According to Wikipedia, the Subservient Chicken is a viral marketing campaign by Burger King.
Friday, October 29, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
site of the day
After I read this article in the Guardian today, I was intrigued by the sound of the Wikipedia and went and checked it out. It's an enormous encyclopedia that is populated by readers and linked up to other entries. I've really only dipped in yet but already through the random entry link I've learnt about George Thorogood's 50 states in 50 days tour and the guy who designed the IBM logo.
Monday, October 25, 2004
sunday lunch
Nice lunch yesterday at the Swimmer at the Grafton Arms near Holloway Rd with Lisa, Jon, Charlotte and Colin. Charlotte was brave and sampled the kangaroo and mushroom pie, which she approved of. Other food was nice and the pub has a good wine selection and an excellent selection of Czech beers (if you like that kind of thing)
Friday, October 22, 2004
Page one girl
Mum made the front page of the Timaru Herald today, talking about the abuse of the elderly in South Canterbury. Sadly the photo did not make the electronic version, but here's the article
ABUSE OF ELDERLY IN SC ON RISE
229 words
22 October 2004
Timaru Herald
English(c) 2004.
The Timaru Herald, INL
Abuse of South Canterbury's elderly is increasing, according to Presbyterian Support's annual report.
Presbyterian Support family care manager Sue Thompson said the issue was not a new one.
She said the service dealt with about 30 cases of elder abuse every year.
"It's less physical abuse and more financial or psychological -- and often involves family members."
Mrs Thompson said over the past year Presbyterian Support had been doing a lot of promotion to the community and educating staff in rest homes.
She said that also included working more in rural areas.
"It's about letting the elderly know where they can go for help," she said.
Age Concern spokesperson Ailsa Bailey said while there had been an increasing number of reports over the year there were still "a lot more cases under the surface".
"People living alone are very reluctant to talk about it to anyone. The problem is not going away and people need to be encouraged to seek help."
Mrs Bailey said many older people did not want their business to become gossip.
"Old people become very frightened and believe one person's pain is another person's gossip.
"The fact that they may be talked about by others while sitting around having a cup of tea is what they fear more than anything."
CAPTION:
Sue Thompson
ABUSE OF ELDERLY IN SC ON RISE
229 words
22 October 2004
Timaru Herald
English(c) 2004.
The Timaru Herald, INL
Abuse of South Canterbury's elderly is increasing, according to Presbyterian Support's annual report.
Presbyterian Support family care manager Sue Thompson said the issue was not a new one.
She said the service dealt with about 30 cases of elder abuse every year.
"It's less physical abuse and more financial or psychological -- and often involves family members."
Mrs Thompson said over the past year Presbyterian Support had been doing a lot of promotion to the community and educating staff in rest homes.
She said that also included working more in rural areas.
"It's about letting the elderly know where they can go for help," she said.
Age Concern spokesperson Ailsa Bailey said while there had been an increasing number of reports over the year there were still "a lot more cases under the surface".
"People living alone are very reluctant to talk about it to anyone. The problem is not going away and people need to be encouraged to seek help."
Mrs Bailey said many older people did not want their business to become gossip.
"Old people become very frightened and believe one person's pain is another person's gossip.
"The fact that they may be talked about by others while sitting around having a cup of tea is what they fear more than anything."
CAPTION:
Sue Thompson
commuting man
Congratulations to Andrew who's got a job at OAG, the flight-finding website. I'm personally going to be lobbying him to make this site free of charge again as it was a very useful tool - you could find out which airlines provided flights between any two destinations.
Unfortunately Andrew has to commute to Dunstable (near Luton) every day which is a bit of a long commute!
Unfortunately Andrew has to commute to Dunstable (near Luton) every day which is a bit of a long commute!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Croatia - the final days
An update on our last couple of days in Croatia.
We travelled out to Korcula on one of the regular ferries - it was a bit rainy when we left but, as with the trip to Cavtat, it was quite a bit stormier when we were out at sea! The ferry did quite a bit of rolling around. At one stage we looked over and the poor woman who threw up on our Cavtat trip was sitting near us, again looking a bit green and no doubt unhappy with her husband for making her go on a boat again! The weather did clear up about an hour out of Korcula and we had a lovely view of the city, which again is a walled medieval town on a prominent spit of land.
After landing, we organised some accomodation at a private house in the old town. Quite a bit cheaper than in Dubrovnik but a very basic room. It did have a TV though so we were able to watch Croatian Big Brother. Sadly we were not able to find a bar with satellite TV during our trip so couldn't watch the programme that Simon produces, MTV Wishlist.
Had some lunch at Pizzeria Amphora in the old town and went for a wander around the streets. Korcula Town has very similar architecture to Dubrovnik, but everything seemed to be shut for the afternoon siesta which was a shame as it was quite rainy! Later on the afternoon we caught some much needed sun and chatted to an American guy in a local bar. He recommended a bar called Massimo which has taken over one of the old towers in the city wall. We climbed up to the top, about three levels up included a narrow ladder, and had a beer. The waitress, Ivana, took our orders and a pulley system delivered the drinks to the top of the bar. Very nifty! We ate out at a BBQ like place called Adio Mare and met some Melbournians.
Thankfully the next day was a little sunnier. After visiting the local Konzum supermarket for breakfast items, we went to catch the 12.00 bus to Lumbarda but decided to wait for an hour as school was out for the day and it was an absolute scrum to get on the bus! We had a couple of hours sitting on the beach, watching the learner windsurfers before we came back to Korcula town.
After cocktails at Massimo again, we went to the Marco Polo restaurant for dinner. Marco Polo is allegedly originally from Korcula so he gets loads of namechecks. A fantastic last dinner!
We had to catch the 6.30 AM bus back to Dubrovnik the next morning - the bus left Korcula town and then went on a small ferry to Orebic on the mainland. It was a bit of a windy, if spectacular ride - poor Li-Ann was left feeling a little queasy!
Once we arrived in Dubrovnik again, we decided to visit the Aquarium which was OK. Sadly none of the advertised sea horses were in evidence and there were loads of slimy eels, but we did see a turtle, sadly swimming around in its tank. Had a lovely lunch at Lokanda, our favourite lunch and convinced some timid Americans to try the delicious cuttlefish risotto, the calamari and the small fish!
Hopefully I'll have a link to our photos to post up here soon.
We travelled out to Korcula on one of the regular ferries - it was a bit rainy when we left but, as with the trip to Cavtat, it was quite a bit stormier when we were out at sea! The ferry did quite a bit of rolling around. At one stage we looked over and the poor woman who threw up on our Cavtat trip was sitting near us, again looking a bit green and no doubt unhappy with her husband for making her go on a boat again! The weather did clear up about an hour out of Korcula and we had a lovely view of the city, which again is a walled medieval town on a prominent spit of land.
After landing, we organised some accomodation at a private house in the old town. Quite a bit cheaper than in Dubrovnik but a very basic room. It did have a TV though so we were able to watch Croatian Big Brother. Sadly we were not able to find a bar with satellite TV during our trip so couldn't watch the programme that Simon produces, MTV Wishlist.
Had some lunch at Pizzeria Amphora in the old town and went for a wander around the streets. Korcula Town has very similar architecture to Dubrovnik, but everything seemed to be shut for the afternoon siesta which was a shame as it was quite rainy! Later on the afternoon we caught some much needed sun and chatted to an American guy in a local bar. He recommended a bar called Massimo which has taken over one of the old towers in the city wall. We climbed up to the top, about three levels up included a narrow ladder, and had a beer. The waitress, Ivana, took our orders and a pulley system delivered the drinks to the top of the bar. Very nifty! We ate out at a BBQ like place called Adio Mare and met some Melbournians.
Thankfully the next day was a little sunnier. After visiting the local Konzum supermarket for breakfast items, we went to catch the 12.00 bus to Lumbarda but decided to wait for an hour as school was out for the day and it was an absolute scrum to get on the bus! We had a couple of hours sitting on the beach, watching the learner windsurfers before we came back to Korcula town.
After cocktails at Massimo again, we went to the Marco Polo restaurant for dinner. Marco Polo is allegedly originally from Korcula so he gets loads of namechecks. A fantastic last dinner!
We had to catch the 6.30 AM bus back to Dubrovnik the next morning - the bus left Korcula town and then went on a small ferry to Orebic on the mainland. It was a bit of a windy, if spectacular ride - poor Li-Ann was left feeling a little queasy!
Once we arrived in Dubrovnik again, we decided to visit the Aquarium which was OK. Sadly none of the advertised sea horses were in evidence and there were loads of slimy eels, but we did see a turtle, sadly swimming around in its tank. Had a lovely lunch at Lokanda, our favourite lunch and convinced some timid Americans to try the delicious cuttlefish risotto, the calamari and the small fish!
Hopefully I'll have a link to our photos to post up here soon.
swing voters
I read in the Guardian about the Clark County project, an opportunity for Guardian readers to try and influence some voters in a swing county in Ohio. The idea is that you sign up, the Guardian sends you the email address of a voter in Clark County and you send them a message urging them to vote.
Unfortunately, this hasn't gone down very well with many of the recipients of the emails - I read a few of the responses today and was a bit surprised at the vehemence of the reaction! Guess people just don't like being told what to do!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Return to Croatia
Currently on leg two of my Croatia trip. The original plan was to have two weeks here in September. However, due to Li-Ann's availability, we decided to have a week here in October, this time focusing on Dubrovnik.
We've been here since Saturday and it's been very enjoyable. The most different thing is the weather! Although a month ago it was glorious, very sunny and we were able to swim every day, this time it's about ten degrees colder and has rained nearly every day! Oh well...
We are staying in a private room right in the middle of the Old Town here in Dubrovnik. The house we're in has the only private courtyard in the old town and we have a kitchen at our disposal and TV! So it's all very handy. The decor seems to be stuck in the 70s but never mind!!
We've eaten out at lots of great places - lots of seafood to eat. At our favourite place, Lokanda, which is right by the old port, we had cuttlefish risotto, mussels and small fried fish. Fried calamari is also a favourite and we've had some nice wine and local beer.
We walked around the infamous city walls on Sunday afternoon which took us an hour or so - surprisingly our legs were still operational the next day! It was a fantastic walk, amazing views over the city and we were so impressed at the way the fortifications are still so intact.
Very little damage is still in evidence from the war in 1991 - 1992. We've seen a couple of places still with damaged roofs but that's it. Very impressive reconstruction, especially after we've seen some photos of the damage. The war isn't really mentioned though. I would imagine people are sick of talking about it.
Lots and lots of tourists here. It must be hell in July and August the peak season. Even in October it's pretty full on. Lots of people are either staying at the big hotels out of town or on the enormous cruise ships that are moored in Gruz, the new port nearby. They get bussed in during the day which does mean that the evenings are a little quieter.
Yesterday we did a day trip to Montenegro, which is the next country down the coastline from Croatia, and also a part of the former Yugoslavia. It was very different from Croatia, it seemed a lot poorer and less Westernised. Much more reminiscent of Russia. We visited a few towns and the former palace, but the real highlight was driving up the 'Serpent' road which gave great views over the bays on the coastline of Montenegro. We ended the day at Budva which is a seaside town and probably very nice during the summer! It was a bit desolate when we were there!
Today we caught a boat to the village of Cavtat, about an hour away. Because the weather was a little rainy and windy, the trip out was a bit miserable! Even though there was a cover on the boat, we still got wet and one poor woman even threw up! It got a bit brighter when we finally got there and we had a nice wander around the streets.
Tomorrow we're off to Korcula for a couple of days before we head back to Dubrovnik on saturdaz morning and fly back to London.
We've been here since Saturday and it's been very enjoyable. The most different thing is the weather! Although a month ago it was glorious, very sunny and we were able to swim every day, this time it's about ten degrees colder and has rained nearly every day! Oh well...
We are staying in a private room right in the middle of the Old Town here in Dubrovnik. The house we're in has the only private courtyard in the old town and we have a kitchen at our disposal and TV! So it's all very handy. The decor seems to be stuck in the 70s but never mind!!
We've eaten out at lots of great places - lots of seafood to eat. At our favourite place, Lokanda, which is right by the old port, we had cuttlefish risotto, mussels and small fried fish. Fried calamari is also a favourite and we've had some nice wine and local beer.
We walked around the infamous city walls on Sunday afternoon which took us an hour or so - surprisingly our legs were still operational the next day! It was a fantastic walk, amazing views over the city and we were so impressed at the way the fortifications are still so intact.
Very little damage is still in evidence from the war in 1991 - 1992. We've seen a couple of places still with damaged roofs but that's it. Very impressive reconstruction, especially after we've seen some photos of the damage. The war isn't really mentioned though. I would imagine people are sick of talking about it.
Lots and lots of tourists here. It must be hell in July and August the peak season. Even in October it's pretty full on. Lots of people are either staying at the big hotels out of town or on the enormous cruise ships that are moored in Gruz, the new port nearby. They get bussed in during the day which does mean that the evenings are a little quieter.
Yesterday we did a day trip to Montenegro, which is the next country down the coastline from Croatia, and also a part of the former Yugoslavia. It was very different from Croatia, it seemed a lot poorer and less Westernised. Much more reminiscent of Russia. We visited a few towns and the former palace, but the real highlight was driving up the 'Serpent' road which gave great views over the bays on the coastline of Montenegro. We ended the day at Budva which is a seaside town and probably very nice during the summer! It was a bit desolate when we were there!
Today we caught a boat to the village of Cavtat, about an hour away. Because the weather was a little rainy and windy, the trip out was a bit miserable! Even though there was a cover on the boat, we still got wet and one poor woman even threw up! It got a bit brighter when we finally got there and we had a nice wander around the streets.
Tomorrow we're off to Korcula for a couple of days before we head back to Dubrovnik on saturdaz morning and fly back to London.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Croatia Day Eight
Last full day in Croatia today - I am leaving the country tomorrow sadly. Tried to have a bit of a sleep in but unfortunately the room I am staying in is right above the kitchen and so I was awoken by the sound of breakfast being prepared. Oh well.
Went for a walk around the cliffs to the south of Hvar after breakfast - lots of houses with fabulous views and apartments to rent. Prime jogging spot as well although I was not indulging in that activity! Some fabulous views out to sea and to the islands and a strange circular rock island with a lighthouse on top.
Back in town, I visited the church near the hotel and also the art gallery in town. A large clipper was visiting Hvar for the day and it sat offshore all day, discharging its cargo of elderly American tourists from a little shuttle boat. Visited a few of the jewellery shops in town - coral is very popular here, as well as a bit of turquoise and mother of pearl.
Wandered the other way around the cliffs and sat on the beach until sunset, swimming, sunning and reading the Carol Shields book Duet (it is a republication of The Box Garden and Small Ceremonies - very enjoyable!)
Went for a walk around the cliffs to the south of Hvar after breakfast - lots of houses with fabulous views and apartments to rent. Prime jogging spot as well although I was not indulging in that activity! Some fabulous views out to sea and to the islands and a strange circular rock island with a lighthouse on top.
Back in town, I visited the church near the hotel and also the art gallery in town. A large clipper was visiting Hvar for the day and it sat offshore all day, discharging its cargo of elderly American tourists from a little shuttle boat. Visited a few of the jewellery shops in town - coral is very popular here, as well as a bit of turquoise and mother of pearl.
Wandered the other way around the cliffs and sat on the beach until sunset, swimming, sunning and reading the Carol Shields book Duet (it is a republication of The Box Garden and Small Ceremonies - very enjoyable!)
Friday, September 10, 2004
croatia day seven
Today I went on an excursion to the island of Brač, about forty minutes
hydrofoil ride away from Hvar. The trip was organised through one of the
travel agencies in Hvar and thankfully did not include a guide or an ominous
"fish picnic" (which may actually have been quite nice).
We travelled to Bol on the south side of island. Bol is chiefly famous for
the Zlatni Rat beach which is about 2km from the town and is a tongue-like
beach that juts out from the shore. The beach changes on a daily basis
according to the tides, wind etc. This is all of course a gradual process
and I didn"t have to change where I was sitting! Didn"t do an awful lot all
day, mainly just sat on the beach and read. The water was lovely and clear
but did feel slightly cooler than on Hvar.
Had a quick look around town while waiting for my hydrofoil to leave, but it
is pretty quiet and not so stunning as Hvar Town.
This evening, I"ve popped down and had a look at the Miss Croatia contest
but unfortunately they all look the same. The TV show has made the square
look gorgeous though!
_________________________________________________________________
Want to block unwanted pop-ups? Download the free MSN Toolbar now!
http://toolbar.msn.co.uk/
hydrofoil ride away from Hvar. The trip was organised through one of the
travel agencies in Hvar and thankfully did not include a guide or an ominous
"fish picnic" (which may actually have been quite nice).
We travelled to Bol on the south side of island. Bol is chiefly famous for
the Zlatni Rat beach which is about 2km from the town and is a tongue-like
beach that juts out from the shore. The beach changes on a daily basis
according to the tides, wind etc. This is all of course a gradual process
and I didn"t have to change where I was sitting! Didn"t do an awful lot all
day, mainly just sat on the beach and read. The water was lovely and clear
but did feel slightly cooler than on Hvar.
Had a quick look around town while waiting for my hydrofoil to leave, but it
is pretty quiet and not so stunning as Hvar Town.
This evening, I"ve popped down and had a look at the Miss Croatia contest
but unfortunately they all look the same. The TV show has made the square
look gorgeous though!
_________________________________________________________________
Want to block unwanted pop-ups? Download the free MSN Toolbar now!
http://toolbar.msn.co.uk/
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Comments
There is apparently something wrong with the commenting function - will try and sort this out at some stage when I am not paying for the time - sorry guys!
Croatia Day six
Nice relaxing day today - no boats sadly for the first time this trip!
Went for a wander around the town this morning checking out day trips. I was planning to go to Brač and stay in Bol for the last two nights but instead I will just do a day trip there tomorrow and then catch the catamaran to Split early on Sunday morning. There are lots of different companies offering boats - some ferries, some hydrofoil, some catamaran. Unfortunately you have to look in different places to find details! Confusing! Never mind, I think I have everything figured out now.
Spent a bit of time on the beach near the hotel this morning. Lots of leathery people out sunbathing - canćt remember whether I have mentioned this before but I have seen loads of people just applying oil rather than sunblock - scary!
I was relatively sensible and covered up when necessary! Spent most of the day there and then went to the Spanjol Fortress which perches above Hvar Town in the afternoon. Amazing views over Hvar and out the islands. It was worth the long trek up there!
Saw Sara off to the catamaran to Korčula where she is staying next - she is in Croatia for a few more days than me so she is going to Dubrovnik as well.
Miss Croatia / Dalmatia is on here tomorrow night - we have seen a few of the contestants parading around town in high heels. They are all very skinny and groomed. Two Aussie boys nearly fell in to the harbour in their eagerness to get a photo!
Amazing amount of Kiwis and Aussies here as well - as Sara said, you may as well be drinking on the Strip in Christchurch!
Went for a wander around the town this morning checking out day trips. I was planning to go to Brač and stay in Bol for the last two nights but instead I will just do a day trip there tomorrow and then catch the catamaran to Split early on Sunday morning. There are lots of different companies offering boats - some ferries, some hydrofoil, some catamaran. Unfortunately you have to look in different places to find details! Confusing! Never mind, I think I have everything figured out now.
Spent a bit of time on the beach near the hotel this morning. Lots of leathery people out sunbathing - canćt remember whether I have mentioned this before but I have seen loads of people just applying oil rather than sunblock - scary!
I was relatively sensible and covered up when necessary! Spent most of the day there and then went to the Spanjol Fortress which perches above Hvar Town in the afternoon. Amazing views over Hvar and out the islands. It was worth the long trek up there!
Saw Sara off to the catamaran to Korčula where she is staying next - she is in Croatia for a few more days than me so she is going to Dubrovnik as well.
Miss Croatia / Dalmatia is on here tomorrow night - we have seen a few of the contestants parading around town in high heels. They are all very skinny and groomed. Two Aussie boys nearly fell in to the harbour in their eagerness to get a photo!
Amazing amount of Kiwis and Aussies here as well - as Sara said, you may as well be drinking on the Strip in Christchurch!
Croatia Day Five
Suprisingly didnćt feel too seedy this morning. Made it up for breakfast which is more than can be said for the others.
Sara had kept in contact with James who was meant to be going on a day trip to Vis and the Blue Grotto which actually got called off because of lack of interest. So we decided that we would hire a boat and travel round to the group of islands which lie south of Hvar - the Pakleni islands. Cost of a little four person boat for the day (I think it was 6 horse power) was 350 kuna.
We had a brilliant day! First of all we travelled over to Palmizana, the main area on the island. Did some swimming and then had a great lunch at the restaurant, marred only by an infestation of wasps! We had many trials and errors on the boat, including having problems tying knots and accidentally untying other boats, having the shade come off and fall into the sea and having to turn back when the sea got a little rough. But we also saw donkeys, goats and lots of naked Germans! Stopped off to visit the chapel of St Klement which was a lovely stone church on the top of a hill. The walk up had loads and loads of cacti lining the path - have never seen so many in my life. Not sure whether they are being farmed a la the tequila place that Angus used to work on.
After a stone skimming competition on a beach (I was a distant fourth) we travelled back to Hvar Town. Met up for drinks at Carpe Diem, the cool bar in town and then headed off for dinner at a lovely place in an alley way. Had some great grilled chicken and spent quite a bit of time talking to the Croatian owner and his son who also worked there. The son, who is 15, starts school at 7.30 and has swimming and diving lessons in the sea!
Sara had kept in contact with James who was meant to be going on a day trip to Vis and the Blue Grotto which actually got called off because of lack of interest. So we decided that we would hire a boat and travel round to the group of islands which lie south of Hvar - the Pakleni islands. Cost of a little four person boat for the day (I think it was 6 horse power) was 350 kuna.
We had a brilliant day! First of all we travelled over to Palmizana, the main area on the island. Did some swimming and then had a great lunch at the restaurant, marred only by an infestation of wasps! We had many trials and errors on the boat, including having problems tying knots and accidentally untying other boats, having the shade come off and fall into the sea and having to turn back when the sea got a little rough. But we also saw donkeys, goats and lots of naked Germans! Stopped off to visit the chapel of St Klement which was a lovely stone church on the top of a hill. The walk up had loads and loads of cacti lining the path - have never seen so many in my life. Not sure whether they are being farmed a la the tequila place that Angus used to work on.
After a stone skimming competition on a beach (I was a distant fourth) we travelled back to Hvar Town. Met up for drinks at Carpe Diem, the cool bar in town and then headed off for dinner at a lovely place in an alley way. Had some great grilled chicken and spent quite a bit of time talking to the Croatian owner and his son who also worked there. The son, who is 15, starts school at 7.30 and has swimming and diving lessons in the sea!
Croatia Day Four
After loading up on the included breakfast at the hotel, I went for a swim, then packed before catching the 1230 ferry back to Split. It was a great trip, really sunny the whole way. So I had a lovely time sitting the sun, reading, listening to my iPod and watching the ocean go by.
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station.
Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights. Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again! A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to. It ended up being quite a late night...
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station.
Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights. Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again! A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to. It ended up being quite a late night...
difficulties
Difficulties at the internet place in Hvar town has meant a delay in updating the blog - I am back again in a different cafe now so hopefully this will work!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Croatia Day 4
After loading up on the included breakfast at the hotel, I went for a swim, then packed before catching the 1230 ferry back to Split. It was a great trip, really sunny the whole way. So I had a lovely time sitting the sun, reading, listening to my iPod and watching the ocean go by.
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station. Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights.
Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again!
A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to.
It ended up being quite a late night...
Got into Split OK, then booked my ticket for the 1600 catamaran to Jelsa on Hvar. After a drink and a pastry and a bit of a postcard writing I boarded the cat. It was very comfortable and fast, but I still missed sitting outside! This was more like being on an aeroplane. After talking to a couple of Irish girls on the ferry, I realised that perhaps the bus from Jelsa over to Hvar town might be a little busy so I made sure I legged it to the bus station. Bus ride took us over some spectacular hills and Sara met me at the bus station. She'd booked me a room at the Dalmacia Hotel which is very central, so I'm staying there for the next couple of nights.
Hvar town is lovely - quite considerably more lively than Vis town, but very marbled and Italianate again. It is absolutely teeming with people and yachts. One yacht that we saw looked so luxurious! It was registered in the Cayman Islands and had a security guard standing on the quayside. The rumour around town is that Tom Cruise, fresh from attending the Venice film festival, was here a couple of days ago in a four story yacht! Wouldn't be surprised but not really the way to do an inconito holiday at all!
After freshening up, we headed out to meet James, an Australian guy Sara had met earlier and two Swedish people he'd met, John and Michaela. We had a few drinks at a bar in town, then headed to a local restaurant where I had some scampi - had no idea they looked kind of like prawns when in their shells! I will never look at scampi and chips the same way again!
A neighbour from the restaurant, Will, came and joined us for a board game of Learn About Croatia. We couldn't understand the rules at all so just made up stories about different places we'd never been to.
It ended up being quite a late night...
Monday, September 06, 2004
Croatia - day three
Had planned a dive day today so was at the Dodoro Dive Centre in Vis for the 10am trip. There were two Croatian dive masters, two Slovenian guys, one German guy and me. We travelled out to the site of the Teti, an Italian merchant ship and dived there. I was feeling quite confident about it all but as soon as I was in the water I felt very unconfident and uncalm! Not good for diving. Managed to lose a flipper and get my mask all tangled up! Kind of got the hang of it once we were descending by the rope but still really didn't feel like I was enjoying it very much. We ended up descending to about 30 minutes, saw a huge eel and some little fish. But I felt very unco-ordinated and ascended a bit faster than I should have - partly because I didn't have enough weights I reckon.
The boat ride out to the dive site was lovely - fantastic scenery! Could also see quite a few old military bunkers cut into the hillside.
Spent the afternoon on the beach reading and this evening walked right round to the other side of Vis town - it's a huge harbour. The other side is more picturesque but has loads of expensive restaurants and gift shops, catering for the wealthy yachties who are moored here at the moment.
Da Vinci Code count - one guy on the beach reading it. I'm about 2/3 of way through it now! A quick read.
The boat ride out to the dive site was lovely - fantastic scenery! Could also see quite a few old military bunkers cut into the hillside.
Spent the afternoon on the beach reading and this evening walked right round to the other side of Vis town - it's a huge harbour. The other side is more picturesque but has loads of expensive restaurants and gift shops, catering for the wealthy yachties who are moored here at the moment.
Da Vinci Code count - one guy on the beach reading it. I'm about 2/3 of way through it now! A quick read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)