Some of you have probably noticed that I picked Monday as my virtual travel day to mitigate the dreadful effects of going back to work. Today I am taking you to Istria – Croatia, to a journey that happened 11 years ago.
This was my first and most memorable encounter with Istria. One of Croatia’s most beautiful regions is a peninsula situated at less than half hour drive from Italy. The architecture, street signs in Italian, cuisine, culture, everything there reminds of Italy which makes Istria my favourite part of the country next to Dubrovnik where I grew up.
The gallery is made of technically lacking photographs, but they have a sentimental value for me, and I thought it would be interesting to show you some bits and pieces of my country.
Listen to Croatian pianist Maksim Mrvica playing Croatian Rhapsody for you.
A church tower at Buje, Istria
A house at Groznjan
Groznjan
Hum, the smallest town in the world with a population of 17 souls
Tired but present at last, Paula. Have spent an enchanting day with my daughter at a historic house in Derbyshire.
I’m only familiar with the coastal strip of Istria so it’s nice to see some of the simpler places inland. It looks beautiful and Istarske Toplice is impressive. I’d like to see more. π
No, it is not cause of Christmas, we’ll only have two days of holiday. The Government is selling a part of the company and we are preparing documentation. Must run now… see you
Such magical music to accompany the lovely photographic memories of your beautiful country, Paula. Hope the return to work wasn’t too traumatic. π xx
conosco la zona, abito in Italia, a Pisa e non Γ¨ vicina, ma sono stata molte volte, apprezzo le foto artistiche che hai scattato
grazie, piacere di averti incontrata
I know the area, I live in Italy, Pisa and is not near, but I’ve been many times, I appreciate the artistic photos that you’ve taken
Thanks, nice to have you encountered
Grazie Ventis π Io capisco bastante Italiano ma scrivero in Inglese perche non e buono ancora π I hope to be able to visit Pisa soon and to admire your beautiful country some more π It is very nice to have met you too. ciao
wow! beautiful. a friend of mine here in sf visited croatia last year, and the pics he brought back were amazing! he had never been, and he was really impressed with the beauty and the people. i had never thought of croatia as a travel destination before, but now it’s high on my list (which is pretty long!)
I am sure you would love it, Stephen. It is a small country with a lot of variety. There are more than 1,000 islands along our coast :). I hope your friend got to see Dubrovnik where I grew up – it is said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean π
I love that region Drake. It is our little Tuscany π If you like small towns and villages perched on hilltops with lots of greenery around and if you enjoy good wine and truffle pasta this would be a heaven for you π
Croatian Rhapsodyβ¦.I am adding it to my list of favorite uplifting songs and will see in mind’s eye your photos when I listen to it!
Thank you, Paula!
Je te remercie π Ton anglais est parfait, mais je voudrais bien qu’on parle en francais pour que je pratique π Merci bien pour ton gentil commentaire.
Ah, that is Mirna river valley. Mirna means calm – i.e. a river that is not very turbulent :D. This region is well know for truffles (mushrooms). In October the place is packed with Italians coming to local tavernas and restaurants looking for truffles π
It was just a summer job while I was studying, and a way to help my Mom and my sister. Later on I wanted to land a proper full-time job, but the war burst out and I was working in what I like least – teaching kids (and sometimes adults) in foreign language schools …
You are referring to my job as a tour guide? There were many, and I have lots of fun stories to tell, but perhaps the biggest compliment was when some German tourists left their tourist bus on the same trip joining mine saying:”We speak English too, we want to go with her” :D. Seriously, that job made me happy and content. It was nice seeing new faces every day and people falling in love with my country π
technically lacking photos, huh?? which technologist says that??? π lovely place!! thank you for sharing! π Oh and one more request…you should mention the music details in all the posts…
Looks enchanting Paula! The fabulous Raphsody, doubled my enjoyment! Thank you π
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Tes photos m’emmΓ¨nent dans un merveilleux voyage, et la musique le rend encore plus magique !
Γa me donne envie d’en voir plus… π
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OK, je te promet de publier plus de photos de cette region π
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Yesssss ! π
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What a beautiful looking place, and atmosphere which came with music was wonderful. I feel transported, thank you π
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π you are welcome Seonaid π
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I’ve never been there but it does look scenic. The buildings have a lot of charm and character. Thanks for sharing.
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Looks like a most enchanting place; great photos!
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The nearest I’ve been is Mexico. What a lovely looking place. Great photos π
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It’s always a pleasure reading your blog!
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Wow! Sure looks like a lot of history there Paula. Excellent!
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Beautiful photos Paula, I feel like I spent a few minutes walking around with you. π
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Lovely photos-I’d like to visit Croatia π
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Thank you for the wonderful tour of Istria, Paula! I can see why you the place is so special for you. Great music!
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WΓΌnsche eine gute und schΓΆne Woche liebe GrΓΌΓe Gislinde
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Tired but present at last, Paula. Have spent an enchanting day with my daughter at a historic house in Derbyshire.
I’m only familiar with the coastal strip of Istria so it’s nice to see some of the simpler places inland. It looks beautiful and Istarske Toplice is impressive. I’d like to see more. π
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Thanks Jo. I’m tired too, but from all the overtime work.I am doing second week in a row. Will pay you a visit when I get a chance.
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Presumably part of the run up to Christmas and will end soon? Hope so π Have a hug meantime.
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No, it is not cause of Christmas, we’ll only have two days of holiday. The Government is selling a part of the company and we are preparing documentation. Must run now… see you
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Sounds grim! A little escapism, maybe, but I won’t take offence if you can’t be bothered. π
http://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/christmas-in-narnia/
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That cliff reminds me of the Dundas Peak near me.
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Outstanding post.The photos are amazing historic places.Wishing you a delightful holiday season.Jalal
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What a beautiful place! This place should be on the Unesco list or something like that!
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I agree π
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Such magical music to accompany the lovely photographic memories of your beautiful country, Paula. Hope the return to work wasn’t too traumatic. π xx
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conosco la zona, abito in Italia, a Pisa e non Γ¨ vicina, ma sono stata molte volte, apprezzo le foto artistiche che hai scattato
grazie, piacere di averti incontrata
I know the area, I live in Italy, Pisa and is not near, but I’ve been many times, I appreciate the artistic photos that you’ve taken
Thanks, nice to have you encountered
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Grazie Ventis π Io capisco bastante Italiano ma scrivero in Inglese perche non e buono ancora π I hope to be able to visit Pisa soon and to admire your beautiful country some more π It is very nice to have met you too. ciao
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Wonderful photos! Paula. This is indeed a beautiful place.
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Paula…these are adorable…how I would love to walk these streets.
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wow! beautiful. a friend of mine here in sf visited croatia last year, and the pics he brought back were amazing! he had never been, and he was really impressed with the beauty and the people. i had never thought of croatia as a travel destination before, but now it’s high on my list (which is pretty long!)
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I am sure you would love it, Stephen. It is a small country with a lot of variety. There are more than 1,000 islands along our coast :). I hope your friend got to see Dubrovnik where I grew up – it is said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean π
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Yeah very inspiring – looks like worth visiting and indicate a lot of atmosphere… π
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I love that region Drake. It is our little Tuscany π If you like small towns and villages perched on hilltops with lots of greenery around and if you enjoy good wine and truffle pasta this would be a heaven for you π
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Absolutly a place worth visiting for me… π π
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Croatian Rhapsodyβ¦.I am adding it to my list of favorite uplifting songs and will see in mind’s eye your photos when I listen to it!
Thank you, Paula!
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True emotion has nothing to do with technique π
I saw that you are fluent in English and in French. I am French, so in which language do you prefer me to interact with you? ^^
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Je te remercie π Ton anglais est parfait, mais je voudrais bien qu’on parle en francais pour que je pratique π Merci bien pour ton gentil commentaire.
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Pas de soucis ! π
Myriam
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Technically lacking photography … I beg to differ. π
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π thank you, Rommel π
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What gorgeous photos. Beautifully captured.
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Thank you very much, Alex π
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Always such a treat to visit these fascinating parts of your country Paula, definitely worth tripping down memory lane in these atmospheric shots.
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π I’ve enjoyed your company Patti π
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Awesome stuff. The penultimate one is my favourite. What an inspiring sight.
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Ah, that is Mirna river valley. Mirna means calm – i.e. a river that is not very turbulent :D. This region is well know for truffles (mushrooms). In October the place is packed with Italians coming to local tavernas and restaurants looking for truffles π
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You should be a tour guide π
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I was, really between ages of 18 and 23 π
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What made you leave?
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It was just a summer job while I was studying, and a way to help my Mom and my sister. Later on I wanted to land a proper full-time job, but the war burst out and I was working in what I like least – teaching kids (and sometimes adults) in foreign language schools …
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I imagine you were great. In a funny way you are sort of continuing that. Your shots make me want to go to Croatia right now.
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I was very popular π :D, young and eager and easy on the eyes :D. Thank you, Alex.. I will try to continue my mission π
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What was the nicest compliment you ever received?
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You are referring to my job as a tour guide? There were many, and I have lots of fun stories to tell, but perhaps the biggest compliment was when some German tourists left their tourist bus on the same trip joining mine saying:”We speak English too, we want to go with her” :D. Seriously, that job made me happy and content. It was nice seeing new faces every day and people falling in love with my country π
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I don’t doubt you were a great guide. You’ve carried your legacy on with your camera π
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And I have to show you this one, from the same region https://bopaula.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/sunday-post-from-a-distance/
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technically lacking photos, huh?? which technologist says that??? π lovely place!! thank you for sharing! π Oh and one more request…you should mention the music details in all the posts…
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Maybe I should, but by omitting them I get more comments (inquiries) π π
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hehe…true true! π
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Another photo from the same region, since you are curious about good things Croatia has to offer π https://bopaula.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/sunday-post-from-a-distance/
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