Lovan beach, Croatia, 4th October

Lovan, Istria.

Its hard to remember a whole 10 hours ago...! I'm back at the hostel with Andy, Rozie and Gordana, our hostel host and an Irish guy 'James' who is a quite a talented musician - apparantly he was on Croatian TV a few days ago. Gordana thanked us for bringing him here, as James actually approached me and Rozie at the coach station a few days ago when we on a day trip to Rovinj. He's a quiet sort of chap - for example when the rest of us were chatting in the lounge on an evening, he would be reading in his bed. But I wish I'd spoken to him before now. He's got a lovely Irish voice and sits playing his Celtic style Mandola with his eyes closed. It was one of those random evenings, unplanned and all the better for it. True travel randomness.

Earlier today we drove to a National park and beach via Pazin, the site of a castle and quite impressive gorge. At the national park Rozie was in a bit of strop as she wanted to get to the beach so I suggested me and Andy walk down the beach at Lovan and meet her and Paul there. The short trek took just shy of 2 hours and then the fun ensued. We took the best part of an hour walking along the promenade searching for them on 'Lovan beach.' I had left my bag with Rozie, and accidently left my mobile with them (ironically after making sure I had both numbers 'just in case!) and Andy didn't have either of their numbers either, so in the absence of finding them we settled down on what we were convinced was 'Lovan' beach. Unfortunately, I didnt have any of my sunbathing stuff either so had to strip to my matching red bra and g-string lacy knickers, making Andy swear not to peek! - and found a secluded spot to try and sunbathe and make the most of the remainder of the day. Time went by, and we tried texting Gordana who replied with Paul's number, who we texted and tried ringing about a million times to no avail. The sun eventually went down, stories were going through our minds form them having a massive falling out to crashing along the highway! - until Rozie eventually found my mobile in mg bag that they had rang once back in the car and realised it was mine, until she rang and after even more faffing about and missing one another we finally were all in the car together playing the blame game and drove back to Pula with the sun setting to the east along the coastline.

Back in the hostel we had a quick turnaround where I made my cheapo pasta and grabbed a very quick shower before heading out for some pizza or in my case a couple of much needed beers ha ha. Its been good hanging out with Paul and Andy even though they are completely hyper! - and we are all gonna head off together to Opajita tomorrow even though right now Ive no idea where we're gonna stay! Andy and I were up for a night on the town but its a Sunday here and not much going on. Glad now though .) Must go, wanna join in the singing...

LATER...

OK so we did a lot of singing, and drinking grappa which ws a huge mistake and we headed out to the amphitheatre with the musician who wanted to play for Dionysus...! It was very ambiotic, and not an average evening. It was a rather funny as we (namelz Rozie and myself) danced in the dark space re-enacting mzthical tales of old, and played along on his tin whistles and recorders. I stayed out really late with Andz and made a bit of a fool of myself after drinking far too much grappa and got to bed at a ridiculous time! Sob sob several dazs later I realised I had left mz rather nice, warm and chunky sweater. Gutted but that is the cost of an evening of vice...