Driving Down to Croatia

Slovenia lies between Austria and Croatia to the south. Croatia, our destination for 7 days, 7 nights at the amazing Falkensteiner Resort in Zadar. You hear the word Croatia and may conjur up images of war, AK-47s, deperate people doing desperate things. At least that's what I invisioned. In fact, it's quite different than that.

Slovenia should have been experienced more. Driving down to Croatia from Austria, it's more of a mediator between the overly visited countries of Europe and the up-and-coming. We didn't even buy gas there - only breezing through it on a foggy night. Like shaking hands with a stranger, you've touched him, but don't know him. The border crossing was effortless. Nobody was there. European Union border crossings are invisible within each other. The Slovenian/Croatian border is a whole other issue.

We left Austria at 2am for a reason. Horror stories of three hour border traffic jams after daylight were plenty. 'Leave Austria early,' everyone said, 'or pay the price.' So we left early, and consequently, the Slovenia/Croatia border took us only 20 minutes.

Croatia is popular with the Austrians. Even more so with the Germans. But you'll see other people there too. Slovenians, Algerians, English, Italian, French, and so on. I was the only American at the resort. English and german were the common languages. The Croatian children learn german as a rule, but lately english has reared its head of importance. You will be humbled by the Zadar locals; their ability to switch languages is an art within itself. Just don't be 'that tourist', the guy who expects everyone to know 'your' language. In fact, ask them about the Croatian language. Learn a few words. You just may find a new international friend.

I liked Zadar better than Paris, Rome, Vienna, Prague, and the other popular cities combined. I used to think the big, and well traveled, cities must be loved first. Not anymore. The warm weather, the mild Adriatic Sea, the layed back atmosphere, food, and the mix of culture and architecture may remain my favorite forever.


Meeting new friends in Croatia.



Don't forget to leave your hotel for the tourist stuff!