Part 3 - Fun & Family in Crowded Croatia

 Zagreb, Croatia

  

 

A one day stay in Zagreb was enough for me given the planned meet-up with  Mom and Sis in Split Croatia the following day. Oh sure - there is plenty to see in the Croatian capital but I was salivating at the prospect of some beach and family time. The super spooky pic above is from the WWII tunnels that run beneath the city. 

As I explored the labyrinth of underground passageways, I considered the allied bombing of the city in late 1944 and how these tunnels would have been a life saver for many. The entrance to the tunnel network pictured alongside is certainly more inviting than it's spooky interior. And there were free toilets!!!! So no pee aroma adding to  the stale and musty interior. Bonus marks there!

 

 

 Split Croatia

 

 

 

 

 

Split accommodated 20 million visitors in the previous 12 months though it seemed that all 20 million were in town on the day I arrived. And for good reason. The irresistible blend of seaside, mountains and ancient ruins is a tonic for travelers from far and wide.

Cheap - it is not! But a seductive alternative to other more famous Mediterranean seaside towns it is. As can be seen in the photo above - a bevy of cruise ships deliver eager travelers to shore so that they may explore and relax in the sunshine and with expensive cocktails and wildly overpriced coffee. (and coming from Kenya - I can say with some conviction - it ain't even good coffee) 

Clearly the foregoing is tinged with cynicism - or maybe even dripping with with it. That - brings me to my main point being that it is wonderful seeing people getting out and exploring the world. If a cruise ship and sipping an overpriced Mohito is how that happens - so be it. In my view, the world is an infinitely better place when we become acquainted with different cultures and embrace historical realities that brought us to this point. Cynicism parked!!! - at least for the time being.   😎

 

 

A view from the park pathway

 

  

 

Easily accessible and to the west of the city is a wonderful park  where wide winding paved paths take you beach-side or you can veer off and follow narrow trails to some mystery location. Ancient churches carved into the hillside and mesmerizing ocean views are only bested by the sunset viewed from the most western tip of the park.

Most delicious for me was the chance to catch up with family. It was here that my Sister and I spent 3 wonderful hours walking, talking, laughing and taking in all the views as we circumnavigated the park.

However, my sister is fit!! I struggled to keep up with her pace and as the older brother did my best to keep a brave face despite exhaustion and an overwhelming desire to just sit down!

 

 

 

A lovable goofball (see attached picture) since my earliest memories of her, her signature goofy is nicely offset by her expertise as an accomplished and highly skilled medical professional. Good to hang with you Nic!

 

 

 

That my Great Great Grandfather Anthony once ran through the olive fields in and around Dubrovnik, was enough to lure my mother (his grand daughter) to this far off land. I am so very impressed with my mother's commitment to visit the place from which her ancestor's came and to embrace that aspect of her family history. 

There are no words other than joyful to express the wonderful time we spent in Croatia as she engaged in this shared pilgrimage to her roots. With my Sis assisting with travel logistics, the pair made for a top notch travel team giggling their way through Croatia. Naturally they took time here and there for a bit of fresh seafood and a glass or two of wine.

They clearly had a ball and I enjoyed exploring with them. When it comes to discovering your roots, even Kunta Kinte would have been impressed.

And a  thought  - Bansky gets it right. Not all interesting Artwork is found in a museum.

My last blog brought  donations and I am grateful for the generosity. I will deliver food to the kiddies on Saturday November 1st.... If you would like to send something along - below is how to do so. Thanks again to Cliff Cyr who continues to make generous and greatly appreciated contributions. So  -- if you happen to have an extra 50 bucks - I promise not to spend it on future vacations!!! 

 

MPESA -- +254745237248 (Kenya)

Or interact -- Laynemahon@live.com (Canada)

Or PayPal -- Laynemahon@live.com (Global)

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!!! ....Layno happily getting a Seniors Discount at a Museum somewhere in Eastern Europe.

Eastern Europe Part 2 - Astonished in Austria

Visions of Vienna

 

 

 

 

Drifting into the second installment of my Eastern European peripatetic adventure, I muse about writing this down not just to share, but to remember what the heck I did on the trip. I actually had to put some notes together realizing that I had no recollection of my time in Zagreb. Wine and time wait for no man. 😂 

 

 

My 6-week Eastern European Extravaganza took me through 10 countries. The following country visits I'll break out in a series of short blogs as more time was spent in some of these than the previous countries. I thank you in advance for reading and hope it contains a modicum of entertainment value. I was shocked, amused and humbled to find that the site visits are now over 50,000 views. 

 

Now - however - I do remember Vienna Austria! So "in your face" is the architecture and history that my inside voice commentary was similar to a 45 on a record player accidentally on repeat. Oh Wow! - Oh Wow! - followed by yet another Oh Wow! (please note super-cool reference from another era)

 

 As a solo traveler, one lives in a turbo charged environment where you lament being unable to share your thoughts with a fellow traveler though appreciating the ease with which  travel decisions are made. You only have yourself to hold responsible for mis-booking your hotel for the wrong day. And yes I did that - and yes the host was kind enough to cancel the booking and not charge me.  

 I particularly love the photo above.  I took it noting the orange skirt that brought a complexion or contrast to the image.  Would it have killed our forefathers to have splashed a bit of color around?  

Downtown Vienna!

Exciting Equine

 

Traipsing about Vienna, I rounded a corner and found myself in the midst of the Lipizzaner Stallion staples and training facility. As a boy - a young one at that -  I saw the Lipizzaner stallions perform while visiting the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver) with my Dad. They were graceful, awe-inspiring and mystical all at once. It also reminded me of my daughter and her fascination with horses from an early age. I was never a fan of the whole idea of a tiny girl on a big horse, but so resolute was her devotion to jumping horses over fences, I as powerless to intervene and sadly unable to put my cheque-book away either. 😁

 

 

As I stood waiting to get a photo near the stable entrance, I chatting amiably with a couple from Toronto.  I was glad to speak Canadian for a bit and share thoughts on what we had all seen in Vienna. As I raised my phone for a picture - this shy and majestic fellow popped his head up for just a moment - as if to grant me my wish. Lovely!

 

 

 4 Seasons in a day

The most memorable part of Vienna was an 11 piece chamber performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons in a 15th century church. Not normally seduced to purchase anything by random street sales gypsies, I was convinced by this cool dude to buy a ticket. It was the last ticket and standing room only. He assured me my $15 would be exceptionally well spent. It was only $15 - what the hell. (It was also appealing to me as most tickets I had see were in the $125 region and I am nothing if not my Father's cheap-assed son.)

 

 

 

I arrived at the church at 7:30 for the 8pm performance fully expecting to see 12 people standing around a band consisting of 1 guy with a kazoo and another with bucket drum. Rather -  I was surprised to see a huge line to get in and clearly I was once again severely undressed. Inside the building I felt a bit giggly and goose-bumped as I was directed to the standing room only area. It truly was a full house and a magnificent house at that. 

 

As the ensemble took to the stage/pulpit, there was a  hush that was both eerie and conspicuous. It was as if a few hundred people were holding their collective breath. I certainly was. From the first violin came the first sound -  delicate and delicious. Such a tiny sound in such a big room and so easily heard. The rest of the group joined in with an accuracy and musicality I have never witnessed. The band and piece were led by an exceptionally gifted (in my opinion) first violin whose tone and accuracy were only exceeded by his dramatic movements. Images came to me as the Seasons unfolded. Big Black horses frothing at the bit and galloping through the night in torrential rainstorms, the pride of triumph and bravery in battle, the anxiety of the masses as their fate shifts precariously in the balance of feast or famine. The light and beautiful notes signifying love and new life. It was a highlight in my life to be fully enveloped in the moment - neither bored or anxious - not tired nor restless - only noting that my fucking feet were killing me from standing in one spot for so damned long. I should have spent the money and got a seat!

My last blog brought a donations and I am grateful for the generosity. I will deliver food to the kiddies on Saturday November 1.... If you would like to send something along - below is how to do so. I have already paid for the Europe trip so the money will not be used for that. 👍

MPESA -- +254745237248 (Kenya)

Or interact -- Laynemahon@live.com (Canada)

Or PayPal -- Laynemahon@live.com (Global)

50 bucks would really help and no amount is too small or large 😊

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Thanks for reading ....Layno Visiting Vienna!