Biking, hiking and strange creatures

Our first holiday together has been wonderful so far. 

Croatia is an amazing country. The countryside is beautiful, a mix of dryness with the limestone rocky mountains and the stunning crystal clear Adriatic Sea. 

The people have been very friendly so far. The area we’re staying in, Podstrana, is right on the sea but doesn’t feel like a typical tourist destination. 

There are lots of small family run b n b style accommodation. It’s much nicer than commercial areas with huge hotels. 

We’re staying at Villa Pinocchio. I loved the name of the hotel and it’s about 15 meters from the sea - bliss.

We explored Split yesterday. We took the bus into the centre and discovered the area. I wanted to see Diocletian’s palace and it didn’t disappoint. 

Wandering through the small archways exploring the hidden treasures Split has to offer was fantastic and (yes I’m going to sound soppy) it’s been even more magical having Peter by my side. 

For years I’ve loved travelling. I’ve enjoyed my own company, I’ve loved my own agenda and answering to only myself however when you have the right person by your side, things just perfectly click into place. 

Peter loves being active, just like me, so we did a great workout on the beach yesterday. One legged squats and far too many hip exercises. 

After yesterday’s workout, I had the grand idea of hiring bikes. I wanted to visit Omis which is 13km away from our hotel. I figured it would be a nice flat ride. My god it was hard work. 

I’m used to riding my lovely light carbon fibre Specialize bike. Not this mammoth uber heavy mountain bike. Needless to say, my butt is sore. 

The cycle along the coast was lovely and didn’t take too long (maybe 40 mins). When we got to Omis, it was breathtaking. 

The mountains were huge and so exposed. Set against the beautiful blue waters in the sea and green waters in the canyon.

We wanted to visit the Fort. We realised there were two. After getting lost multiple times, we set back along the path (I may have told Peter is was wrong before).

After abandoning the bikes, we headed along a rocky path. I then looked up and saw the Fort. It was bloody miles away up high. I may have turned the air as blue as the sea - oh dear. 

However, being the stubborn cow that I am, I persist and despite my dodgy foot (soft tissue damage thanks to pole), it took us about an hour to get to the top. I made a joke that we better not have to pay to look around. We did have to pay, 150kn (about £1.75).

There was a little room at the top with a lovely man called Neina. He has to make that journey each day that he works. He was telling us he sometimes sleeps overnight, I don’t blame him. 

After taking in the magical views, it was time to head back down. Thankfully this was a lot quicker than coming up. Although it was a little more risky as the stones were marble and slippery. 

By this point it was around 3:30pm and we were starving. I definitely think we worked for our lunch so we stopped at a little restaurant in Omis. We ordered what we thought was a burger and chips but it turned out to be a more traditional dish, it was lovely. 

After lunch it was time to head back to our hotel. After the cycle here and the little hike (plus yesterday’s squats) my legs and butt were a little tender. 

Surprisingly it didn’t take too long to get back. Although it was later in the day, I couldn’t wait to head into the sea for a swim. 

Because there were thunderstorms overnight, the sea was a little murky but it was still beautiful. 

In the evening, we decided to walk along to the marina and we were admiring the incredible yacht’s when I noticed something black swimming in the sea. At first I thought it was a type of jelly fish, then maybe a squid and then after an extensive google search we discovered it was called a sea hare. 

These sea hares are native to the Caribbean so we have no idea how it came about to be in the Adriatic Sea. 

I can’t believe how quick the holiday has gone. This was always just a quick break (four nights) but I’m sad how fast it’s going. 

We’ve got a boat trip booked to explore the blue lagoon and some other islands so that’ll be fun. It’s been nice spending time with Peter and exploring country 49 together. 

Country 49 coming up...

I've been having holiday withdrawal symptoms. I've been back from Australia for nearly two months now without leaving the country. We booked to go to Croatia back in March (bold after only being together for about a month) and it's come around so quick.


Croatia has always been on my list of places to travel to. I always assumed I would end up doing one of the sailing trips around all the islands. I nearly booked a boat trip last year but I decided to book a slightly larger boat trip instead, the Royal Caribbean cruise.


I've seen many gorgeous pictures of Croatia on Istagram. Lots of turquoise seas and cute pebble beaches. And some amazing looking food dishes, plenty of fresh seafood and locally produced wine.


We decided to ease ourselves in and booked a four night stay at the adorable Villa Pinocchio. This is situation about 7km outside of Split and right on the beach.


I love the idea of having the best of both worlds. Being right on the beach, being able to relax in a quieter seaside resort (I have a feeling it'll be similar to Marina di Pisa) but then being  short bus ride away from both Split and Omis.


I understand parts of Game of Thrones was filmed in Split. The stunning Diocletian's Palace is a famous place where filming took place. I'm not a fan of GoT however I do love surrounding myself in history.


Although I'm a huge planner (there's an itinerary and check list for most things in my life), when I'm actually away I simply love wandering around and taking it all in. There's nothing better than wandering around cobbled streets and people watching under the hot sun.


It's been a busy year so far in my life with the new job, the wonderful new man (whom I can't wait to enjoy our first holiday together) and my pole dance competitions. This break came at the best time. However, me being the fool I am managed to full blown kick my pole during training and I now have soft tissue damage to my foot and I'm hobbling around on crutches.


I'm really hoping a few days rest will do the trick and I'll be fine to wander around those cobbled streets. Otherwise it will be a much more different holiday and I won't want Peter having to do too much for me.


Either way a few days in the heat, enjoying Croatia will be just what the doctor ordered.

The Travel Bugs Back

I’ve always joked about having the ‘Travel Bug’ but I seriously do.

I am so spoilt but I miss that I haven’t travelled as much this year. Granted, I’ve travelled a lot more than some people, and of course I’m so grateful, but it’s never enough.

I started the year off celebrating in Abu Dhabi. Then in April I had my great trip to Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore. I really enjoyed that trip. I desperately needed some time to myself and it was perfect! I didn’t feel lonely at all. I spoke to the staff and a few other people enjoying their holidays but that was enough. 

Enjoying KL Tower. 

Sometimes when I’ve travelled alone before, I’ve felt pretty lonely. I think it really depends how I feel in myself (if that makes sense). I’m finally in a very secure, loving relationship and so I felt comfortable being on my own for a bit as I knew I’d be returning to Marco.

Whilst walking to work this morning, a song came on that reminded me so much of Las Vegas. I was literally walking through a chilly London and then I was instantly taken back to the pool club next to my hotel in Las Vegas, laying on a day bed whilst sipping strawberry daiquiris and chatting to the hostess, Samantha, about what it’s like living and working in Las Vegas.

Rather tipsy after six of these. 

It’s amazing how our senses can remind us of a specific moment in time. I have so many things that make me think of my travels. Seeing the stars in a pitch black sky, reminds me of midnight skinny dipping in the sea in Caye Caulker, Belize. The smell of the petrol, reminds me of the huge boats in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The taste of Prosecco, reminds me of fishing in Italy and catching so many trout.

Exploring Halong Bay on the kayaks. 

We caught lots of trout. I said sorry to every one of them. 

I am loving visiting Italy and exploring where Marco grew up. Our first trip was wonderful. I have never felt so relaxed and at peace on holiday before. Although we were always doing something, whether it was visiting Marco’s family or going for a bike ride, I still felt so rested. It was probably the regular two hour naps in the afternoon which helped!

Beautiful Vicenza city after the proposal. 

I am really looking forward to visiting Venice. From the pictures, it looks so stunning. I adore the architecture of the buildings and I can’t wait for my Daddy to visit as I know he’ll love it all too. I would love to go on a gondola ride, I know it’s a little cheesy but it’s a tradition in Venice so I’d like to experience it.

I usually snap away on my iphone but I’ve decided to take my good camera with us as I want to ensure I get some beautiful shots to share with everyone.

There are so many places in Italy I’m looking forward to visiting. Being with a native helps so much too! But although I’m looking forward to exploring Italy, there are still lots of other places I’d like to visit.

I’m desperate to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. I would love to do a sailing tour around Croatia. I’d love to explore Australia. I’m desperate to go back to Africa and see more wonderful wildlife. And I truly hope I get to go snorkelling in beautiful Maldives.

Marco doesn’t quite understand my passion for travel. I can understand where he is coming from as he spends his holidays going back home to visit family. It must be difficult balancing things.

We’re looking to go on a cruise to the Caribbean next year. That should be a lovely experience as I haven’t been on a cruise before (the sailing boat in The Galapagos Islands doesn’t count!). I love the sandy shores of the Caribbean. The snorkelling will be amazing. And even better, I get to experience all of this with amore mio.

Sailing The Galapagos Islands. 

For now I’ll be dreaming of these new adventures. Oh and looking forward to Italy in 5 days’ time!!

Ciao.