How Hvar Stole my Heart!

While it can be fun to visit tourist attractions during a vacation, at times this can mean waiting in long line ups, crowds and expensive tourist packages. One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is to meet a local and hire them as my guide. While hanging out a rooftop bar in the center square of Hvar, I was fortunate enough to meet a local, Ivo, who was kind enough to take his day off and show me some hidden gems of Hvar.  If you can’t befriend a local then be sure to rent a car! Here are some highlights from our day.

The Lavender Fields

A great souvenir to pick up from Croatia. Lavender oil is good to use on mosquito bites, for stress relief and it said to help put you to sleep when used on the bottoms of your feet.

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Farm Life

The old stone houses in Hvar were built for farmers, called kazun. Farmers carefully placed layers of stones stacked to build a small hut; the top of the conical roof had a hole so that smoke can come out.

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Reaching New Heights 

The highest point in Hvar: Sveti Nikola. This was a truly magical moment, I love reaching new highs, if only I was a bird!

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The Desire of Dubrovnik!

Hello, a few words about my first city stop in Croatia! Once the shuttle into town took off, and the views of the Adriatic sea appeared I knew I was in love. I was dropped off at the Pile gate and took a taxi to a lovely Airbnb with an exceptional view.  I spent the evening exploring the old town, a huge stone palace, a perfect setting to get lost.

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Dubrovnik’s Ideal Sunset Spot: Busco Bar

Sit at the bar for a drink to watch the sunset. Tip, if there is no place to sit, venture further down and sit on the rocks belowDubrovnik2017-49Dubrovnik2017-51Dubrovnik2017-60Dubrovnik2017-52

Surrounded by the Sea

Take a day trip to Lokrum island. Take a 10 min ferry ride to break away from the excitement and bustle of the city center. Here you will find an ideal space for tranquil day.

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A High Up City Highlight!

Walk the city walls. If you are going during the busy tourist season, go after 5pm to avoid the busy hours full of buzzing cruise ship patrons.

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Accommodations:

Dubrovnik Airbnb (walking distance to city)

Dubrovnik Airbnb #2 (inside city walls)

 

 

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Split, the City for Romance!

I was only three months old when my mom decided to leave me with my grandma and enjoy her honeymoon in Split, Croatia. Fast forward to about 31 years; now I was able to experience the charming city as well with a few friends from Montreal, Canada.

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A must for  is to wander through market stalls in any new city I can. Fortunately, the Pazar Green Market, open every day from 7 am to 2 pm and is located near the ferry port.  Items we picked up, fresh fruit, cheese, prosciutto, candied fruit.

Pazar Green Market

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Remember, it’s a market, this is the place to practice your negotiation skills 😉

Food for Thought

Since restaurants will use fake flavored truffle flavored oil,  you can get a good deal on these tasty morsels in the market, as the real thing is quite expensive!Split2017-7

Pizza & Pastry Pit Stop in Spit!

Food is good but mostly touristy. A Croatian girl I had met earlier in Hvar recommended that I try pizza in Split. It is a bit different, not a greasy from thick layers of cheese. Instead, I picked a vegetarian one. Elena, the lady in a shop, said was her favorite, a cartoon portrait of her drawn on the pastry shop wall.

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ZA!!!

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I imaged that since my parents chose Split for their romantic vacation, it would be a city full of romance. I think love was in the air, the love that comes from friendships, both new and old.  We adopted two goofy and heart-warming male escorts from Florida on our last night in Hvar. Luckily for us, they were also on their way to Split and we were thrilled they could join us for some sightseeing, dining and dancing!

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Accommodations:

Where we stayed: Split Airbnb

 

Connection

Connection

And if I asked you to write me a letter today, could you fill a page with words of your play? Did you laugh, did you smile, and were you wondering if I’d thought of you awhile?  In a text, thought is quick, not complex. I want something more; be open and explore. I think it will please us, to use print to release us.

The drum of your heart, pick up those feet, the world is beneath; get out of your seat! Come, let’s go faster, waves of connection, aren’t locked in your phone. It’s you with the wonder; let it stir up those bones! Of course I adore, every expression you make, but when I see it electronically, I know it’s a fake!  You can’t bleed from a stone, nor love from some plastic, there something to be learned, us humans are fantastic!

You were the youngest, always pats on your head. All the attention, nothing wrong could be said. While I don’t show affirmation, I’m sure deep down, there’s room at your station. I was alone, with books, imagination. Though we’re so different, we can start. To learn about each other, even with our stubborn hearts.

I hope you understand, what I’m trying to regain. The happiness that once was, where my youth found reclaim. Dopamine, can you feel it, it’s less saturated by the day. Let’s mess up those brain waves, get out and let’s slay!

I know you find it odd, to travel to the past. But perhaps, you can image, a life without apps?

There’s treasure you possess, but that which is bought, can soon be forgot. Let’s catch a sunset, in a place we’ve yet met.  Let our senses awaken; forget the selfies to be taken.  While you may have fancy fashion, I hope to find out, what’s beneath, what’s your passion?  And will you now match, with a hit of your racket, and ask me the same? Will you inquire, what it is, the spark to my flame?

You tell me I can’t, but are you so sure? The dynamics of your conversation has no allure. If it’s validation you seek, your approach is too weak.

I’ll help you uncover, what was once lost, charm of our childhoods, won’t have a cost. Although you may think, this could be disaster. Nothing of value comes with ease that you’re after.

Enjoying the rhythm of my banter? Try to pay attention, if its intellect you’re after!

And if it’s so that, you’re willing to bend, I’ll open up to you, my electronic friend…

Spring

Spring

Winter’s black, lifted back

The glow of opportunity floats

Warmth and light, breathe new life

With an auspicious air, curiosity flows

Around this new season, what will be your reason?

To leap into these brilliant days!

But sometimes moody, with frigid air

Or blinding bright,

Be patient, strip yourself

And reel in delight!

Spring’s here, my dear.

April 2017 Playlist

Well, spring is in the air! With the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, I chose to spend more time outside enjoying good music. Let me leave you with a few tunes and a great quote:

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” Ernest Hemingway

1. Kaleo- Way Down We Go
2. The Lumineers- Angela
3. Mark Farina – Dream Machine feat. Sean Hayes (Downtempo Mix)
4. (feat. Tove Lo) Nick Jonas- Close
5. (Ft. Son Mieux) The Him-Feels Like Home
6. Banks-Beggin For Thread
7. Ft. Bipolar Sunshine DJ Snake- Middle
8. The Arctic Monkeys- Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High
9. (Jane Doze Remix) Norman Laass-Pumping Blood
10. Chet Faker-No Diggity

March 2017 Playlist

Love and War (Aazar Remix)This month my next adventure takes place in Las Vegas, so I chose a few tunes to get into the dancing mood!

  1. KSHMR – Wildcard (feat. Sidnie Tipton)
  2. Well Run Dry (Promise Land Remix) by Max Zotti Feat. Amie
  3. Secrets (Extended Mix) by Tiesto & KSHMR ft. Vassy
  4. I’ll fly with you- Gigi D’Agostino
  5. It Ain’t Me-Kygo, Selena Gomez
  6. Catch Me (feat. Naaz)- Yellow Claw & Flux Pavilion
  7.  High You Are (Branchez Remix)- What So Not
  8. Down- Marian Hill
  9. Cold ft. Future- Maroon 5
  10. Love and War (Aazar Remix)