Being a Tour Guide in Croatia 1!

Part 1 – Carlos & Wendy

During our 4 weeks at Rovinj in the Istrian peninsular, we had not one but two lots of visitors! They did not have the best of weather, but when it was raining we introduced them to our latest game called Quirkle, something like dominoes but more strategic, or we played cards, or as a last resort, we stopped in the odd bar and had a few drinks and nibbles!

However when it was not pouring down, we explored! Carlos and Wendy arrived first, we took them to see Motovun, a small hilltop town surrounded by a complete medieval wall. We explored Rovinj itself, drank a glass of wine or two in the harbour, wandered up to its hilltop cathedral and alley full of ancient tall buildings full of artists galleries and restaurants. Wendy and I spent nearly half an hour talking to a very interesting artist, who told us the story behind a massive altar painting that was in his gallery, which is an old church.

We went into Pula, where we were defeated several times by hordes of school children, discouraging us from going into the Ampitheatre Arena so we just viewed it from the outside. We did walk up the hill to the castle and admired the wonderful historic displays as well as the views over the massive, now defunct, port and surrounding hillsides.

We also stopped occasionally at other local towns and explored the remains of Roman buildings and towns, as well as dining out at local large and small restaurants. One place called La Vigna, was just outside the campsite, is a smallholding and vineyard run by a couple and their daughter, where we ate in their front room, ate food all grown and cooked by them, ate their freshly baked break and home made wine. It was divine!!