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Notes From: Croatia and Slovenia

Brian Stucki

Brian Stucki

— 3 min read

Candace and I recently returned from the Adriatic Coast. Our main countries of focus were Croatia and Slovenia. Here are a some notes of interest and a few photos:

  • These two countries are among the tallest populations of the world. I had no idea, but you catch on pretty quickly while there. At 6'1", I felt short so often around the men and women in the public squares.
  • Plitvice Lakes is a beautiful national park of Croatia. You start at one of two entrances and there is a beautiful 5 mile walk around lakes and waterfalls. The wood paths put you right on top of this aqua water and each turn in a new view. Absolutely beautiful
  • The Croatian beaches are pebble beaches and packed with people. I didn't think I'd like that but
    • with no sand, you don't get sand all over on yourself. SO nice.
    • if you pay a little extra, you can have some beach beds, with shade cover, and space, away from people. Worth it.
  • Slovenia is an overlooked European country. Established in 1991, after declaring independence from Yugoslavia, this country is worth a stop. The country landmarks include Lake Bled, which has a church-adorned island in the middle of the water, and the Dragon Bridge. Also, it's the home of Luka Doncic...who just happened to have been there with all of his Lakers teammates at the same time we were there.
  • Dubrovnik is the historical city that still feels like it's in history. It's hard to explain but it's amazing to walk around. The limestone roads are polished from so many millions of walkers over the hundred of years, the walls are still tall and strong, and there are steps. So many steps.
  • The city has an overabundance of ice-cold, very tasty, natural water flow. On nearly every main wall there is a spigot with constant cold water pouring out that you can drink from or fill your water bottle with anytime. It's really an amazing convenience in the hot and humid summer. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area already.

International travel can be tiring sometimes. (I recently read, and enjoyed, this post about all the annoyances on a long-haul flight. Very relatable.)

Despite that, it's still a beautiful world worth seeing.

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“Notes From” is a series where I share observations from recent adventures. You can read more of these in the “Notes From” category.

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