Rakia and The Fishermans’ Festival

Did you know that Rakia has medicinal purposes? Rakia is the local alcohol that is about 99% proof so it tastes and smells like petrol. Kayla and Caleb have been attacked by the ever increasing swarms of mosquitoes which is a relatively new phenomenon in Croatia (apparently). Our ever trusty Aeroguard has been great however we are using it sparingly so it will last the entire trip….why hasn’t anyone sold Aeroguard to the rest of the world??? Due to the mosquitoes preferring Caleb rather than Kayla, he has been swelling up in all sorts of places…until Baba said “Put some Rakia on!”….it worked! Caleb cut his toe on a rock….”Put some Rakia on it!”…it worked! You are suffering from a tummy upset? “Drink some Rakia!”….amazing stuff. Finally we have discovered citronella available which seems to work as well so we will head out and get some as soon as possible to supplement the Aeroguard for now. Around the table with Stana's two sisters Kate and Stoya and cousin Sanja.

But today is our rest day. Maybe a swim later and a coffee at a local café… sounds like a plan.

Dinner at a Local Retaurant in Tribunj - Konoba Simun
During the week we were able to attend the annual Fishermans’ festival and we were treated to a boat ride around the islands at dusk, a busy street festival in the old part of town and lots of Croatian music that would have had Paul (Fran’s brother) in raptures. Fran was in heaven when she was able to partake in the local fish produce and the children were able to purchase various cheap items that lit up. But we soon became tired and wandered home through the quaint streets back home and pass out whist the town celebrated into the small hours of the morning. Fran, Kayla and Caleb setting sail on the boat ride. Kayla and Caleb at the fesival with Baba Stana

We awoke to a very fast and furious thunder storm creating minor flooding to the town. We had planned to go to Sibenik, the nearest large city to Tribunj, as we were in desperate need for some new sandals for the huge amounts of walking that we will be doing. Crocs just don’t cut it. When the storm had cleared, we were provided a lift by Petar and Stana to Vodice and then we managed to wrangle a spot on an intercity bus to Sibenik (about a 20 minute trip). After being stuck in a traffic jam along the way, we arrived at the bus port.

Sibenik from the castle

The town is very old dating back to the 13th century and we tried to see as much as we could walking up and down the various stairs leading to the castle at the top of the town.

Castle Wall

The medieval castle gave a spectacular view of the city and we tried to explain to the children how old it really was. Caleb said “Cool!” a lot.

Stephen & Kayla outside cathederal - Sibenik

Stephen and Kayla managed to find some sandals and a very good price and we also picked up some bits and pieces as true tourists. A warm ride home after a delicious lunch, icecream and shopping.

The morning ritual has become a favourite with Fran walking to the shops and returning with some delicious bread fresh from the oven. The chocolate injected doughnuts are a personal favourite of Kayla, Caleb and Stephen. The baker works hard here. Weekdays 6am -10pm and then Sunday is an easier day starting at 7am and finishing at 10pm.

Next week, hopefully a trip on a boat around the island of Kornate (spelling?) and we will start to look at our trips to Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Italy.