Oh lovely Croatia...

I had to remind myself this morning that sunshine is normal in July, because I was so surprised to find it shining on us today! In typical 2012 British summer fashion, I still left the house dressed in waterproofs etc..because who knows what will happen over the next eight hours while I'm at work :)

So I've decided to indulge myself a little in this post and remember my sun drenched holiday in June.

About 5 years ago I went travelling with friends over summer. We got the train around Central and Eastern Europe (which I would really recommend), finishing in Croatia. I loved that time but I have always wanted to head back to Croatia to fully explore it's gorgeous coastline.


I remembered crystal clear blue sea, cobbled windy streets and b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. sunsets.


So we went back this year. And it didn't disappoint - although I had forgotten all the steep steep stairways!

We planned our own little road trip, starting inland in Zagreb. The rain there made the UK's summer look like a drought. But all was good from day two.

We visited Plitvice and Krka national parks, which had the most stunningly (a word?!) clear water and waterfalls.

and after that we stuck to the coast visiting beautiful old town after beautiful old town.

 It was hot...like 36 degrees hot (and yet I still didn't tan-seriously body, what are you playing at!)

The we arrived in Split - a shock to the system as suddenly we were surrounded by cruise ship groups. Put that with tiny narrow streets in a very small centre meant plenty of ice creams were needed! It's old town is built into the ruins of a Roman emperors palace and Venetian fortress. To see the edge of a temple disappear into somebody's apartment was different to say the least!

Then we escaped to the islands of Hvar and Korcula. we eyed up all the posh yachts and swam in the sea. When I say swam I mean ending up perched on a rock without a clue where to step next because of the sea urchins that were everywhere.

and then we finished in Dubrovnik! We bizarrely ended up at a traditional Korean classical concert the first night and then spent most the time consuming far too many pizzas and ice creams (again)! I adore the red roofs and the way the buildings glow when the sun sets. I could have just stayed and kept working my way down the coast...alas real life called!

Back to the British weather for now!