September 2014 - Trip to Croatia

My next trip starting soon, just checked in on line and printed our boarding passes. It'll be great to exchange this dull, dreary drizzle for some Mediterranean sunshine

Next trip planned for September

Booked my next trip - this time it's Croatia, visiting Split, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Krka National Park and Montenegro, and all in a week!

Last day on Lake Garda
Spent my last day on an excursion to get to know the resorts around the lake! It was focused on the south so was all new. First stop Salo a beautiful promenade front with lots of cafes just asking to be tested. I decided to try a local drink the rep had mentioned during our pickup from the airport, Aperol Spritz. It looks like Irn Bru in a wine glass and for €4.50 came with a selection of appetisers, olives and gherkins. Opinion = appetising, is that where tizer comes from?
Then drove to Sirmione but only had an hour so only time for a pizza lunch before catching a packed ferry to Garda another resort with a lovely promenade. Really wanted to dip my feet by this time but no opportunity so had double ice cream instead before bus journey back to hotel.

Arrivederchi Garda

Venice wow!
Hot and busy, all the Asians had umbrellas/parasols to match their outfits too. And why do so many people bring their dog on holiday?
Moans aside was a wonderful experience, actually found myself emotional that I have had the chance to do this holiday!
Pics say it all, did the works - gondola ride, St Mark's Square, Realto Bridge and Hhuuge ice cream. Then boat trip round the lagoon.

My last day with nothing planned and weather gorgeous so settled for a day by the pool. But first decided that, after being here for over a week, I should explore the steps leading down from the pool terrace.
Quite far down but little terrace areas with sunbeds under the trees on the way and more sunbeds at the bottom on the lake side. Pleasant watching the surf boarders and kite boarders and little ducks in the water. It was different when I came back just before lunch as I decided to sit at the edge and dangle my feet in the lapping waves. As soon as I sat down the lapping waves became crashing waves and I got the soaking I deserved. Never mind a sun bed close at hand so I sat till I was a little drier and went for lunch.
It seems as if school holidays have started in Europe as lots of noisy (German) children around the pool today so no little naps today. A long day tomorrow, off to Venice!!

Set off early for Limone and caught the 9:45 ferry to Malcesine (sounds like Mal Chesney) a pretty little town straight across the lake. It was market day and very busy but I was on a mission and barged through all the browsers and headed for the Cable Car. Fearlessly took the ride to Monte Grande at 1,783. Very high and views over the lake and mountains. Some of the passengers carried their own paragliding kits and I could see them setting up. Not a lot to do up there apart from admire the views and it looked as if a few groups were planning to walk down. I came down the easy way and took the ferry home in time for a late lunch with a bit of shopping on the way.

A Day of Two Halves
Lovely weather today so sunbathing by pool from 9:15, even had a dip!
After a quick lunch I was off on the wine tasting trip. Good planning they had two visits arranged, one to a small family run vineyard where they do the whole process from grafting and growing the grapes to producing good quality wine. We sampled four! The next site was Ferrari, a top notch spumante producer. Very interesting tour of the cellars and plant followed by more tasting, only two this time😛