Chapter 3: Croatia
Arrival
Once you have arrived at Croatia and been whisked off to a welcome celebration you are sure to see signs of what Croatia is all about... cake!
After the celebration you will probably be introduced to the main, and possibly only, Croatian summer activity - swimming.
My introduction was to swimming of the river variety. Tina's nieces were kind enough to help me to stay afloat.
In your first few days they will need to register you with the authorities - even if the local policeman has no idea why you are doing it. I suspect Tina's relatives just wanted to be sure I'd leave.
After lots more swimming, eating and drinking you may have a chance to explore the local town and experience the buying power of the Australian dollar. Haircuts and colour can be purchased 3 for $75 - and remember two of those are women's haircuts (and there may be a case for the trimming of my flowing locks as being akin to a woman's haircut).
A Day on the River
Croatia is full of beautiful Rivers
With many small waterfalls.
That are best enjoyed by spending an afternoon rafting down and over them. Unless you are like my travelling companion Tina who decided to stay home and have a few beers instead - despite the fact that all Croatian rafts come equipped with beer.
Phill's Tip
You may remember to wear a hat - even if no hat suits you - wear a shirt to protect your shoulders, and have sunglasses to protect yourt eyes from the glare, BUT you have to remember to put sunscreen on your knees as they are incredibly exposed to the sun when one is paddling a raft.
Although it may leave you a little bedraggled.
My Big Fat Croatian Wedding
One of the best ways to recover from mild sunstroke is to attend a wedding as surrogates for Tina's parents who took the socially accepted option of sending their daughters rather than attending themselves.
Formality is not high, which is good as, even with watered down tradition, Croatian weddings go all night (instead of three days like in the old days).
If you're lucky you'll get to sit at the table of smoking aunties for most of the night and may even get to dance with several of them.
The present giving commences at around 2.30am after everyone has finished their 2am serving of lamb off the spit. Unfortunately I was hustled out of there at that point so I was not able to sample the wonders of the wedding breakfast spit roast.
Restful Days
Phill's Tip
It is wise to be aware that the Croatian summer lifestyle may cause several kilogram's to accumulate on your body. Don't worry as you'll be able to shed them next year when you start that fitness regime.
After such a hectic day it's best to rest up for a few days. You can swim, eat, drink, visit the local castle, swim, eat, drink, investigate the Hemmingway themed bar in town, swim, eat, drink, have an unphotographed trip to Zagreb, swim, eat, drink, and generally relax in true holiday style.
After all that resting you should be ready for a typical Croatian holiday on the Dalmatian Coast.