3. CROATIA - 2017 (Along the coast).
Slovenia had to be undertaken from Italy to begin our road trip in Croatia. And that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. So, technically our road trip in Croatia began in Venice, Italy.
There is no easy way to get into neighbouring Slovenia from Italy, overland. Trains would take us to Austria, to change trains to enter Slovenia. So, we took a coach ride from Venice to Ljubljana, Slovenian Capital. The evening had us captured: the city centre was closed to all traffic. The cafes and restaurants overflowed on to the streets with music and dancing etc. Our hotel being right there. The reprieve meandered through Saturday markets and riverside cafes. I had one of the best Indian meals I have ever had in a restaurant abroad. Glorious evening.
Next day we took the train from Ljubljana to Zagreb, the Croatian capital. The train took us there almost all the way along and hugging the Sava River, one of the two main tributaries of the Danube River.
On arrival at Zagreb, the Sava River divides the city into old and new. Interesting, widely laid out new, and the historical old.
At Zagreb we met up with our host, Joginder, with whom Swarn had been in touch, while compiling his writings on Sikhs in Europe.
He has settled there as a Sikh and a staunch Croatian, married to his Croatian wife. He drove us around Zagreb and then helped us rent our car for the road trip. We headed south towards Zadar on the Adriatic coast.
I remember our first stop for food. This was really a bus stop but with a stylish restaurant serving some of best foods: the pastries were particularly exquisite.
And what a drive. More for the roads. Continuous stretch of some of the best roads I have ever driven on. Spanking new! Rolling country. We reached Zadar. Checked into our hotel, right on the water.
Very pretty. A little away from the main old town of Zadar. We walked the long, pleasant walk to the old town through impressive gates and took in the Roman ruins experience. Looking for places to eat made for much more walking up and down. Satisfied.
Sitting out on the waterfront to wait for the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
From Zadar, we headed further south, now along the coast. For this we took the minor roads that hug the coastline: literally. Since I was not driving, I devoted myself to the Adriatic: the coastline littered with coves and small enclaves, beaches with some of the clearest and bluest waters I have ever seen on a sea ride!
I had my eyes glued. What a drive!
After Split, we made our way further south towards Dubrovnik.
We did veer away from the coast and entered a vast fruit growing area: here I bought non-alcoholic fresh fruit drinks: bottles to take back to India!!
Before Dubrovnik we had to cross borders to pass through a tiny region of Bosnia Herzegovina. In fact, we stopped here to have a meal. Arrived Dubrovnik late afternoon. There was too much to see in this very historically captivating town.
Next day we headed back up north towards Zagreb.
This time on the main highway.
But with a planned stop at the Plitvice lakes. An absolute must stop. And keep a couple of hours walking around and through the various gradients and awnings and walkways through little waterfalls: an enchanting walk. A unique experience.
We returned to Zagreb, and I was sorry to let go of the car that also helped us listen to the liveliest of Croatian music. Loved it: a mixture on Italian, middle eastern and Indian. Swarn, get some recordings.
Contributed by Livleen.