Impressions

One of the funniest comments we heard on this trip was from a couple from Calgary, Canada.  We met them at Eagle’s Nest in Germany and we were exchanging stories about the good and the not so good of traveling.  Before continuing I must apologize to Italians and Italy even though the comment has some truth in it.  The subject of Italy came up and the man said, “Italy has millions of visitors every year and only 4 public toilets!”  He’s not too far from the truth, and be sure you have coins with you because you have to pay for the privilege of using one of these toilets.  And to make matters worse, the women’s toilets are often stand up toilets or regular toilets with no seats!  Tricky business in Italy for women…To be fair, many countries in Europe require payment to use their toilets but you usually get a seat with it!  And yes, you must use the word toilet or WC (water closet), not “bathroom.”

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While in Skradin on the Krka River in Croatia we had an enlightening conversation with the owner of a souvenir shop.  He owned 2 shops and when we were walking back to the boat at 11 PM, he was just closing up!  He mentioned he has a mechanical engineering degree but when he graduated, “nobody cared.”  In other words, there were no jobs available so he’s made his own way to succeed here in Croatia.  He also told us that over 50% of the population receives a pension, including those who fought in the war in the 1990’s.  That explains the crowded café bars.  Many of these people are still young enough to work but choose not to.  And unemployment in Croatia is rather high, almost 20%.   This was one smart young man.  He went on to tell us about this region of Croatia.  This area was an important outpost for the Roman Empire with the Krka River and easy access to the Adriatic.  He’s very proud of his country and wants to see things improve here.  And we also hope with him that the job situation and economy also improves here in Croatia.

                     Souvenirs for 5 Kuna each (approx. 1 USD)

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The previous paragraph mentioned the crowded café bars here in Croatia.  You can see lots of people enjoying beer, wine or some type of coffee as early as 8AM.  Yes, beer and wine at 8 AM!  What an unusual site for this small town girl from Oklahoma.   

The coffee comes in a small cup and that’s all you get, no refills here or anywhere in Europe.  So, we’ve been wondering what these people talk about that they stay in the café for a couple of hours as it only takes about 5 minutes to drink the coffee.  We’re still not sure but we’ve been told that more work gets done here drinking coffee than anyplace else.  Guess that means “networking” is big here!  When trying to get something done here, who to call and who not to call is complicated!   Oh, and did I mention that smoking is all the rage here too; lots of coffee and lots of cigarette smoking in these café bars.

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Now, on to the food.  I do love the Green Market in the City Center.  The produce is so fresh.  The grocery stores have fruits and veggies too but they’re not as fresh or as varied as at the outdoor market.  I think there are no GMOs here – genetically modified organisms, unless they are labeled as such (same for EU countries).   Wish the US would require labeling for GMOs!  I’ve been able to eat all kinds of vegetables without any problems, which is not the case back in the US.  That’s why I think there are no GMOs here.  My system must not like GMOs which, unfortunately, are hard to avoid in the US.

                              One of the fruit stands at the Green Market, Pula, Croatia

                              Mostly veggies in this aisle of the Green Market

 There is also a huge fish and meat market next to the Green Grocer’s Market.  The fish is fresh every morning and they will fillet the fish for you.  Can’t ask for more than that, unless it’s to have someone cook it for you too!  And Istrian beef is really, really good; always tender.  Cheese vendors are also in the meat market.

 Okay, now for the olive oil, cheese, honey, and wine.  All excellent here too!  Venders at the Green Market sell a variety of olive oil and honey.  You can sample these to decide which ones you want.  Yes, it’s just like wine tasting!  This part of Croatia is also famous for its wine, both red and white.  Although some insist it’s only the Istrian white wines that are famous.

                   Lots of different kinds of honey for sale at the Green Market.