We’re nearing the end of our Croatian extended stay due to Covid-19 and are investigating the next locales to explore in more depth. Our initial thoughts are going to Portugal (Lisbon area) first and making our way northward. With the EU opening up (following, for the most part safety protocols) we are hoping that things will not be too stressful. We’re prepared with masks and hand sanitizer so no worries on that end. How we travel (plane, bus, train) is the question.
Needed to deal with the extended VISA in Croatia and MUP – which is the local police. Andy had been in touch with a helpful woman who was been able to “guide” us. All told, it is not a hard task, but there are steps you must follow – there are no “short cuts” or questioning why you need things; here you just do it. Thankfully with her help and the assistance of the two women in that division locally we have gotten our situation set (we hope). Just awaiting our “cards” which can take two to three weeks. We are hoping two weeks because we won’t be here for the third week, that’s when we head to Zagreb.
Thoughts from AB…
These are strange times. As things begin to open (or in some cases close again) around the world, we have finally made plans to leave Croatia. We move to Zagreb on the the 17th of July and fly to Lisbon on the 27th, that is unless things get canceled. We are taking the cautious approach to our plans as it is likely that small covid hot spots will be shut down at the source. We are booking accommodations only in small building complexes as outbreaks in large complexes may mean we could get locked in. We also are not booking too far in advance to avoid having to cancel.
In the meantime, we are still enjoying this part of Croatia. The past week has been very hot, with more of the same looking forward. Temperatures in the mid to high 80’s with humidity in the 50-70% range. So we take short walks (3-5 miles overall) and find a place by the sea that isn’t too crowded with tourists (who have forgotten that Covid was and is a challenge) and read and swim a bit (not at the same time of course, though that would be cool). The water is mostly warm and wonderful though there are a lot of mountain streams feeding into the sea that carry fairly cold water. So one place is very warm and a foot away the water can be 10-20 degrees cooler.
Croatia has been open to tourists from select countries for about a month now and there are a fair number of people here, not crowded but quite a bit busier. We understand that Croatia, like other countries wants to get back on it’s feet, but it doesn’t seem like they are taking enough measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Ergo cases are on the rise and masks have been re-imposed for public transit and large gatherings. People here are better about wearing the masks, and hand sanitizing, though by no means is it universal. However, we still think things are much better here and throughout Europe than they are in America. Seeing all these recent videos of the “Karens” and other protesting idiots in America makes us sad, and we worry for the future of the US. The lack of leadership from the current administration is discouraging and will serve to only prolong the problems and our possible return for visits to family and friends.
We have yet to plan past Portugal. Tentatively we will spend August in Portugal – Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Braga – and then explore Northern Spain – the Asturias, Galicia, and some more time in Salamanca – though September. With luck we can come back to the states for a visit by Christmas.
Andy signing off.
So we are into the month of July. Hot, sunny, humid, but the sea is glorious and swimming in it has been terrific. We have a couple of spots that we manage to hit that have little or no people nearby. One spot is by my favorite location and the water is deep and the vista magnificent. This particular spot has no “beach” and you can either jump directly into the sea or climb down the ladder and jump in. There is a shower at the top so you can wash off the salt water after your swim which is a big plus. The negative – this is a popular spot and if not timed properly people keep coming down to “share” which I don’t feel comfortable about and therefore we depart. Here is a look at my spot💙.
Our other spot is a little farther along and not as easy to get into and out of the water but no one bothers to come to this one as it is small so no ability to “social distance” keeps them away. Unfortunately some of the rocks are sharpish as you will see that Andy discovered. Thankfully, no hungry sharks to worry about. He’s fine, so no need to worry.
Celebrated our 37th anniversary here with a walk to the water and park. Not too many people walking – there were plenty in the water swimming.
brauner abroad 