remember Merle calling me sometime after 1am after your brought them all back after League squash one evening. She was just really upset and she said to me "is Ted Blair there.. and don't you dare lie to me Bill Dempster" I of course lied and he finished his beer and left. I felt bad when they broke up.. but he seems to have done well.
I guess my replacement hip surgery is off the table again. My white blood cell count is very low making surgery too risky. They don't bump it up for elective surgery. I have had very low counts for many years, but it is now less that 1/2 what I used to have. We went through the tail end of a hurricane (Dorian) last night and the city is just a mess. My neighbor/buddy Steve went to a church breakfast this morning and there are huge maples (like 100 year old trees) down everywhere. Our power was out for about 18 hours but we at least have power again. All the best Kid to you and Corrine and your friends.. Cheers Bill.
Hello Patrick & Corrine, We are now in Keremeos & headed to Naramata for 3 nights. Hoping you around. Would be great to catch up with you over lunch or dinner, even coffee. What's your schedule looking like? Maybe a winery lunch together? We're off to France for a few days, then Spain (Andalusia mostly), leaving on the 21st so not spending quite so long touring up this way this year, and processing what we gather has to happen before we leave. Had a good visit with Lynne & Peter both in Victoria in their new place as well as in Vancouver over dinner with Anne P and the usual suspects. Jim, with Jocelyn not far away
Hello Naramatians and Former Naramatians, Very Far Away Indeed, as it happens! Sorry
we'll miss seeing you, Jocelyn and Jim. As you can tell we are in
Croatia at the moment, along with Flamin' and Sarge. Started out in
Vienna and then drove to Budapest followed by Ljubljana. Stopped for a
couple of hours in Trieste on way to Rovinj. Trust all goes well in Victoria, Lynne and Peter. Enjoy
France and Andalusia, Jocelyn and Jim. Stay well everyone. Fondestos from
Lady Dar, Flamin' and Sarge to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio!
As soon as we entered the first piazza The Sisterhood went AWOL, looking for shoes! This being the case, Sarge called us all together and we decided to meet on the edge of the neighbouring piazza at noon. This gave each of us an hour’s worth of wanderage without constraints. I waved goodbye to Sarge as he was headed for the promenade along the marina while I decided to follow the small side streets, running parallel, more or less, to this busy thoroughfare.
Enjoyed myself, unencumbered as I was, looking at the surrounding architecture and enjoying the various displays of cheese, smoked meats and pastries in the shops along the way. Close to the time I had allotted myself for the outward-bound portion of the walk, I felt the need to relieve myself so I searched for a suitable spot, not wanting to pay for using any facilities. Stumbled upon a construction site at the top of a dead end street and happily, blissfully urinated behind a large piece of electrical equipment. Bladder empty, pockets still full, I ambled away, comfortable as all get-out, Dear Reader!
Made for the promenade along the sea front and ambled past a floating city of a cruise ship, [Sarge counted seven stories!], to stop close to where I knew I could cross the boulevard to return to the meeting spot. Gang were waiting when I arrived a few minutes later and we set off in search of a restaurant, wanting to have lunch before we set off for Rovinj. Found a place that had an interesting menu and Sarge and I sat down to wait for The Sisterhood who had been drawn in to a boutique down the way. We were already enjoying our drinks, [beer for Sarge, cappuccino for me], by the time The Goils joined us. Lady Dar beaming as she had found a dress, on sale, of course, Dear Reader, which she planned to wear to the Moulin Rouge when we are there with Penny and Madcap on October 10th, two days before we fly back to Canada.
I had ordered gnocchi with goulash and it was delish, indeed. Caprese salad for the four of us so a very tasty meal. Paid our bill and returned to the underground lot and had little trouble finding our way out of town and onto the highway, making for Croatia. Stopped for gas after leaving Italy, back into Slovenia. Another 20 km or so and then stopped twice to show our passports, first to Slovenian authorities and then to Croatians. Nothing more than a stamp at each crossing and we were on our way. However, traffic coming the other way was lined up for miles and miles and miles. Sarge estimated about a three or four hour wait as the divided highway, just beyond the two crossings had three lanes filled with cars and campers and trailers, obviously people returning form a weekend away of the end of a longer holiday. I postulated that some, many perhaps, of the vehicles would probably run out of gas before the jam was over.
Leaving them to our fate we only had less than an hour before we reached the outskirts of Rovinj. We already knew that we would not be able to park close to where we were staying so following the on-board guidance system we parked as close as we estimated we could and then walked towards the water. After a few wrong turns we found the building our apartment was in and went across the street to have a drink to wait for an hour or so. It was around 4:00 pm and Flamin’ had arranged to meet the owner at 5:00 pm. As it turned out the restaurant we chose only served ice-cream so we moved back across the street to a bar right next to our building.
Shortly after we walked in the heavens opened and it rained so hard that the water was bouncing off the street and people everywhere were scurrying for shelter. We ordered and soon had to move away from the open windows as the wind was blowing the rain into the covered space. Fifteen minutes later downpour stopped and it was only a light drizzle, if that. Sarge and I took the opportunity to walk back to the car, scoping a route that we could take to move the car closer to where we were staying so that muling our luggage would be easier.
On the way to the car I used an ATM to take out 2,000 kn as I didn’t have any Croatian money. Although we still had an hour on the parking ticket we absorbed the cost, 5 kn and found a spot on the sea wall, not all that far from the apartment. The owner arrived a few minutes after we were back and Flamin’ and Sarge went with him to scope out the apartment. When back our drinks had been served so I downed my java and Sarge his beer, to leave The Sisterhood to sip their Aperol.
Not raining by then so we loaded ourselves with all the baggage we intended to take and returned to restaurant to collect The Babes and then struggled up the four flights of stairs, in the dark, to the apartment. Very, very nicely appointed and most comfortable beds so no complaints at all. Stunning view from the balcony window overlooking the small harbor to the centre of town, beyond the border of colourful buildings lining the promenade, on a small hill, crowned by a church with a lovely tower, adorned with a statue and lightening rod. [More of this later!]
Once we were settled, Flamin’ and Sarge left to move the car to a spot the owner suggested. Free parking so we didn’t have to be shackled with paying street prices and/or moving car between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. I had a quick shower and changed by the time they were back so we toasted our new home before we set out for dinner. Flamin’ had a restaurant in mind, further around the harbor but it started to rain quite heavily before we reached it so scurried into the closest, promising looking place. Turned out to be more than fine and we enjoyed a boisterous meal, sparring with our waiter, Anje. A few tables away, there was a birthday celebration and when the cake came out and Happy Birthday was sung I stood up to begin a chorus of For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow, etc., and it was much appreciated by the crowd. The owner of the restaurant came over afterwards and shook my hand, thanking me. Turned out our waiter was his son and it has been a family business for over 35 years. After we called for our bill we were treated to a dessert drink, some kind of honey flavoured liqueur which was a perfect end to the tasty meal.
Thanking our waiter, we staggered home in the moonlight, Flamin’ lighting the way in the dark staircase with her iPhone. I was ready for bed so I brushed and flossed and bade goodnight to the others, having a nightcap and watching the start of the US Men’s Final. Slept like a baby until about 3:30 am when I needed to go to the bathroom. Took the opportunity to take a snap of the church and tower, wonderfully lighted. Back to bed to be awoken, about an hour later, by the fiercest lightening and thunderstorm that any of us had ever experienced.
Not only was the thunder almost deafening but the duration of the storm was remarkable, lasting almost an hour. The downpour was something else. Flamin’ woke to close the shutters but didn’t realize that both windows opened so she gave up trying as she couldn’t quite reach the shutter on the left side with that window closed. Anyway, she reported, later that morning, that the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, forget about drops. It was so loud on the roof and gutters that I thought it had to be hailing as it sounded like we were being peppered with shot of some kind. Lady Dar clambered out of bed to shut our bedroom shutters and windows and went into the living room to do the same. She said she didn’t see any evidence of hail when she returned. For my part, I quite enjoyed the experience as we were warm and dry with the wind howling like maddened wolves at the eaves and driving the rain with almost unimaginable force. I snuggled up to Lady Dar and we were both soon asleep.
Hello Anarchic Book Club, et al!
Hello Anarchic Book Club, et al!
Trust everyone is well. We most certainly are. Life couldn't be better unless we had a stayed with The Real Lolita! Thanks for taking advantage of on the road readers! Not at all unhappy as, coincidentally, I am carrying a hard back copy of next book so nice try somebody! Furthermore, I didn't realize that The Sisterhood has now turned the group into a theme food book club! Trust The Goils to take it to the next level!!!
At any rate Friday, we left Ljubljana at 8:30 am and sailed along the highway through mist shrouded hills. Around 10:30 am we were driving around Trieste looking for parking. We spotted an underground parkade beneath Il Castillo and Sarge did a very nice job of backing into a tight slot on -2. Took us longer to figure out the elevator than it did to find the parkade but eventually we made it to the surface and after asking a few passers-bye we strolled to the Centrum. As soon as we entered the first piazza The Sisterhood went AWOL, looking for shoes! This being the case, Sarge called us all together and we decided to meet on the edge of the neighbouring piazza at noon. This gave each of us an hour’s worth of wanderage without constraints. I waved goodbye to Sarge as he was headed for the promenade along the marina while I decided to follow the small side streets, running parallel, more or less, to this busy thoroughfare.
Enjoyed myself, unencumbered as I was, looking at the surrounding architecture and enjoying the various displays of cheese, smoked meats and pastries in the shops along the way. Close to the time I had allotted myself for the outward-bound portion of the walk, I felt the need to relieve myself so I searched for a suitable spot, not wanting to pay for using any facilities. Stumbled upon a construction site at the top of a dead end street and happily, blissfully urinated behind a large piece of electrical equipment. Bladder empty, pockets still full, I ambled away, comfortable as all get-out, Dear Reader!
Made for the promenade along the sea front and ambled past a floating city of a cruise ship, [Sarge counted seven stories!], to stop close to where I knew I could cross the boulevard to return to the meeting spot. Gang were waiting when I arrived a few minutes later and we set off in search of a restaurant, wanting to have lunch before we set off for Rovinj. Found a place that had an interesting menu and Sarge and I sat down to wait for The Sisterhood who had been drawn in to a boutique down the way. We were already enjoying our drinks, [beer for Sarge, cappuccino for me], by the time The Goils joined us. Lady Dar beaming as she had found a dress, on sale, of course, Dear Reader, which she planned to wear to the Moulin Rouge, [Penelope we'll be in touch about connecting beforehand!], when we are there with Penny and Madcap on October 10th, two days before we fly back to Canada.
I had ordered gnocchi with goulash and it was delish, indeed. Caprese salad for the four of us so a very tasty meal. Paid our bill and returned to the underground lot and had little trouble finding our way out of town and onto the highway, making for Croatia. Stopped for gas after leaving Italy, back into Slovenia. Another 20 km or so and then stopped twice to show our passports, first to Slovenian authorities and then to Croatians. Nothing more than a stamp at each crossing and we were on our way. However, traffic coming the other way was lined up for miles and miles and miles. Sarge estimated about a three or four hour wait as the divided highway, just beyond the two crossings had three lanes filled with cars and campers and trailers, obviously people returning form a weekend away of the end of a longer holiday. I postulated that some, many perhaps, of the vehicles would probably run out of gas before the jam was over.
Leaving them to our fate we only had less than an hour before we reached the outskirts of Rovinj. We already knew that we would not be able to park close to where we were staying so following the on-board guidance system we parked as close as we estimated we could and then walked towards the water. After a few wrong turns we found the building our apartment was in and went across the street to have a drink to wait for an hour or so. It was around 4:00 pm and Flamin’ had arranged to meet the owner at 5:00 pm. As it turned out the restaurant we chose only served ice-cream so we moved back across the street to a bar right next to our building.
Shortly after we walked in the heavens opened and it rained so hard that the water was bouncing off the street and people everywhere were scurrying for shelter. We ordered and soon had to move away from the open windows as the wind was blowing the rain into the covered space. Fifteen minutes later downpour stopped and it was only a light drizzle, if that. Sarge and I took the opportunity to walk back to the car, scoping a route that we could take to move the car closer to where we were staying so that muling our luggage would be easier.
On the way to the car I used an ATM to take out 2,000 kn as I didn’t have any Croatian money. Although we still had an hour on the parking ticket we absorbed the cost, 5 kn and found a spot on the sea wall, not all that far from the apartment. The owner arrived a few minutes after we were back and Flamin’ and Sarge went with him to scope out the apartment. When back our drinks had been served so I downed my java and Sarge his beer, to leave The Sisterhood to sip their Aperol.
Not raining by then so we loaded ourselves with all the baggage we intended to take and returned to restaurant to collect The Babes and then struggled up the four flights of stairs, in the dark, to the apartment. Very, very nicely appointed and most comfortable beds so no complaints at all. Stunning view from the balcony window overlooking the small harbor to the centre of town, beyond the border of colourful buildings lining the promenade, on a small hill, crowned by a church with a lovely tower, adorned with a statue and lightening rod. [More of this later!]
Once we were settled, Flamin’ and Sarge left to move the car to a spot the owner suggested. Free parking so we didn’t have to be shackled with paying street prices and/or moving car between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. I had a quick shower and changed by the time they were back so we toasted our new home before we set out for dinner. Flamin’ had a restaurant in mind, further around the harbor but it started to rain quite heavily before we reached it so scurried into the closest, promising looking place. Turned out to be more than fine and we enjoyed a boisterous meal, sparring with our waiter, Anje. A few tables away, there was a birthday celebration and when the cake came out and Happy Birthday was sung I stood up to begin a chorus of For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow, etc., and it was much appreciated by the crowd. The owner of the restaurant came over afterwards and shook my hand, thanking me. Turned out our waiter was his son and it has been a family business for over 35 years. After we called for our bill we were treated to a dessert drink, some kind of honey flavoured liqueur which was a perfect end to the tasty meal.
Thanking our waiter, we staggered home in the moonlight, Flamin’ lighting the way in the dark staircase with her iPhone. I was ready for bed so I brushed and flossed and bade goodnight to the others, having a nightcap and watching the start of the US Men’s Final. Slept like a baby until about 3:30 am when I needed to go to the bathroom. Took the opportunity to take a snap of the church and tower, wonderfully lighted. Back to bed to be awoken, about an hour later, by the fiercest lightening and thunderstorm that any of us had ever experienced.
Not only was the thunder almost deafening but the duration of the storm was remarkable, lasting almost an hour. The downpour was something else. Flamin’ woke to close the shutters but didn’t realize that both windows opened so she gave up trying as she couldn’t quite reach the shutter on the left side with that window closed. Anyway, she reported, later that morning, that the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, forget about drops. It was so loud on the roof and gutters that I thought it had to be hailing as it sounded like we were being peppered with shot of some kind. Lady Dar clambered out of bed to shut our bedroom shutters and windows and went into the living room to do the same. She said she didn’t see any evidence of hail when she returned. For my part, I quite enjoyed the experience as we were warm and dry with the wind howling like maddened wolves at the eaves and driving the rain with almost unimaginable force.
I snuggled up to Lady Dar and we were both soon asleep until after 7:00 am, or at least I was. I started my shouldares and was finished a few minutes before the rest wanted to leave for the daily market, around 8:30 am. Almost as soon as I was up, the rain started again so after Sarge and Flamin’ were back from buying coffee and croissants, we decided to stay in until it abated. After I brewed my Café Turk in the nifty maker supplied I enjoyed a chocolate croissant and a bowl of yogurt with diced apple, [from restaurant in Ljubljana], and last of granola, purloined from cupboard in Budapest], a tri-country repast, Dear Reader!
Almost to the minute, [according to Sarge’s predicted weather report, from his phone], the rain stopped, the sun broke through the low overcast and the streets started to dry. Beautifully fresh after the cleansing deluge so it was most invigorating to be outside. We strolled around the harbor, noting all the restaurant staff sweeping water from their patios and sopping up the last of the raindrops from the drenched tables. We had a basic idea of where the market was and so we followed our noses, slightly uphill to find it in a small square not far way. En route, I managed to change the last of my Hungarian money 5,000 Ft, for about 96 Croatian kn, and Lady Dar withdrew cash for a nearbye ATM, repaying me the 1,000 kn I’d given her the day before. All square she set off to shop with a more than determined air. We wandered around the tiny, [by Vienna and Ljubljana standards], but attractive market, tasting their “flat” peaches, which were just as delicious as our Okanagan varieties, as well as some great green grapes. Lost Lady Dar at one point as she went off to buy eggs for tomorrow’s breakfast as well as a small bottle of truffle oil. Back together we started off for the church and tower, following exquisite, narrow cobbled streets, [still running with water, in places], with three and four story houses on each side. Lined with shops of all sorts, selling everything from jewelry to wine to clothing, and the like. A number of galleries, of course, and I even poked my nose into a Raku ceramic workshop.
Lost the gang about halfway up so when I arrived at the top I went inside the church to take a peek. As I was about to leave to take a few snaps form the courtyard there I spied Lady Dar about to leave by the front entrance. On the way up I had chatted with a number of Australian women, [from Sydney], who had been over for a wedding, on a boat, for six days out of Hvar. One of them was almost beside Lady Dar and Flamin’ so I introduced her to them so they could grill her about Hvar, things to do, and such. She had enjoyed herself here so it bodes well for us as we will spend three nights on the island, after our stay in Split.
Thanking her for her comments, we moved outside to the steps and wondering, out loud, about when the church had been built, a lady nearbye mentioned the date. I thought she had a French accent but she said she was Croatian and a native of Rovinj. Turned out she was a local guide and near the end of a tour she was conducting on behalf of a hotel. She said we were welcome to tag along with the group so that is what we did. Glad we did so as she provided us with a wealth of information about the town and its fascinating history, centering from Medieval times to the present. Details about local dwellings, [Everything from building materials taken from a second wall, inside the outer ring, to how steep staircases were made of wood, as opposed to stone, so that parts could be removed to allow large pieces of furniture to be moved to different stories on various higher levels, to current costs per square metre], were most informative and interesting.
In closing, she suggested a number of restaurants and bars that might be of interest and left us close to where we found the market, earlier, to go our own separate ways. The Group of Three decided to try one of the restaurants she thought most highly of, for lunch, as dinner reservations were not possible. I wasn’t all that hungry so I decided to return to the appartamento to finish myshouldares so kissed Lady Dar goodbye and headed back around the harbor. Tidied up the breakfast dishes and then turned on CNN to catch up on world events while I did my stretches. Had a bite to eat, after completing two sets,a nd by the time I was almost finshed last round, The Kids were back. Flamin’ and Lady Dar took naps while Sarge went back out for another stroll.
Once I was finished stretching I caught up on the day’s activities, adding to the Word document I started earlier. After I take a shower and change, I’ll pop downstairs to the bar next door, order a drink, and use their free Wifi to send a few messages. Flamin’ and Sarge went out again to walk back to the car as Sarge wanted to make sure he had left his Garmin in the vehicle. He wants to enter tomorrow’s address in Split so that we know where we are going before we leave. About a five-hour drive so we’ll probably try to be ready to leave by 8:30 am. We’ll head out for dinner around 7:00 pm so will have a few drinks here before that.
Just moved into the bar as sun is too, too low in the sky to see the screen. As well, WiFi signal is stronger here so I need to take advantage of the situation to keep in touch with our most beloved ones! Sipping a Cuba Libre excellente, at the moment as I started off with a rum and coke upstairs. The Gang of Three are still sunning near the promenade, Sarge swilling a locl beer, The Sisterhood on their new favourita, Aperol! Must away as gang want another round and they claim it is my turn even though I picked up the tab for the first one! Fondestos from The Croatian Freeloaders to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Piccolas: The happy couple before the purchase! Needless to say, I had to pay for lunch!!! Duke's Croatian cousin! Deluge and antediluvian mule! Woman in window! View from window at night; en route to Tower; view from the top.
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