Monday, September 19 – Explore Rovinj day. Started it with a sunrise run around town. Alas, a little cloudy for pictures, but I enjoyed watching the town wake up as I jogged.

As we have an apartment, we had breakfast in house, then rented some bikes and took a nice ride (we estimate 10-12 km) through the Golden Cape Park. (Note, if I had managed a swim I could have claimed credit for a triathlon )

A ton of beautiful scenery, rock climbing areas, coves, a campground and even a nude beach (no worries, no photos from there). Anyone ever notice that most people who choose such a locale are like my age? I am pretty sure no one wants to see ‘the full Chris’ and the whole sunscreen thing makes me wonder, but if it makes you happy…

Afterwards, we had a light lunch at a place around the corner from us. Chatted with the waitress, a lovely young woman who is a college student working in her family’s restaurant. She is originally from Albania and just had such a fresh, enthusiastic look at the world, it was refreshing.

Of course we had to visit the church on the hill and climb the 186 stairs (more like rungs) to the belfry. We wandered the alleys and did a little shopping before taking a late afternoon break.

For dinner, we went to a restaurant we had noticed was packed yesterday. We got there early, and within 25 minutes it was full. Food was excellent (hence the crowds) and people at table next to us were from Philly so we enjoyed a nice chat with them.

Such a relaxed day, perfect after all yesterday’s driving. Tomorrow, we day trip!