Croatia & Slovenia: round two

The time we spent in Croatia was amazing and you can do a lot there as the dollar is still rather strong (not the case in EUROZONE). The weather kept us from taking advantage of the beach for another day, so we opened up the map and choose a trip inland to a little known country called Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country may ring a bell from the Bosnian war, which ended a few years back. If you don't remember, this pic might help ring a bell.

However, our trip to Bosnia was a quick and momentarily intense adventure. After arriving at the border crossing we realized that we didn't we have any Bosnian money to pay for the Bosnian highway sticker. After a quick huddle, which was surveyed by the Bosnian army, border guards and three women chain smoking cigarettes (apparently from the DOT in Bosnia) we decided that seeing the border sign was the best we could do this day. In order to capture our excursion we exited the car and started snapping pics at the border crossing. After snapping a couple of pics of Nick and Lyndsey, I looked behind them to see a very unhappy border officer walking briskly towards me, pointing and saying something similar to "Give me the camera now!" After quick compliance with this armed and no nonense guy we managed to convince him to let us erase the photos instead of him seizing the camera. After a few sobering moments he mouthed the words "ok" we jumped back into the car, without delay, and headed quickly back to Croatia...where, of course, we were warmly welcomed. So, below is the only pic that made it.

Seriously, Bosnia is a completely fine place to visit, however they are a bit suspicious of outsiders. After the culture lesson in Bosnia we descended back into Croatia and we found a lovely restaurant on the river for lunch.

On the walk inside we passed the BBQ pit and discovered what might be the plat du jour or plate of day.

The restaurant had a cozy setting on a rushing creek and the dining hall was similar to a BBQ place you would find in the U.S.

The tasty treats they had were delicious, including fresh vegetables, fried frog legs and...

...my personnel favorite...the meat plate with a chef's selection.


As the week went on the weather began to shape up in Trogir and we wanted to take advantage of the sun. So, one of the activities Nick and I convinced our pregnant wives to do was rent a boat for the day. We thought it would be a great time to check out some quiet coves and see some of the islands in the calm Adriatic Sea.


We went with a little skiff armed with a 5 h.p. motor for our tour of the Trogir bay.

We picked up the boat from a nice Croatian guy named Vito. He seemed concerned about our sailing skills at first...but, I as learned during a liberty visit to Colombia, just tell the guy you're a "capitaine" so you can ease his mind and after you've been blown out to sea because of your lack of sailing skills, they always come rescue you.

After doing some snorkeling in a little cove we decided to sail around the island for lunch. Unfortunately, as soon as we hit open water the winds began to really "pick up." Although we were never more than a few hundred meters from land, it was a bit hairy. As waves began washing over the side of the boat, one of the girls asked if that was "normal." Nick acted quickly and motored us into a cove out of the wind and we found a great swimming hole.

After a little swimming the weather improved dramatically and we were able to enjoy the rest of the calm day on the water. That night we sailed back to town and took in the summer festivities within the walls of Trogir.


For our final day in Croatia we all agreed that we couldn't leave without having a little cookout. The apartment came with a nice grill and we picked up some fresh fish at the local fish market.


After a day of discussing everything from baby names, to various birthing options, to the best maternity stores, the two moms-to-be were more than excited about some grilled vegetables and fresh fish.

Initially, Nick and I may have gotten a littled carried away with the fire. I usually have an Eagle Scout on call during any type of flammable activity that I partake in, but Phil Cleaveland was out of pocket.


There is nothing better than a summer BBQ and some quality time with great friends. We played a couple of hands of cards and enjoyed each other's company while the food was cooking.

As the lights came on over the bay we took in one final stroll along the waterfront.


The next day after a few hours of driving we found ourselves back in Slovenia...

...specifically, Lake Bohinj, which is nestled snuggly in to the Slovenian Alps.


The lake was beauitful and it looked frightfully cold. However, the frigid appearance didn't stop Nick from crossing off one of the items from his "must do before I die list." He can now rest easy knowing that his swim in an Alpine lake is officially complete.

Just how cold was the water??...well, I think Nick's face explains it all...


Lyndsey and Nick's trip was absolute amazing and aonce in a lifetime opportunity to see this part of the world. The best part of this trip, though, by far, was the company. Thanks Lyndsey and Nick for an unforgetable pre-baby "last hoorah."