Today we were heading off to catch up with mum's family in Ilok. Before doing so we joined Barica in her daily ritual where at 7:30 am she walks 15 minutes into town to meet with her friends to enjoy a coffee and a chat. We were greeted with great enthusiasm with all the friends wanting to know more about us & one in particular who spoke excellent English & kept John entertained. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to pay for the round of morning coffe...

The weather wasn't cooling down so it was time to swim & relax by a pool. Therme Rjezerčice houses 5 pools, 2 outdoors and the others under cover. We (Sanja, Josipa, John & I) headed off shortly after breakfast. This place was not too far from the Oro Gora pizza restaurant, so the area was quite familiar. Once inside, we settled down in a shady spot with 5 lounge chairs (1 for Matija) when he arrived after work to join us. We swam outside first and the...

Sanja is Josip's daughter. She is delightful, young & has just returned from a long holiday at the beach in Kavran, Istria. We were all happy to see each other again. In the late afternoon we drove up the hill past Matija's (Sanja's boyfriend) place where we could look out over the valley & enjoy the view. Here the distant hills are dotted with houses and fields of corn as well as many vineyards. At the top of the hill is a church that only holds 4 masse...

After breakfast, Barica, John & I visited Mirko, Barica's younger son & had a lovely morning drinking cherry brandy, beer, wine & coffee to accompany the cheese, salami & zucchini pita made by his wife. Yes it was only 10 am & we were drinking alcohol. That's normal in Croatia, when you visit family. A glass or two is acceptable & is always offered regardless of the time of day. Mirko is retired, even though he is in his early 50's. He k...

After breakfast, Barica, John & I visited Mirko, Barica's younger son & had a lovely morning drinking cherry brandy, beer, wine & coffee to accompany the cheese, salami & zucchini pita made by his wife. Yes it was only 10 am & we were drinking alcohol. That's normal in Croatia, when you visit family. A glass or two is acceptable & is always offered regardless of the time of day. Mirko is retired, even though he is in his early 50's. He k...