Tag Archives: Croatia coast

4 borders, 5 country visits

To get to Dubrovnik, you have to drive into Bosnia ,then back into Croatia, then back into Bosnia and then finally back into Croatia. Consequently, today we were in and out of two countries making us in and out of five countries according to passport controls. This arrangement seems quite strange but means Bosnia has access to the sea.

Here are your blur blurrrr shots from the car so you can see the countryside we are travelling through.

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As we travelled along, we kept seeing people selling cabbages in bags. This of course led to a discussion on possible uses for such large bags of cabbage : cabbage soup, cabbage rolls, boiled, fried steamed stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut ,Kim chi, coleslaw, poultices and so forth. Of course I decided , we should photograph these  bags of cabbage for you. Watch out for cabbages, I told my companions…..did they tell me in time..of course not. I had photos of Pauline, cars, carts, fences, buildings, goats, stone fences, plants, oranges but no cabbages. You will just have to believe me .

As we were going into Bosnia , we decided to visit the famous Mostar Bridge.image image

 

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Built in 1566 to replace a wooden bridge, the Mostar bridge is unique in its shape . A mosque was built close beside the bridge,  but had no minaret. When the time came for the call to prayer, this was done from the stone mounted at the top of the bridge. The bridge was the minaret. imageApart from its obvious function of connecting the town across the river, the bridge was used for sport including diving from the bridge into the river below, cultural activities and as inspiration for art and literature. imageDuring the Bosnia war , it was destroyed as it was the battle point for Muslim and non Muslim troops. It has now resumed its rightful place for the people ,and both the towers and bridge were reconstructed , using the original plans and materials from the old bridge. imageThere was a typical bazaar on either side with stores and restaurants. Best thing was you could look, were invited in but there was no pressure if you said no thanks.

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From Mostar, we followed the river, then through the hills to the coast. Here we went back into Croatia for a short time..then back to Bosnia ……well you know the story. Orange and other citrus fruits were common as well as grapes and crops. They were in very orderly patterns often with water channels dividing them.

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Once on the coast, there were less crops. Fabulous sea views, interspersed with tiny fishing hamlets and bigger resort type towns. One town had a magnificent arboretum running down to the water. As it was now raining, we kept going so we could reach Dubrovnik before night.image image

 

 

 

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Arriving in Dubrovnik, the rain eased. Just as well, why you say….there was a one way street to drop our bags off. The apartment is halfway down the hill. Yes there are stairs…….lots…no eating big dinners or too much cake or you won’t make it up. The view makes it worth it. You can just see the old city and this city  is completely walled. Tomorrow you will see photos of stairs and Dubrovnik…..if it is not  raining too hard.

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Rain, rain Split!

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Seaside locations along the road from Zadar to Split. Look beautiful don’t they , and they are pristine just like the Gold Coast used to be, before it was developed. Now don’t get excited , there are no beaches only rocks and dirt. See those storm clouds, sorry we did not stop to check out the water temperature for you ,or the facilities. I know as travellers , we have failed you,  but there it is. The sea does keep the land close warmer though,  because in every nook there were olive trees and grape vines. Also here,  they seemed to have cleared the land of rocks ,and then used them to create small sheltered fields.

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imageKrka is a National Park between Zadar and Split. It is known for its beautiful waterfalls, lake, fortress ruins and an island with a historical monastery. Ahhhh, more stunning photographs and, how far did you have to walk? A mere two km around to the waterfalls, but remember those rain clouds. Think sleeting rain, lightning and thunder. You guessed it , we got there and then ,knowing you would like us to keep safe, had coffee and left for Split.

Suzi, of Apartment Suzi,  was waiting for us in Split and even,  found us a free park. Not an easy feat in a city that is built on levels,  around medieval and Roman ruins. They are impressive, I’m sure you will agree. Restaurants and modern shops are tucked and built into the spaces of the old buildings.

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Tomorrow we are hoping for sunshine , as we are planning to catch the local ferry to the island of Hvar. This is suppose to have fairytale architecture and is located two hours by ferry from Split.

 

Help, imprisoned!

 

image Is this the imprisioned Australian?  No, definitely Australian ,but not imprisioned.

 

 

 

 

Is this little fish or one of its friends the poor imprisoned Australian? No , just a really cute aquarium in the shopping centre.image

 

Zagreb was , and is the centre of Croatia business and culture. The characteristic of the city,  it is most proud of , is its walks and green spaces. Today we thought we too should experience these. We walked to the railway station through gardens. It is an impressive structure once on the Orient Express route.image

Just along from the railway is the Botanical Gardens. It is here, hiding among the plants ,we found the imprisioned Aussie.

 

 

 

Here?

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There?image

 

 

 

 

 

On on the bridge,?  No , that’s Sue and Pauline admiring the tortoises and hoping the little one can get up the bank.image No over here, quickly, it’s trapped!

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It’s a Wollomi Pine. Somehow Europe lost all of theirs, (so careless) , so had to trap one of ours. Poor little pine tree. We reassured it by saying it was surrounded by its European cousins , and , when it was just a bit bigger, it would be allowed out of its “playpen”.

Further along, there  was a heated glass house with huge lily pads and pretty lilies in bloom.

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imageHow would you like these roots growing under your house?

In the afternoon, Pauline and John bravely ventured out to discover the mystery of driving from one country , and coping with tolls. It seems you need green stickers and green cards, purchased from a service station, before you leave the country.

We deserted them and went to the Museum of Illusions.image  Would you like a head  on a platter?

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Same room, giant or dwarf

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Lake Bled tomorrow. Mike and John driving with a help from the magic GPS, we will be the first class passengers in the back. See you there.😉