July 26, 2022: Jean and I are again savoring our second favorite place on earth: Bol, Croatia, is still number two. This place is “the balm” (yes, pun intended). Two weeks of Zen ahead!
“Since achieving their independence in 1992, the people of Croatia have built a democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free market economy.”
Elton Gallegly
Still Number Two
As I write this evening, I savor the smell of fresh fish on the patio grill and watch vacationers amble back and forth along the shaded promenade at the foot of our yard, the Mediterranean shining just beyond with the late afternoon sun. Jazz from inside the house blends soft chatter and distant church bells, with cicadas in the coastal pines providing descant.
We found this place a year ago, and the peace and pace of it make it our second favorite place besides home in Charlotte. No, I don’t see us ever moving here; the process is too demanding. But renting the life for a while each year? Yeah, I think so. At least until we find a new number two!
Where have we been?
So yes, it has been a month and a half since I’ve written. It has been a busy spring and summer!
The French Trip has been fantastic. My last post was an update on “Part 1” of that trip, written in Aix-en-Provence, France. After that, the adventure continued: we hiked Switzerland, flew in a Zeppelin, listened to sweet sounds at the Montreux Jazz Festival, drank the Prince of Lichtenstein’s wine, watched the Tour de France, swam Alpine waters, and enjoyed fireworks on Bastille Day in Paris (Travel Bytes coming soon I promise). By mid-July, our Schengen days exhausted (and us too), we headed to Croatia.
Our first week here was a whirlwind. Doug (my brother), his wife Allie, and friends had rented a villa nearby. So, of course, carousing ensued. Between cocktails, I was busy planning the next part of our travels. Jean worked remotely to get Read-a-Book, Earn-a-Book started with a new non-profit partner in Charlotte. But now everyone has moved on, the planning is complete, and Jean’s work is done. So our “vacation from travel” begins.
The Next Few Weeks…
We wake early, stroll the promenade with our coffee, and admire the sea smooth as glass. Then, before it gets hot, Jean swims, following the darting fish. I run, sharing the way with few others. On hitting my mark, I join Jean for a bit to cool in the salty water before we retreat to the patio and dry in the morning sun. Fish on the grill, Aperol spritz in the shade, and a good book in hand round out the day until darkness ushers us indoors.
Rinse and repeat. Rinse and repeat. Rinse and repeat. Yup, this place is still number two in ’22.
‘The road goes on for ever,’ said Pippin; ‘but I can’t without a rest. — J. R. R. Tolkien, “The Lord of the Rings”
Onward!
Soon enough, we will be traveling again. In mid-August, we will embark on “The British Trip” through England, Wales, and Scotland. We will be driving to obscure historic sites and hiking more than we have since Road Trip USA in 2020. Then, in October, we turn home to resume life in Charlotte, visiting family for the holidays, continuing non-profit work, jury duty, and such.
And, of course, planning for 2023!
Loving you living your dream and exploring the world 🌎