Below is a running list of observations as we cruise through Croatia. Needless to say, these are not well thought out or researched, just shit that comes up. In no particular order, and keep checking back for more.
- The country is clean (except the tagging and street art on just about every building). They really seem to take care of things better than most.
- The Texas tux (denim jacket with denim jeans) is a popular style here, sadly. On a side note, Lael is now admitting that denim shorts are a thing…as are mens capri pants. Both are clearly in fashion.
- As usual, one of our top ten travel rules is still in play…never eat at a place that has pictures of the food outside the door (Asian and Kebab places excluded). There are a lot of them and it makes it easier to choose other places.
- This place is green…like forests everywhere. It’s really pretty and lush.
- Café culture is a thing and the coffee is solid, plentiful, and cheap. Definitely a plus.
- There are no dogs. Okay, there are a few dogs, but nowhere near what we are used to just about everywhere else. In the first month, I think we’ve seen a total of like 5 dogs.
- What I genuinely like about Europe is the makeup of restaurant, bar, and café staff. Unlike America where the workforce is dependent mostly on the young, places in Europe (and by extension here in Croatia) are staffed with older, professional staff. And strangely, mostly men.
- The Croatians do NOT fuck around when it comes to pastry. They love it and are really good at it.
- Looking around, it’s not hard to see that Croatia – as with the rest of the former Yugoslavia – had a rough century with the whole communism thing.
- Everyone smokes. Not most people. Everyone.
- The roads are very, very well maintained. I’d drive here over just about anywhere.
- It’s not really an exercise-in-public type of community. No runners…no bikers-for-exercise…no yoga in the park. Maybe coffee and smoking count as exercise.
- Happily, beer seems to be a popular breakfast beverage. It seems I was right for all these years.
- There are no zip-lock bags, nor a diverse choice of crackers to be found in the country.
- The Adriatic is unbelievably beautiful, calm, and crystal clear.
- Church bells ring for incredibly long periods and at seemingly random times. Maybe they’re trying to remind you that God is watching you when you least expect it.
- For a place with such a storied wine culture, good wine is surprisingly hard to find. It’s here, just not on restaurant lists or cafe boards. It’s like they forgot they have really good wine. Choices seem to be Red, White, or Pink. And, strangely, only in like 3oz pours. Sadly, it’s easier to find Corona.
