today we’re off to Plitvice Lakes National Park, which contains 16 terraced lakes, connected by waterfalls, and everything flows into a limestone canyon.

there are wood walkways and hiking trails that wind around, and across the water, and you take a boat from the 12 upper to the 4 lower lakes. (the boat reminded me of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland, except there weren’t any puns or hippos with wiggly ears.) at the lower lake area is the, “big waterfall” coming in at 255 feet.

lakes and waterfalls, things of beauty for sure. one thing to note is that the pathways are wide enough for one person to walk by each other in opposite directions, but it would be challenging if there was a large amount of people.

it isn’t busy season quite yet, and the amount of people was still a little overwhelming. i have never liked large crowds of people, but i think after the lack of large group activity during the pandemic, even smaller groups seem slightly daunting. that, and it’s hot & humid, so having people surrounding you in the great outdoors is unpleasant.

that being said, crowds or no, if you’re ever in this area, a visit is a must.

after the journey through the park we made our way to the town of Rovinj, with stops at Roc and Motovun.

Roc wasn’t on the official itinerary, but it was of personal interest to me. i have a friend at home, and her father was from Roc. i thought since i was in the area i should check it out. BH, if you’re reading this, i have more pictures to share with you!

Motovun was a cool little hilltop town, known for truffles, both black & white. we stopped in a local shop so i could try some truffle products, olive oil, wine and rakija (liquor)……all delicious. at lunch i was also treated to a homemade olive and truffle tapenade and grappa. certainly a tasty place to visit.

with stomachs full, we headed to Rovinj.

Tre Porte Rovinj is a seven room boutique hotel in the heart of town. it opened last year and it’s a bit funky, but has everything you need, including a bar.

the bar was essential since i managed to get lost getting back to the hotel after taking some sunset pictures. spacious room, comfy bed, nice staff and great shower pressure. no breakfast, but that’s ok, there was no shortage of coffee and pastry nearby.

also, the manager was gracious enough to change my room after i managed to blow the power in the first one. it really wasn’t my fault, plugging in an iron (their iron, not a US one) shouldn’t be an issue, but it was……and it wasn’t just me, the manager blew the power when she tried as well. must have been a short in the system.