It was only 2 weeks ago that we were on the boat but it already feels like ages ago. It was truly the best holiday of my life. I am seriously in danger of excessive adjective use when describing it, so be forewarned. Perhaps I should enlist the services of Claire-my-sister, who is the new EDITOR at The Times Victor Harbor! So proud! For someone who can’t spell and who once wrote an article about marriage ‘vowels’ it is quite an achievement. Then again, English-teachers-who-can’t –spell in Glass Houses shouldn’t throw stones.
Anywhoddle. We left on Wednesday, after M finished work and after I’d developed a hernia from transporting all the luggage down to the car. I drove us over to Italy, singing through most of my entirely awesome mixed CDs and we stayed the night in a Spartan cabin just outside of Venice. After a quick Italian breaky we headed down into Slovenia where we came across their version of roadside diners. Pigs on Spit. We passed about 5, with M growing more and more excited, until he made the executive decision that we were stopping for pork-y goodness for lunch. So we did, and he was as happy as the proverbial pig in shit. Eating pig.
We then crossed the border into Croatia which included the fastest and most perfunctory passport check I’ve ever experienced and then we followed an increasingly windy and narrow road which our Sat Nav lady assured us was the correct way to Plitvicka Lakes National Park. We have nicknamed our Mio SatNav our “marital aid” as it sure as shit saves marriages!!
We found our campsite after a few wrong turns, which wasn’t that hard actually after we were going in the right direction as the campsite is HUGE – 2000 spots! Massssssive. Friday was an early start to get the leap on the other thousands of travellers wanting to visit the National Park, and we managed to beat the crowds and went on one of the walks around the lakes and waterfalls – absolutely breathtaking. Very Norsca-ad-esque.
Then it was down into Split to find our accommodation for the night, which was AWESOME, we were actually really bummed to only have been staying one night and the manager Ivan was so lovely. That night the adventure really got started as we picked up Katie (Dobbie from now on to avoid confusion between the 2 Kates) and Stevie from the airport, along with their many, many bottles of duty free booze, and celebrated the start of our holiday with a few drinks on our balcony and then a long, yummy dinner with a waiter who found it hilarious speaking in French with us.
Next morning we picked up Kate, had a divine breakfast overlooking the water, did the food and, more important, grog shop, and headed to the marina to collect our yacht and skipper. That afternoon, despite a few minor delays, we were off!!
After this the sequence of events gets a little hazy! Too much sunshine, swimming and Malibu cocktails. Suffice to say the week totally exceeded my expectations.
Our boat was comfortable and pretty much what we’d expected. We had a few technical difficulties (ie: 2nd toilet didn’t really work and the gas stove didn’t really work either) which didn’t matter and, in the case of the stove, actually proved to be a blessing as it meant we got to discover some phenomenal Croatian restaurants handpicked by our skipper Goran.
After a bumpy start, with some “lost in translation” moments, we eventually came to love Goran, with his Borat impersonations “Naaaaaahhht”, his blatant love for Stevie, his odd way of asking politely for something “woman! Beer!”, his “Jesus woman” when one of us (usually Dobbie or me) did something stupid also, once we taught him the word ‘bloody’ – his “Bloody Aussies!!” and his general genius sailing/reverse parallel yacht parking/restaurant finding/ best swimming spot guiding abilities. He was a huge asset, and despite the giggles we got over his parading about in budgie smugglers – and M’s failed attempt to explain what budgie smugglers actually are. He insured our trip was a huge success.
Part of the reason why, for me, this trip was so amazing was the people I was with. We all got along so well and had so many laughs. It was an utterly blissful, beautiful, incredible week. And the tan still hasn’t faded!!
Our Campsite in Venice
Driving into Slovenia
Porky goodness
Plitvicka Lakes National Park - Stun-ing
On the boat! First glasses of Malibu and Pineapple juice for mesince about 1995. It's awesome! And have more than made up for a decade of absence.
First early morning swim. The water was soooooo clear. 
How we spent our days.....
Stevie the gymnast made it look easy. 
Dinner in Vis - the night we made a connection with Goran over Borat quotes.
The best spot of the entire week. The water was like a swimming pool. 
A quick lunch....
Then back in the water - and no - we didn't wait 30 minutes! ooooeeee!!
Goran and his protogee, Stevie.
Was this the day he told Dobbie she had a very small brain?!?!
Delicious dinner
On our way to visit the Blue Caves
The photos didn't really work but the Blue Caves were awesome and....blue 
Goran, our peronal taxi and our yacht in the background
Under full sail, so much fun. I make great ballast
Sailing! Notice that the "crew" are doing....nothing and the skipper is sailing the entire thing himself and taking photos. Mad props to Goran. 
More swimming/snorkling/frolicking
Our view from a little cocktail lounge we found
Mmm-hmmm, do you like Pina Colada??
Our view as we walked (ahem, stumbled...too many Long Island Iced Teas that night!!) to the most gorgeous restaurant for dinner
Hvar
Hvar - so hot!
The bronzed ladies 
The lunch we waited, not joking, TWO HOURS for. And it was Spaghetti with tomato sauce. Luckily the view/serenity kept us happy.
Ha ha, I love this photo. This is just after Goran and his skipper mate Ricky went for a biscuit behind a speed boat and got Stevie to take photos for them. It shows (A) the Goran + Stevie bro-mance and (B) Goran's awesome budgie smuglers.
The last dinner, back on land. These two decide to order the "Jumbo" Pizza.
Not such a smart idea after all hey!
Ha ha, I love this photo. This is just after Goran and his skipper mate Ricky went for a biscuit behind a speed boat and got Stevie to take photos for them. It shows (A) the Goran + Stevie bro-mance and (B) Goran's awesome budgie smuglers. 
The last dinner, back on land. These two decide to order the "Jumbo" Pizza. 
Not such a smart idea after all hey! I hope you like the photos - I personally can't wait to see Stevie's on his you-beaut fancy-smancy camera.
Sorry, don't know why I am suddenly talking like Alf Stewart.
But Strewth, it was a bloody good holiday I tells ya!
