Croatia // Day 1

The day started off quite early; we rose at 5 AM and after some last minute packing and breakfast, loaded up the car. Four hours later, after driving through foggy mountains and tunnel after tunnel, we approached Ljubljana: the capital of Slovenia. The city is an absolute European jewel. The Ljubljanica River runs directly through the city center, and the streets are littered with brightly painted buildings, cafes, and groups of young Slovenian students and awe-struck tourists.

After walking around, and getting a little coffee fix, we had a picnic lunch in a park, and then headed back on our way. It was only another three hours until we reached our destination of Rovinj, Croatia. The drive through the country was beautiful, and reminded me quite a bit of what I've seen of Italy.

We had rented an air B&B for the time we would be spending in Rovinj, and when we arrived, and met the young women who owned the apartment, I was very pleasantly surprised with how cute and homey the flat felt. Although small, it was modernly decorated, and only a couple minutes walk to the water. We didn't waste much time staying at the flat (as we had been sitting in a small car all day), but got a map and headed into town.

 top- TJ Maxx // shorts- H&M

Rovinj is absolutely breath-taking; although it can feel a little bit touristy, it doesn't feel crowded, and the sheer beauty of the old streets and dazzling blue water occupy all thoughts. I was excited to see how many little shops lined the streets selling jewelry, and am now keeping my eye out for a nice turquoise piece!

Walking along the cobbles, narrow streets, we got a feel for the town, and noted good looking restaurants and cafes to which we would have to return. After about and hour and a half of walking, I had built up quite an appitite, so we started on our way to the restaurant my brother, Trevor, had picked out for our first night: Rio Bar. After a number of wrong turns due to an incorrect Google maps (you can't put blind trust into the internet, apparently!), we made it.

It was only about 6:30 PM, so we were amongst the few early diners, but got a wonderful table outside overlooking the water. Since it was our first night, we decided to go all out with a bottle of wine, several appetizers, and finally our individual meals.

Sardines with onion, olives, and balsamic (my Dad's choice)

Oysters; I was quite proud that I tried one (they tasted like taking a bit of the ocean--slime and all)

House made pasta with a cream sauce, parmasian, prosciutto, and white asparagus

The rest of my family got a seafood platter

After a very satisfying meal, we headed up the street to a gelato cafe, where we each got a cone, as a little post dinner treat. I opted for chocolate hazelnut, which was unbelievable indulgent and creamy... I would expect nothing less!

Although it was only a little after 8 PM, we were all pretty exhausted, and headed back up to the flat. After a shower and some good R&R, I called it a night.

xx

Erin

A little message from our water bottle at dinner!