Trains and boats and planes (Zagreb-Rovinj)

Yes, dear reader, trains and boats and planes, but not in that order. It was planes and train and boat, the last two singular. It is, however, a suitable title for this post as we travel to Rovinj from Zagreb, by coach, not mentioned in the song. The song, a Bacharach composition was a hit for Billy J Kramer before Dionne Warwick in the mid 60s. I've opted for the former version, here, because that's what we have on some old compilation album at home.

Today the excitement is almost too much, another funicular ride. Four cities, four funicular, but first breakfast. We returned to the market and the café offering "breakfast/brunch". Winner. There was one table vacant which we happily occupied. This was most serendipitous as we watched many other people arrive and wait for a table. Hardly surprising if you wanted something more substantial than coffee for breakfast. This place was a rarity.

The menu was, as expected by someone who does not like to eat eggs, dominated by egg dishes. Jayne of course opted for an omelette with goat's cheese and mushroom. I selected the bruschetta. It was made with a thick sourdough base, basil pesto, fresh tomatoes and the creamiest burrata I've ever eaten. And espresso, in my case, a double.

A farmer names his produce.

As today was a transit day, a good breakfast was essential. Sated, we set our course for the funicular. It is the shortest funicular ride in the world and lasts only 64 seconds. Let's not make cheap comparisons, dear reader, 64 seconds can seem like an eternity - depending on the situation. Sorry, I am distracted.

We walked through the main square to the bank that Google promised charged a smaller fee for withdrawal, €3,80 it reported. Not true although it was marginally cheaper, it was €5, hardly a saving as opposed to €5,31. Surely Google couldn't be wrong? Anyway, money in wallet we walked around the corner and down the street to the funicular. 

Into the street, we looked to the funicular that climbed the short distance to the base of the Tower. But, it didn't look right. Something was wrong. Could it be the workmen occupying sections the funicular track? Or the digger at the base of the climb? Noooo. The funicular, like much of Zagreb, was under repair.

Tragedy. No ride today.

Shattered we turned for the hotel, my dream of four funicular rides in four consecutive cities lying broken in the rubble at the base of the climb.

Back at the hotel we completed packing and at the appointed hour, 12pm, checked out and dragged our bags the 15 minute walk back to the station and the Hotel Esplanade. We arrived early and the foyer was filled with waiting people, most of whom, as it eventuated were APT customers waiting for the same bus as us. If you're ever in Zagreb the Hotel Esplanade is worth a look, it is opulence on steroids, a curiosity from a bygone era. Over the top luxury? Absolutely.

The replacement bus arrived, the original had some mechanical issue and we commenced our journey to Rovinj about an hour late. We had two brief stops en route and were regaled by our guide with tales of import regarding the local area. The most fascinating of which concerned Rijeka, a beautiful coastal city. Apparently the big tourist concern here is dental. Yes, that's right, dear reader, dental tourism. Admittedly it's not a cost effective option from Australia, but from Italy ...  absolutely.

Another interesting story was that the stone used in building the White House in the US was limestone mined on the island of Brač. I was not convinced at the time and have since checked numerous sources. It is, of course, not true, but is a widely held and popular belief here in Croatia. This story was softened a little by a later guide who suggested it was just the columns of the White House that originated in Croatia. Still a myth. Imagine if it was true, Trump would have the building torn down and rebuilt with locally mined stone, good old US stone.

Rovinj from the ship.

I thought I'd make an offer on this little number.

We arrived in Rovinj about an hour later than expected, in part due to a significant traffic jam caused by the construction of a new road tunnel. We walked through parts of the old town to where the Lady Eleganza was docked. We had drinks while we waited for our bags to be taken to our cabin. Then we unpacked, well, removed the packing cells and placed them on the shelves in our wardrobe.

Rovinj is one of those places that gets under your skin, immediately. Even from the afternoon walk from the bus to the ship I felt comfortable. The sun was shining, people seemed happy, everyone was friendly and it is so, so beautiful. The water is crystal clear. It would be easy to waste your life here just swimming and eating at one of the many restaurants or cafés.

By then it was time for welcome drinks, the meet the crew, a briefing, and dinner. In typical APT fashion, it was superb. Local wines served with salmon tartare, duck à l'orange and blueberry cheesecake. I can feel my waistline expanding already.

After dinner, when most other guests had departed for bed, we had a chat with the cruise director, Nora, who is going to  provide us with suggestions on what to do in Barcelona, a place she has frequented.

The ship stays in port tonight.

Until tomorrow.