Pula to Trieste
Arrival: Pula
So it’s time to escape again and this one will take me along the coast of 3 countries on the Adriatic.: northern Croatia, Slovenia, one of my top countries, and then into eastern top of Italy: Trieste. This trip I have Rosie with me ticking off ‘first times’ in all! I’ve done research as usual and have a rough itinerary for us which I hope will see the stunning wee cities but also allow for plenty of detours and adjustments for rainy possibilities! I’ve enticed Rosie with promise of local wines and beers and quaint cities......... well sort of...... I found a flight for £30 during school holidays to a location I wanted to see and persuaded her to join with short response time!!!
So Stansted dread in and out it is, and the usual issues of delays hit!! Night 1 is in an apartment in the centre of Pula so communication with the owner is Vital, however once doors are shut and we sit 40 minutes on a runway side road, there’s no signal! A bonus however is the farmers daughter from Perthshire sitting beside me (Jodie); a new law graduate with a thirst for travel doing an extremes period with her twin sister. Sadly her wish to know more about Mongolia is going to have to wait as Rosie is hemmed in by a passenger with disability and 14 rows back! She is due to spend time again in China and is trying to encourage me to visit! Its not been high on the want to go list I have to admit!!
Never mind there’s lots of info to swap about other things!!!
Despite the 1 hour delay (almost!) the flight ‘flies’ past and pula lights are below is in no time. It’s 2115 and with a small airport there’s very little delay to get through it.
Coffee in hand the bus for €4 into city is waiting right outside the exit doors! All 4 of us jump on and adventure begins!! The girls are staying we establish, not far from us in a hostel so we agree to get orientated together. Google maps let me down: unable to reliably maintain location we head off in what turns out to be the wrong direction. Thankfully my lack of finding a round-a-bout is fast recognised, so about turn and smooth sailing into city from here.
As we walk pass the amphitheater, which is beautifully lit up in the clear night provides the start of photos!!
So Stansted dread in and out it is, and the usual issues of delays hit!! Night 1 is in an apartment in the centre of Pula so communication with the owner is Vital, however once doors are shut and we sit 40 minutes on a runway side road, there’s no signal! A bonus however is the farmers daughter from Perthshire sitting beside me (Jodie); a new law graduate with a thirst for travel doing an extremes period with her twin sister. Sadly her wish to know more about Mongolia is going to have to wait as Rosie is hemmed in by a passenger with disability and 14 rows back! She is due to spend time again in China and is trying to encourage me to visit! Its not been high on the want to go list I have to admit!!
Never mind there’s lots of info to swap about other things!!!
Despite the 1 hour delay (almost!) the flight ‘flies’ past and pula lights are below is in no time. It’s 2115 and with a small airport there’s very little delay to get through it.
Coffee in hand the bus for €4 into city is waiting right outside the exit doors! All 4 of us jump on and adventure begins!! The girls are staying we establish, not far from us in a hostel so we agree to get orientated together. Google maps let me down: unable to reliably maintain location we head off in what turns out to be the wrong direction. Thankfully my lack of finding a round-a-bout is fast recognised, so about turn and smooth sailing into city from here.
As we walk pass the amphitheater, which is beautifully lit up in the clear night provides the start of photos!!
It’s a lovely warm and slightly humid night when we eventually find the apartment, only 1 wrong turn and quite late for the host but he’s ok about it. It’s a basic apartment and considering our timeframe that’s fine!! A quick change and it’s off to explore.
The amphitheater is still open, closing in 10 minutes (23:00) we dive in!! The info booklet appears to have lots of things to see, but in reality, most are corridors!!
It’s stunning and again well lit so the night experience is just as detailed as the day. We have a good wander around and photos by the dozen taken to be deleted later!!
The rest of the wander is just randomly around the city outside along the coast then through the centre. The atmosphere is tranquil, civilised and relaxed, no loud groups, although it is mid week!!
The amphitheater is still open, closing in 10 minutes (23:00) we dive in!! The info booklet appears to have lots of things to see, but in reality, most are corridors!!
It’s stunning and again well lit so the night experience is just as detailed as the day. We have a good wander around and photos by the dozen taken to be deleted later!!
The rest of the wander is just randomly around the city outside along the coast then through the centre. The atmosphere is tranquil, civilised and relaxed, no loud groups, although it is mid week!!
It’s just after midnight and we sit to have our first taste of local wine; Rosie on the red and me on white while we review our next days plan.
With a nightcap of ice cream looming, we wait forever for the bill, and by the time we pay up the ice cream is shut :( . Bed on an empty stomach!!!
Bonus: we can see the apartment from where we sit! Roll on daylight!!
With a nightcap of ice cream looming, we wait forever for the bill, and by the time we pay up the ice cream is shut :( . Bed on an empty stomach!!!
Bonus: we can see the apartment from where we sit! Roll on daylight!!
Pula to Poreç
It’s not the quietest place I’ve stayed with action all night from various services and voices carrying, but this is the joy of staying central!
Despite this I’m up at 0630 so off to explore in the morning sun!
Coffee is abundant along with the, to me now typical of the Eastern Europe diet, pastry shops!!
Although it’s to be 27 degrees it’s already quite warm.
I take a similar route to last night just in reverse. The morning sun gives a great light on the clean buildings with the boats at the harbour side preparing for their passengers while a couple of people fish in the slightly oily waters.
Despite this I’m up at 0630 so off to explore in the morning sun!
Coffee is abundant along with the, to me now typical of the Eastern Europe diet, pastry shops!!
Although it’s to be 27 degrees it’s already quite warm.
I take a similar route to last night just in reverse. The morning sun gives a great light on the clean buildings with the boats at the harbour side preparing for their passengers while a couple of people fish in the slightly oily waters.
Day light orientation over and I head back to see if sleeping beauty is up. The shutters are still closed so I suspect not!! It’s only 8am though so I’ll grab another coffee and then wander back.
Quick break and Rosie ready for another wander and to try .... pastries!!
We head back through the town and back along the harbour front, admiring all the tour boats waiting for their clients. Through Titos park with sculptured faces of the martyrs from the previous hostilities. We then decide as bags have been left behind, we would up the hill behind the town centre, some lovely views are bound to be caught there. Its the home to a maritime Museum and old Venetian fortress, with lots of walking available around it
Quick break and Rosie ready for another wander and to try .... pastries!!
We head back through the town and back along the harbour front, admiring all the tour boats waiting for their clients. Through Titos park with sculptured faces of the martyrs from the previous hostilities. We then decide as bags have been left behind, we would up the hill behind the town centre, some lovely views are bound to be caught there. Its the home to a maritime Museum and old Venetian fortress, with lots of walking available around it
This uploaded we’re off for a wander to the bus station again then on to Rovinj.
As we leave the ice cream doors are open and the dark chocolate sorbet is on display. It’s officially not open but we both fancy the chocolate so the girl agrees to give us a scoop! Off we toddle to the bus station... we at least know the way this time!
As we leave the ice cream doors are open and the dark chocolate sorbet is on display. It’s officially not open but we both fancy the chocolate so the girl agrees to give us a scoop! Off we toddle to the bus station... we at least know the way this time!
Rovinj
So the bus is leaving at midday so with 1/2 hour to spare and tickets all sorted so time for a quick wine then off to Rovinj for lunch.
The journey takes us in land and through fields and fields of olives with the odd vineyard at times. The coast is intermittently visible in the distance.
We stop at a couple of quaint wee towns on the way one of which (Bale) even has its own little train for ?sightseeing?. The landscape is rolling hills but few animals out and about.
Arrival in Rovinj bus station, which is a little out of town required a quick suss out of where we were we wander off down the town.
We can see the circular old city jutting out of the sea in front of us. It’s not big and has the classical tower on the top! There are loads of small fishing boats and plenty of your charter options to chose from if wish to visit fjords and islands around. The edge round to the old city is lined with restaurants and chairs a great place to chill and refuel on the way back!!
The journey takes us in land and through fields and fields of olives with the odd vineyard at times. The coast is intermittently visible in the distance.
We stop at a couple of quaint wee towns on the way one of which (Bale) even has its own little train for ?sightseeing?. The landscape is rolling hills but few animals out and about.
Arrival in Rovinj bus station, which is a little out of town required a quick suss out of where we were we wander off down the town.
We can see the circular old city jutting out of the sea in front of us. It’s not big and has the classical tower on the top! There are loads of small fishing boats and plenty of your charter options to chose from if wish to visit fjords and islands around. The edge round to the old city is lined with restaurants and chairs a great place to chill and refuel on the way back!!
We take the obvious road up the middle between what was mainland and the island that is now the old city. It’s busy but not overly crowded. There’s loads of small narrow streets fanning off this road which are lovely and cool to stand in as avoiding the sun!!
At the end near the water edge, is the market, it reminds me of being in France as a kid with loads of local produce, huge peaches and apricots along side olive oil, truffles, honey and lavender in abundance. A chefs delights!
At the end near the water edge, is the market, it reminds me of being in France as a kid with loads of local produce, huge peaches and apricots along side olive oil, truffles, honey and lavender in abundance. A chefs delights!
Then it’s the uphill climb on the narrow shiny stone passages to the church. People sit on the steps up outside the bars in place of chairs that would not fit the space, covered with cushions, further narrowing the route. Lots of tiny craft and souvenir shops are found randomly but at tourist prices you can imagine this to be quite a catch. The climb is not too bad, and the huge church at the top glistens in the sun. We take a look in, but it’s not that ornately amazing and although the tower looks high the view down doesn’t look stunning enough for another 190 steps with bags and in this heat!!! The view is good here.
We meander back down an alternative winding street selection to the bottom and decide exercise requires a reward...... lunch and it'll have to involve fresh sea food!!
We find a spot clinging to the edge and sit beside the sea and are ushered down the stairs of the restaurant to the bottom level, right beside the chaos.
The waiters take forever to come to get our order but we are on the bottom level with only1 other pair there. Maybe it’s the stairs they don’t want to do!!!
We eventually get our order in and can enjoy the reward beers! The seagulls hang around hopeful but when left overs are pored over the edge to them they have a huge fight, soaking us in the fallout!!
We can sit and admire the people that keep appearing in the water swimming past. It’s hard to see where they have come from but must be from next door house access we think (we later find round the corner were steps down into the sea and concrete areas to bathe on.......)
We find a spot clinging to the edge and sit beside the sea and are ushered down the stairs of the restaurant to the bottom level, right beside the chaos.
The waiters take forever to come to get our order but we are on the bottom level with only1 other pair there. Maybe it’s the stairs they don’t want to do!!!
We eventually get our order in and can enjoy the reward beers! The seagulls hang around hopeful but when left overs are pored over the edge to them they have a huge fight, soaking us in the fallout!!
We can sit and admire the people that keep appearing in the water swimming past. It’s hard to see where they have come from but must be from next door house access we think (we later find round the corner were steps down into the sea and concrete areas to bathe on.......)
Lunch over and off to head round the edge of the main bit then off to bus.
As we wander we find many small areas to access into the sea from the city edge and it’s a popular thing! Tempted but decide to do this once bags dropped! Theres views down every alley, and its full of goodies hanging openly outside for purchase. Feeling of very little crime threat still exists here.
As we wander we find many small areas to access into the sea from the city edge and it’s a popular thing! Tempted but decide to do this once bags dropped! Theres views down every alley, and its full of goodies hanging openly outside for purchase. Feeling of very little crime threat still exists here.
More wandering and another drink as time as planned on the way back to the bus station, looking over the city one last time, and it’s back to head to Poreč.
It’s an hour on the bus and then a 10 minute walk to the apartment, little out of town but reported to be 50m from the beach! The message left told us keys are in the door, and sure enough once we’d doing the place there they were.
Unable to find the towels we pack to hit the sea, but without a decent drying option neither of us are convinced we’ll swim. The ‘beach’ again is not the usual, smoothed rock into the sea, there’s diving boards, ramps down and swimming areas. Showers on the edge and plenty of people with their padded sunbeds enjoying the 32 degrees temperature.
It’s an hour on the bus and then a 10 minute walk to the apartment, little out of town but reported to be 50m from the beach! The message left told us keys are in the door, and sure enough once we’d doing the place there they were.
Unable to find the towels we pack to hit the sea, but without a decent drying option neither of us are convinced we’ll swim. The ‘beach’ again is not the usual, smoothed rock into the sea, there’s diving boards, ramps down and swimming areas. Showers on the edge and plenty of people with their padded sunbeds enjoying the 32 degrees temperature.
Further around through the wooded area there’s more pools for kids carved into the coast, its idillic, and with people just leaving things lying around while in the water, again it feels safe and naive.
We can see the city over the marina so a wander round and time to rehydrate again, unconvinced that we’d feel clean after a swim.
We found an old city tower that has a bar at the top and think the view would be a good view point for the bay and time to sit and enjoy..... 8 miles of walking later. my fitbit tells me.
The sunset here would be great but it’s not for a while so a nice seat and blister comparing and tending to, then off, feet fresh, into the old town.
We found an old city tower that has a bar at the top and think the view would be a good view point for the bay and time to sit and enjoy..... 8 miles of walking later. my fitbit tells me.
The sunset here would be great but it’s not for a while so a nice seat and blister comparing and tending to, then off, feet fresh, into the old town.
It’s not a big city, but plenty of high end shops to wander past giving the impression of the clientele enjoying this city.
In comparison to Rovinj there’s no particular high point to look down to the city but the narrow streets are enjoyable shade for now. It’s 1800hrs and we are finding the bars and restaurants are open and touting for business meaning a constant hassle as we wander past the rows of them. Head to the sea and escape a bit!!
However we hit another ‘beach’ overlooked by people enjoying their early dinner with kids running from table to water, while, parents enjoy their dinner, at least we are not being harassed to sit and eat, calmness again! The sun is dropping nicely for pictures.
In comparison to Rovinj there’s no particular high point to look down to the city but the narrow streets are enjoyable shade for now. It’s 1800hrs and we are finding the bars and restaurants are open and touting for business meaning a constant hassle as we wander past the rows of them. Head to the sea and escape a bit!!
However we hit another ‘beach’ overlooked by people enjoying their early dinner with kids running from table to water, while, parents enjoy their dinner, at least we are not being harassed to sit and eat, calmness again! The sun is dropping nicely for pictures.
Now for the dinner choice, and after lots more hassle we decide to escape it all and sit above the square.
Decision assisted as Rosie feels a need for steak, not exactly a problem In a meat friendly country! I take the local meat platter to allow her to try a couple of typical dishes although knowing the size of portions is scares me how large it maybe, but covered all typical options!
Decision assisted as Rosie feels a need for steak, not exactly a problem In a meat friendly country! I take the local meat platter to allow her to try a couple of typical dishes although knowing the size of portions is scares me how large it maybe, but covered all typical options!
It’s a nice meal and we watch the queues below for portrait sketching etc below but neither of us have ever fancied our own!
A night time meander through the town as the night artists and entertainers set-up their sets and you notice the beach people are now in the city, it’s packed streets and a feeling of escape from the tourist atmosphere comes to us!!
A little detour along the quieter streets and we pass estate agents to admire the offerings!! It’s 2100 and we decide time to head back but a nightcap in the, almost, local bar on the way will ensure a good nights sleep, and it did!!!
A night time meander through the town as the night artists and entertainers set-up their sets and you notice the beach people are now in the city, it’s packed streets and a feeling of escape from the tourist atmosphere comes to us!!
A little detour along the quieter streets and we pass estate agents to admire the offerings!! It’s 2100 and we decide time to head back but a nightcap in the, almost, local bar on the way will ensure a good nights sleep, and it did!!!
To Slovenia, via Novigrad!
It’s Friday!! Time to head to Slovenia via a stop off in a place recommended as an unexplored wee city to tourists.
We found towels when we returned to the apartment so a relaxed start and a quick hello from our host who found us enjoying the morning sun in the garden (and me having a coffee!!!
We check out and head to the other ‘local’ for breakfast in the arrested area, then off to the bus station for our journey to Novigrad through the olive groves.
It’s only 30 mins until we arrive, and the obvious walk into town passing the numerous new developments, and through a park with funfair in it, is only 7 minutes so it’s an easy start!
It’s a pretty little spot as usual with cobbled streets leading off the harbour / marina and direction options to chose from! With no idea we head what is probably through the centre to the far edge. I’d read about plenty of beaches to swim at in town and now I understand this concept. There’s small areas of streets with the umbrella cover look to photograph for the collection!!
We found towels when we returned to the apartment so a relaxed start and a quick hello from our host who found us enjoying the morning sun in the garden (and me having a coffee!!!
We check out and head to the other ‘local’ for breakfast in the arrested area, then off to the bus station for our journey to Novigrad through the olive groves.
It’s only 30 mins until we arrive, and the obvious walk into town passing the numerous new developments, and through a park with funfair in it, is only 7 minutes so it’s an easy start!
It’s a pretty little spot as usual with cobbled streets leading off the harbour / marina and direction options to chose from! With no idea we head what is probably through the centre to the far edge. I’d read about plenty of beaches to swim at in town and now I understand this concept. There’s small areas of streets with the umbrella cover look to photograph for the collection!!
Onwards through town and suddenly it’s the city edge, fully geared for direct access to the sea and sunbathing. This time there’s lots of inflatables and small round kids pools. A few are enjoying the midday sun and sea. We stop for a beer as a celebratory welcome to another place!!
With sun beaming down we leave the seaside and head round and back into town finding an istrian cuisine place and sounds like a perfect place to try local food and wine. A starter platter for 1 was shared and a small glass of local wine, 1 red and 1 white gives us a good spread of local experience before we leave the area.
Ok and it’s planned fish for lunch time........ I head off one way to suss out and find another large ‘beach’ complex lined with restaurants to indulge our needs! There’s walkways into the sea and lots of people of all ages enjoying the concrete / rock area. Plenty of options here to chose from.....
Lunch was good, fresh juicy mussels for me and Rosie on a seafood platter, with shared salad and of course some wine plus plenty of water!!
It’s leisurely but perfectly fills the time for the next bus journey into Slovenia. As we wander back through the side roads into the more modern part of town we pass gardens full of kiwi plants / trees laden with fruit. Rosie comments on the potential of a competition between the gardens on volume produced, I'm jealous, but wonder how many are actually consumed!! The Kiwi remind me of Mum and Dad attempt to grow them!
The bus is 30 minutes late, and we start to worry that we’ve got it wrong as we hang around in the sun waiting. There's no office or information point and its too risky to go wander off assuming its not coming, and the only reassured by the other group of people waiting.
It’s going to be a 1+ hour trip and Rosie falls asleep immediately!! Sign of a good meal and vino!
The countryside is hilly with plenty of our wine production of the future on show! We take the coastal route up passing lots of pretty little inlet towns all with a local charm of their own and the direct access into the sea! The border comes into view and Rosie awakens.
It’s going to be a 1+ hour trip and Rosie falls asleep immediately!! Sign of a good meal and vino!
The countryside is hilly with plenty of our wine production of the future on show! We take the coastal route up passing lots of pretty little inlet towns all with a local charm of their own and the direct access into the sea! The border comes into view and Rosie awakens.
It’s time to get off and show passports to a man at a desk with ‘Croatia’ on it sitting beside a man with ‘Slovenia’ on his booth / open desk.
There’s a guy having problems getting in in-front of us so slows things down a bit. We have to exit the Slovenia door and wait for the bus to pick us up. Some scatter for food, toilets and such just along the road while we wait. Thankfully we don’t wait long for the bus and everyone appears to be on without prompting or chasing (maybe they understood announcements!) so off we go.
This part is a little slower, there is traffic in Slovenia!! We can see the dark clouds setting in just where we are heading. It’ll be a fast walk to find the accommodation!!!
It’s about 30 minutes to get into Koper and the bus station is a little out from the old town. As we arrive so does the thunder so fastest route to apartment through the old town is taken!
Once we hit the narrow streets we pass small local bars with people enjoying the Friday evening, good sign for us! It’s about 10 minutes and we have instructions of how to get into the apartment and informed that our key is on the desk in it.
The instructions give a little confusion: enter code then ‘press the code and Bottom UP’ but the up key is at the side so Rosie interprets it (as the code entering responsible person!!’) as the down key. I later figure out the English wording error: I think it should have read: press the code and button up’. We figured it out before long and dropped off our bags to hit the sights before dark and incase of thunder and rain tomorrow.
We walk back to the Venetian style square, which is empty almost with just a few people enjoying drink under the arches.
There’s a guy having problems getting in in-front of us so slows things down a bit. We have to exit the Slovenia door and wait for the bus to pick us up. Some scatter for food, toilets and such just along the road while we wait. Thankfully we don’t wait long for the bus and everyone appears to be on without prompting or chasing (maybe they understood announcements!) so off we go.
This part is a little slower, there is traffic in Slovenia!! We can see the dark clouds setting in just where we are heading. It’ll be a fast walk to find the accommodation!!!
It’s about 30 minutes to get into Koper and the bus station is a little out from the old town. As we arrive so does the thunder so fastest route to apartment through the old town is taken!
Once we hit the narrow streets we pass small local bars with people enjoying the Friday evening, good sign for us! It’s about 10 minutes and we have instructions of how to get into the apartment and informed that our key is on the desk in it.
The instructions give a little confusion: enter code then ‘press the code and Bottom UP’ but the up key is at the side so Rosie interprets it (as the code entering responsible person!!’) as the down key. I later figure out the English wording error: I think it should have read: press the code and button up’. We figured it out before long and dropped off our bags to hit the sights before dark and incase of thunder and rain tomorrow.
We walk back to the Venetian style square, which is empty almost with just a few people enjoying drink under the arches.
It’s nice wee centre to wander round, however has a large port just at the end of our street which is quite out of character of the town behind us. The sun is going down and we meander through the streets in our now normal random fashion with the aim of finding a cash point and the original old gate to the city.
We end up back at one of the bars we passed and one of the guys proudly informs us that this is second time we’ve passed! Think he’s been there too long or we appear like tourists!!!!
Lemonade (fresh squeezed lemons and no sugar is normal here) and a coke and it’s time to contemplate dinner options!
As we walk back through the square we can see the lightening of the buildings starting to shine.
We head to the harbour / marina area to see what’s on offer. There a strip of restaurants and cafes selling lots of seafood options and a few bars and coffee places. It’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. I notice a ‘Vigo’ ice cream shop, that’s pudding sorted (a world best ice cream shop reportedly).
We pop back the way we came, struggling to decide what to have, and find a trattoria type place but unfortunately they can’t seat us for a while.
Onwards and eventually end up back at the original set of places. Cuttlefish risotto for Rosie and truffle pasta for me with the obligatory recommended local vinski, I take a recommended Sivi Pinot Pucer, Rosie on a Malvazija Korenika.
Very nice they were to with our dinners as Rosies lips slowly blackened!!!
Lemonade (fresh squeezed lemons and no sugar is normal here) and a coke and it’s time to contemplate dinner options!
As we walk back through the square we can see the lightening of the buildings starting to shine.
We head to the harbour / marina area to see what’s on offer. There a strip of restaurants and cafes selling lots of seafood options and a few bars and coffee places. It’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. I notice a ‘Vigo’ ice cream shop, that’s pudding sorted (a world best ice cream shop reportedly).
We pop back the way we came, struggling to decide what to have, and find a trattoria type place but unfortunately they can’t seat us for a while.
Onwards and eventually end up back at the original set of places. Cuttlefish risotto for Rosie and truffle pasta for me with the obligatory recommended local vinski, I take a recommended Sivi Pinot Pucer, Rosie on a Malvazija Korenika.
Very nice they were to with our dinners as Rosies lips slowly blackened!!!
It’s time for ice cream, and it’s still open so off we head to enjoy.
I ask for 1/2 in 1/2 as I can’t decide between the dark chocolate sorbet and tiramisu. The last time I was in one in Ljubljana I had amazing chocolate orange.
It’s a huge portion for €1.3!! I’ll sleep tonight. Rosie goes all out on a chocolate and due to the residual heat in the air even at 10pm it’s melting fast, but impressively no spillage from either of us!!
I ask for 1/2 in 1/2 as I can’t decide between the dark chocolate sorbet and tiramisu. The last time I was in one in Ljubljana I had amazing chocolate orange.
It’s a huge portion for €1.3!! I’ll sleep tonight. Rosie goes all out on a chocolate and due to the residual heat in the air even at 10pm it’s melting fast, but impressively no spillage from either of us!!
Bed time, we’re out of room even for a nightcap!!
The coast of Slovenia
It’s 0700 and I’m awake, I’m going to head out and let Rosie sleep as I expect rain later and at the moment it’s lovely and warm and sunny.
Shower and leave hoping not to have woken her! I head to the marina again for a coffee and to pick up some fruit which would do breakfast. Just behind where we ate last night was a market selling lots of fresh local produce.
Nectarine and peaches and grapes should be nice. I wander past the fish market and find a spinach pastry which would be nice if heated so I’m done. Just time to grab a coffee as it’s only 08:00 and I don’t want to waken Rosie until about 0830. I find the bar looking over the marina to be a suitable spot.
I order the coffee and it comes with thunder, lightening and heavy rain...... all great had I brought my umbrella!! I message Rosie to say I had found coffee and rain and would return once it settles.
I figure out a cheat to catch the lightening: video and screen shot the respective parts! Ah this will keep me occupied for a while. I can nibble the grapes too! My photo plan is working and the thunder is fierce but I’m outside and sheltered thankfully!!
Shower and leave hoping not to have woken her! I head to the marina again for a coffee and to pick up some fruit which would do breakfast. Just behind where we ate last night was a market selling lots of fresh local produce.
Nectarine and peaches and grapes should be nice. I wander past the fish market and find a spinach pastry which would be nice if heated so I’m done. Just time to grab a coffee as it’s only 08:00 and I don’t want to waken Rosie until about 0830. I find the bar looking over the marina to be a suitable spot.
I order the coffee and it comes with thunder, lightening and heavy rain...... all great had I brought my umbrella!! I message Rosie to say I had found coffee and rain and would return once it settles.
I figure out a cheat to catch the lightening: video and screen shot the respective parts! Ah this will keep me occupied for a while. I can nibble the grapes too! My photo plan is working and the thunder is fierce but I’m outside and sheltered thankfully!!
There’s a break and I look to get the bill and switch on roaming to message Rosie...... when ....... guess who appears with my brollie! Perfect timing!!
Another coffee and orange juice and croissant for Rosie and we plan to head to Piran for the day and return via Isola. They’re small places too and we can dodge in and out of the rain if needed.
I need to change and grab a cardi incase it stays cool so I whizz on back to the apartment and Rosie pays up.
We make the bus stop just in time and after establishing that the google maps tells you the wrong side of the road!!
Another coffee and orange juice and croissant for Rosie and we plan to head to Piran for the day and return via Isola. They’re small places too and we can dodge in and out of the rain if needed.
I need to change and grab a cardi incase it stays cool so I whizz on back to the apartment and Rosie pays up.
We make the bus stop just in time and after establishing that the google maps tells you the wrong side of the road!!
The rains holding off and in front looks better weather. The bus takes about 40 minutes with a couple of stops and queues of traffic going the opposite way so we flow on nicely!!
Piran bus stop is at the barriers for the entrance to the town but gives a good viewpoint of the town and Croatian coast opposite.
Piran bus stop is at the barriers for the entrance to the town but gives a good viewpoint of the town and Croatian coast opposite.
The sun is coming out as we wander down the road without a pavement, into the main square. There’s lots of clothes and craft shops. It’s a typical tourist spot of bric-à-brac bits to take home!!
We enter the square and it’s lovely and quiet. Photo time then chose a wee street wander taking us through the narrow centre and back out the other side to the coastal path as expected a line of restaurants and cafes! On the left are the steps into the sea all along the rocky edge. At least this time it’s not as hard to fall in!!
The rocks have what looks like fossils but I’m unsure if it is or just clever carvings. At the end is a church as expected looking over the tip of the town. We slow at this part to take different pictures and I get the feet in the water. That’s a group of snorkelers leaving from the local dive shop.
As there’s a dead end it’s time to head into town and up to the church for a look down over the town. The walk is fine up to it and the view over the sea back towards a stormy looking Koper. Rosie wishes to climb a tower so off she goes, I’m sweating it out below enjoying catch up on this!!
Time for well earned hydration for Rosie so we decide to head to the square and get a drink. There’s a cake selection and fresh from her climb Rosie goes for a local custard style cake while I take a frozen cake slice, uncertain what I was getting!! It’s an interesting frozen pulp of fruit really!
The view and people watching however is great to enjoy. Thankfully the forecasted rain is not correct!!
The view and people watching however is great to enjoy. Thankfully the forecasted rain is not correct!!
Then it’s a wander around and off up to the walls (or castle as we thought it was originally!). Again we play chose a side-street and off we go. Occasionally we see signs but often there’s one and not any further at the next junction so it’s a guess where to go. The heat is up and we’re at the top sweating due to it. Glad not to have our backpacks at the moment. There’s a great view over the old city and along the stormy looking coastline.
I decide at €2 it’s worth heading up the walls and try to signal to the photographer. I head on up then watch her practising her balancing on a wall. Think she’s not noticed my arm waving earlier.
The stairs up and down the towers are varied in height and depth and some you can hardly get your foot on. There’s such low headroom on the first one that people are coming down leaning against the steps to get under... having watched a couple do it I decide coming backwards is the better option
There’s 5 towers to go up all with a similar view but none as good of the square as the one from the tower Rosie took earlier.
I head back down and find Rosie then it’s more steps back down the walkways to the town.
We enter the town from yet another corner of the square, I think now we’ve done all. I decide to reward myself with a raspberry ice cream sorbet (again really just pulled rasps and that’s it) very refreshing!
We establish there’s a bus shortly to Isola and without a clear sky we think we will head there. It is 2pm! The bus is reasonably on time!! The driver commenting on selling tickets to the nice English ladies, Rosie, like me is fast to correct!!
We enter the town from yet another corner of the square, I think now we’ve done all. I decide to reward myself with a raspberry ice cream sorbet (again really just pulled rasps and that’s it) very refreshing!
We establish there’s a bus shortly to Isola and without a clear sky we think we will head there. It is 2pm! The bus is reasonably on time!! The driver commenting on selling tickets to the nice English ladies, Rosie, like me is fast to correct!!
It’s uneventful journey, again everyone appears to be heading the other way! We get some lovely views over the coast and as we enter Isola.
Isola as Rosie research correctly describes, is not big at all and it’s not long before we hit the restaurant lined harbour and beach through the narrow streets.
The clouds are over Koper we can see and it looks like they will head this way. We move towards the town. On the way there’s a rock swimming pool also here and the place is nusyworh kids just running around and roller blading!
We find a wee trattoria and decide as it has shelter that this will be lunch stop. Fish is recommended by the waitress who thankfully talks us through the menu!! Rosie chooses the local recommended house special of fish. I’ll try a bit!of course we need a €1 wine glass too!
I can tolerate a bit of the fish but decide to order a local soup as the other options are not too appealing!! Rosie orders a plate of prosciutto Which is huge when it arrives, 100g we couldn’t figure out the size!! Just as well we didn’t do cheese too!!
The extra wine doesn’t come and s change in staff it appears means there’s no one to ask so eventually we get the top up and extra water too.
Our waitress leaves wishing us a lovely trip after saying Ciao to everyone else. It’s a certainly local spot! The tables are gathering reserved signs and being set up for early evening, great sign
The extra wine doesn’t come and s change in staff it appears means there’s no one to ask so eventually we get the top up and extra water too.
Our waitress leaves wishing us a lovely trip after saying Ciao to everyone else. It’s a certainly local spot! The tables are gathering reserved signs and being set up for early evening, great sign
The weather has cheered up and we’re going to hear back to enjoy the evening sun in Koper and maybe the sea. It’s 15mins to centre and we are dropped where we started so just infront of the marina.
It’s warm but I’m not convinced that it’s going to be when we get out so decide not to return to get my bikini!!! We can enjoy watching all the people splashing around just down from where they are loading the cargo ships.
One leaves buy little disturbance to the water in the beach. It’s actually a beach too with shingles however if you wish to avoid this you can climb down the steps off the pier. We can feel the rain starting so decision to hide in shelter before it starts under the archway so still as to watch the ‘show’.
I’ve got the video going again, it’s not too wet and there’s a huddle of people under the archway with us. The lightening we watch over the bay on the other side and round to the docks. Some shots work well!
It’s warm but I’m not convinced that it’s going to be when we get out so decide not to return to get my bikini!!! We can enjoy watching all the people splashing around just down from where they are loading the cargo ships.
One leaves buy little disturbance to the water in the beach. It’s actually a beach too with shingles however if you wish to avoid this you can climb down the steps off the pier. We can feel the rain starting so decision to hide in shelter before it starts under the archway so still as to watch the ‘show’.
I’ve got the video going again, it’s not too wet and there’s a huddle of people under the archway with us. The lightening we watch over the bay on the other side and round to the docks. Some shots work well!
As it settles a bit we go grab a smoothie and beer, the large portion of prosciutto earlier has left us salty tasting!!
We chose the place up the road with the leather sofas, maybe not the best choice when tired!!
The rain starts again and we wander back to the apartment and chose the nightcap option at the Praetorian Palace bar under the arches watching the lightening over the old rest of the buildings and trying to catch that shot of lightening!! There’s only 6 others in the place!! Plenty of people running across the square though!
The pictures I take are on my main camera which I’ll down load later!
We chose the place up the road with the leather sofas, maybe not the best choice when tired!!
The rain starts again and we wander back to the apartment and chose the nightcap option at the Praetorian Palace bar under the arches watching the lightening over the old rest of the buildings and trying to catch that shot of lightening!! There’s only 6 others in the place!! Plenty of people running across the square though!
The pictures I take are on my main camera which I’ll down load later!
As the rains not easing we call it a night and head to slumberland to listen to the growling storm from the dryness of the apartment!!
To Italy!
So it’s Sunday and my original plan had us heading off this afternoon but the weather has not eased and we waken to heavy rain. No rush but then it’s the change of plans.
We must check out by 10am so check for earlier buses and direct is only just before 3pm, indirect leaves 1030 but involves going along the coast and 2 changes including a walk over the border. It appears to be possible so I suggest this and we head off. It’s really throwing it down now and Rosie is unsure if we should get wet, dry, get wet etc or just hang around in a cafe til the next bus. I see her point but also feel it’s escaping from the weather on the bus and you get to see different parts but also we’re in for 12:30 and can check in then rather than drinking for a few hours!!
Everything is closed except the cafes so it’s not providing many alternatives. My coffee is ordered in the cafe opposite the bus stop where the lady is giving out more wine and shots to the men than coffees!! Let’s go!
We get to the bus stop and can’t see the timetable. I check my location and we’re at the wrong one, we have 8 minutes to walk 300m, think we can do that!!
We must check out by 10am so check for earlier buses and direct is only just before 3pm, indirect leaves 1030 but involves going along the coast and 2 changes including a walk over the border. It appears to be possible so I suggest this and we head off. It’s really throwing it down now and Rosie is unsure if we should get wet, dry, get wet etc or just hang around in a cafe til the next bus. I see her point but also feel it’s escaping from the weather on the bus and you get to see different parts but also we’re in for 12:30 and can check in then rather than drinking for a few hours!!
Everything is closed except the cafes so it’s not providing many alternatives. My coffee is ordered in the cafe opposite the bus stop where the lady is giving out more wine and shots to the men than coffees!! Let’s go!
We get to the bus stop and can’t see the timetable. I check my location and we’re at the wrong one, we have 8 minutes to walk 300m, think we can do that!!
The bus stop here has the man on the mobile enjoying his beer. Looks like he’s sneaking in one before returning with the groceries!!
The bus is not too late and step 1 we’re on our way!! We can look back down on the coast we’ve journeyed along as we head towards Italy. It’s landscape covered in olive trees and vineyards!
Even the rain doesn’t stop it looking attractive. 20 minutes later the bus is empty save us, and we’re at the border and end for this bus.
The bus is not too late and step 1 we’re on our way!! We can look back down on the coast we’ve journeyed along as we head towards Italy. It’s landscape covered in olive trees and vineyards!
Even the rain doesn’t stop it looking attractive. 20 minutes later the bus is empty save us, and we’re at the border and end for this bus.
Thankfully the rain has eased and we have 45 minute to wait. We wander into the duty free shop on Slovenia side Which says there’s a cafe..... also known as a coffee machine and a single small table!!!
It’s got a little of everything and is warm and dry, although it’s hardly even spitting at the moment but a nice way to pass 20 minutes. I get some cashew nuts with truffle to take back and we head to find customs. There’s a big puddle in the road so timing is important to ensure we don’t get soaked!!
Not much traffic on the road but slowing for the puddle is not a factor here!! We wander along passing a camp site. I am a little co fused as ahead I see nothing, time to location check...... oooops we’re in Italy and well past the bus stop. Rosie double checks, and yes her first trip into Italy goes unnoticed!! There appears to be no customs or checks at this point!!! Oh well!!!
There’s a few empty looking buildings but certainly no one manning them or around and cars are loving splashing at good speeds over the border puddle!!
It’s got a little of everything and is warm and dry, although it’s hardly even spitting at the moment but a nice way to pass 20 minutes. I get some cashew nuts with truffle to take back and we head to find customs. There’s a big puddle in the road so timing is important to ensure we don’t get soaked!!
Not much traffic on the road but slowing for the puddle is not a factor here!! We wander along passing a camp site. I am a little co fused as ahead I see nothing, time to location check...... oooops we’re in Italy and well past the bus stop. Rosie double checks, and yes her first trip into Italy goes unnoticed!! There appears to be no customs or checks at this point!!! Oh well!!!
There’s a few empty looking buildings but certainly no one manning them or around and cars are loving splashing at good speeds over the border puddle!!
We contemplate where no-mans land is but there’s no clarity. Maybe we have a foot in either country!!
Italy!
A bit of hanging around and it’s at least dry and the bus arrives. We ask for a ticket but it’s a pre-buy ticket option and the driver apologises that he doesn’t have any tickets ‘but it’s no problem’ so we are off on leg 2 for free along the coast to Muggia.
It’s only 15 minutes and when we arrive it’s a noticeable wind coming in. We go to quickly explore assured that the next part has frequent bus options.
It’s only 15 minutes and when we arrive it’s a noticeable wind coming in. We go to quickly explore assured that the next part has frequent bus options.
It’s a small centre but the on going rain ‘forces’ us into a spot for a drink..... cappuccino as it’s just on midday, and hot chocolate for a Rosie hug!!!
Wow it’s a think chocolate and she feels they should make it in espresso format as this is a serious size of chocolate again!!
Toiletted and warmed up we head for the final bus trip. This time we figure out the tickets we assume and onto the bus that’s just pulled up, perfect.
However 5 minutes late he tells us that he’s not going yet and we need to get the one behind!! No problem we’re off!!! 35 minutes and a tour of the south coastal city area we arrive at the stop beside our hotel.
Wow it’s a think chocolate and she feels they should make it in espresso format as this is a serious size of chocolate again!!
Toiletted and warmed up we head for the final bus trip. This time we figure out the tickets we assume and onto the bus that’s just pulled up, perfect.
However 5 minutes late he tells us that he’s not going yet and we need to get the one behind!! No problem we’re off!!! 35 minutes and a tour of the south coastal city area we arrive at the stop beside our hotel.
The rain has eased but the wind is howling on the window which doesn’t fully close so is getting under it making the noise more severe! We sort ourselves out and put on warmer options to head back out including dry shoes.
That’s little point having an umbrella in this wind!!
That’s little point having an umbrella in this wind!!
We take a route away from the sea to try to avoid the wind but despite the hill overlooking the city behind us it’s blowing us down the street!! This it’s not long before we hit the canal and the sun is thinking about appearing, it’s 2:30pm and maybe time to take shelter and see if things improve over lunch.
However it’s a Sunday and after lunch so many places are closed or just closing. We end up in a local trendy burger place and order a salsa as most things they’re already out of!!! Prosecco of course to wash it down with!!
However it’s a Sunday and after lunch so many places are closed or just closing. We end up in a local trendy burger place and order a salsa as most things they’re already out of!!! Prosecco of course to wash it down with!!
Time for more bluster and we amble wind assisted around the city on the search for cake Rosie. I’ve found an old cafe recommended also in a Guardian article just round the corner to try, let’s see...... its rather grand and old worldly but nice and non blustery!!
We look at the cakes but they’re not calling to Rosie to try so settle for prosecco and nibbles on the bar!!
The guy explains that prosecco is from a grape of the region and originally made in prosecco just up the road, which was burnt down and now it’s all made near Venice in Veneto!!
Not long after he brings out a ‘nibble’ of ham on horseradish mousse with apple. It’s an interesting combination but works well with the prosecco! No complaints here! A german family join us at the bar and also get this to try with their prosecco.
We decide as lovely as it is we can not sit here forever so we must move before we order more and just sit. The price is €4.5 per glass which is standard all over we found.
We look at the cakes but they’re not calling to Rosie to try so settle for prosecco and nibbles on the bar!!
The guy explains that prosecco is from a grape of the region and originally made in prosecco just up the road, which was burnt down and now it’s all made near Venice in Veneto!!
Not long after he brings out a ‘nibble’ of ham on horseradish mousse with apple. It’s an interesting combination but works well with the prosecco! No complaints here! A german family join us at the bar and also get this to try with their prosecco.
We decide as lovely as it is we can not sit here forever so we must move before we order more and just sit. The price is €4.5 per glass which is standard all over we found.
It’s not busy and the bars you can spot by 6pm with the people starting to sit in the wind outside.
We fail in the hunt for cakes however as all appear to be sold out!
Oh well more coffee / prosecco is the back up plan. We find a wee cafe to sit in and order.
Before long food is put out on the bar and, like in Milan, it’s a buffet free for all. There’s sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese block with hunks cut out, a pasta so it’s time just to enjoy a couple more drinks (and a hole in the ground loo) in the windy city by night before heading back to the hotel.
We fail in the hunt for cakes however as all appear to be sold out!
Oh well more coffee / prosecco is the back up plan. We find a wee cafe to sit in and order.
Before long food is put out on the bar and, like in Milan, it’s a buffet free for all. There’s sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese block with hunks cut out, a pasta so it’s time just to enjoy a couple more drinks (and a hole in the ground loo) in the windy city by night before heading back to the hotel.
Finale
The wind continues but has settled and there’s sun welcoming us the next morning as we head for breakfast before the hair gets a blow dry. I need a stamp, so pop into the tobacconist next to the Hotel, but sadly the stamp combination I need will take up most of the post card, they dolarge stamps here!!
So will need to go to the post office later.
We take the route to the seafront and happily blown along, having to occasionally hold the dresses down!! There’s at least a warmth this time!
Decision is to head to the castle but as the map we are working from is rather general and non specific for routes we resort to the easy life of google maps on Rosie’s Phone ( more reliable than mine appears to be!!). It’s an up and down route but we find it in the end!!
The wind has settled so we enjoy a wander round the cathedral outside then head up to the castle.
So will need to go to the post office later.
We take the route to the seafront and happily blown along, having to occasionally hold the dresses down!! There’s at least a warmth this time!
Decision is to head to the castle but as the map we are working from is rather general and non specific for routes we resort to the easy life of google maps on Rosie’s Phone ( more reliable than mine appears to be!!). It’s an up and down route but we find it in the end!!
The wind has settled so we enjoy a wander round the cathedral outside then head up to the castle.
Gusty winds would have made this more of a challenge but the sun is beaming down and either it’s sheltered up here or the wind has died but it’s a nice wander with great views.
Inside there’s not many people but plenty of bits of information around to aid our wander!
Amphitheater next on the list and back down to sea level for this. You sort of stumble across it very randomly amongst the buildings. It’s not quite Pula standards!
Lunch and a small osteria just off the main square takes my fancy, Rosie wishes some pasta, not a normal for her but as in Italy........ the recommended aubergine one is her choice. I fancy the salad, leave room for gelato later!!!
As we finish up a queue starts to form of locals for lunch, ah maybe it was a reasonable choice......
It’s washed down with prosecco is over and we head to enjoy the windless sun!! We find a place just off the piazza italia to sit and the post office is opposite.
So I head to get a ‘piccolo francobolo’ Which the last duly finds! The tables have wee squirting bottles on them, little confused Rosie establishes while I’m queuing in the post office, that they are to squirt the pigeons!! The girl comes out and explains that they are aggressive here!
As we finish up a queue starts to form of locals for lunch, ah maybe it was a reasonable choice......
It’s washed down with prosecco is over and we head to enjoy the windless sun!! We find a place just off the piazza italia to sit and the post office is opposite.
So I head to get a ‘piccolo francobolo’ Which the last duly finds! The tables have wee squirting bottles on them, little confused Rosie establishes while I’m queuing in the post office, that they are to squirt the pigeons!! The girl comes out and explains that they are aggressive here!
Time for gelato and to establish how to get to the airport. The lovely helpful man in the tourist shop prints out the train times for us, it’s 30minutes faster to the airport, and takes 30minutes.
As I leave I get accosted to do a survey on transport but he’s expecting simple answers: flew into Trieste and out of here, and appears confused by my answers!! Now sure he’ll use them!!
We head to find a gelato in a shop we’d spotted last night. I have a salted chocolate and salted it is!! Rosie has a plum Which also lives up to it’s name!
As I leave I get accosted to do a survey on transport but he’s expecting simple answers: flew into Trieste and out of here, and appears confused by my answers!! Now sure he’ll use them!!
We head to find a gelato in a shop we’d spotted last night. I have a salted chocolate and salted it is!! Rosie has a plum Which also lives up to it’s name!
We walk back to the pier opposite the piazza and watch the dinghies and boats on the glistening sea. It’s quiet and tranquil!! Great place to soak up and contemplate what appears like weeks ago in Pula!!!
The sun is better over the city and we go to see the canals in afternoon sun and grab something to eat before the train to airport. Pizza is needed to complete the eating experience and we find a location still enjoying the sun by the canal.
The story is it’s the original pizza place in Trieste from 1947 now run by the sons and grandsons. Rosie is on for the salad. Final beers for Rosie and prosecco for me (having learnt that prosecco is just down the road from here!!).
As we eat we watch the guys fill the rest of the street with chairs and tables, looks like they’re expecting plenty of people to eat there tonight.
The story is it’s the original pizza place in Trieste from 1947 now run by the sons and grandsons. Rosie is on for the salad. Final beers for Rosie and prosecco for me (having learnt that prosecco is just down the road from here!!).
As we eat we watch the guys fill the rest of the street with chairs and tables, looks like they’re expecting plenty of people to eat there tonight.
Time to head back to the hotel and pick up bags and change. The guy behind reception tells us he’s coming to London from Treviso at the end of September for a weekend. He usually needs to use Treviso from here as Trieste has so few flights from it.
The train station is 3 minute walk and ticket purchase is easy to figure out so we’re on the train (with no signs of how to find the trains we confidently follow others through the station area!!
The train station is 3 minute walk and ticket purchase is easy to figure out so we’re on the train (with no signs of how to find the trains we confidently follow others through the station area!!
The train is not leaving on time, so glad we went for the earlier option!! We arrive and the long walk into the airport walks off the pizza. It’s got activity in the departures but not much and only 2 flights left tonight.
We watch the sunset from the cafe then head through security.
Theres a queue for passport which opens 1 hour before the flight and suddenly realise that we’ve not officially entered the country!!
Oooops, I’m volunteered to go first, and he spends some time inputting information, but no comment and my worries are over without issue and through to departures we go. Then there’s the cases...... too wide for the bag check lady..... I say I’ll remove my jacket and she lets me through.
Rosie is not so lucky, she’s to put hers In the hold but is determined to sort it. Failing by a small amount we decide to take the tab off and go for it.... rebels but her bag is even more soft pack than mine for the hold. It’s my first experience of an issue for some time. Let’s see. I’ve removed my jacket and repacked to ensure it’s not too wide.
Boarding starts only 15 minutes after we see the flight arrive. The boarding involves no checks really at the exit but there’s a load of people waiting to grab your bags as you walk past if you have a yellow ticket on your bag (now not either of us!!).
Bonus: we’re in the emergency exit seats. Rosie a row in front. The girl beside asks me to move for her friend to join but the friend is in the second row and despite being informed that it’s larger area than here, my bag is here and I’d be out and then have to wait on Rosie so I’ll stay here. Then the seat in front is not filled so I move there and her friend can join her. It’s a 2 hour flight and we’re off 10minutes late but good enough. Ciao Italia etc!
We watch the sunset from the cafe then head through security.
Theres a queue for passport which opens 1 hour before the flight and suddenly realise that we’ve not officially entered the country!!
Oooops, I’m volunteered to go first, and he spends some time inputting information, but no comment and my worries are over without issue and through to departures we go. Then there’s the cases...... too wide for the bag check lady..... I say I’ll remove my jacket and she lets me through.
Rosie is not so lucky, she’s to put hers In the hold but is determined to sort it. Failing by a small amount we decide to take the tab off and go for it.... rebels but her bag is even more soft pack than mine for the hold. It’s my first experience of an issue for some time. Let’s see. I’ve removed my jacket and repacked to ensure it’s not too wide.
Boarding starts only 15 minutes after we see the flight arrive. The boarding involves no checks really at the exit but there’s a load of people waiting to grab your bags as you walk past if you have a yellow ticket on your bag (now not either of us!!).
Bonus: we’re in the emergency exit seats. Rosie a row in front. The girl beside asks me to move for her friend to join but the friend is in the second row and despite being informed that it’s larger area than here, my bag is here and I’d be out and then have to wait on Rosie so I’ll stay here. Then the seat in front is not filled so I move there and her friend can join her. It’s a 2 hour flight and we’re off 10minutes late but good enough. Ciao Italia etc!
Thoughts:
Pula, Rovinj: lovely, lively and lots of potential around them
Returnability 10/10
Porec: great beach concept and sea pools, very touristy city in the evenings, probably as small.
Returnability: 6/10 unless travelling up the coast
Novigrad: small and quiet,
Returnability: 6/10 unlikely to make another detour
Koper: much bigger than I expected. Small centre, not so much action there outwith tourism
Returnability: 5/10 preferred the mountains!
Piran: hilly, lovely square, but little more to it
Returnability: 5/10
Isola: quiet with nice beach but very small
Returnability: 4/10
Trieste: smaller than I expected and huge solid ornate buildings everywhere, windy and hilly backdrop. Not too Italian and still to fully blossom for tourist potential.
Returnability: 5/10 although handy quick airport
Pula, Rovinj: lovely, lively and lots of potential around them
Returnability 10/10
Porec: great beach concept and sea pools, very touristy city in the evenings, probably as small.
Returnability: 6/10 unless travelling up the coast
Novigrad: small and quiet,
Returnability: 6/10 unlikely to make another detour
Koper: much bigger than I expected. Small centre, not so much action there outwith tourism
Returnability: 5/10 preferred the mountains!
Piran: hilly, lovely square, but little more to it
Returnability: 5/10
Isola: quiet with nice beach but very small
Returnability: 4/10
Trieste: smaller than I expected and huge solid ornate buildings everywhere, windy and hilly backdrop. Not too Italian and still to fully blossom for tourist potential.
Returnability: 5/10 although handy quick airport