Back to Croatia

Brian and I are wrapping up our time here in England and are taking our last trips. We really wanted to go back to visit Brian's family in Koprivnica, Croatia, and we were lucky enough to find an extended weekend to head over there once again. Croatia was my biggest surprise of all of our travels. It was the first time I had traveled to Eastern Europe, and I didn't know what to expect. We both love Croatia and definitely want to travel back to explore the coastline in the future. Of course we also love Croatia though because of the family and friends we have made there. =)

Our family in Croatia

Reading with Paula =)

Anja loved Brian's watch!

The thing you need to know about visiting Brian's family in Croatia is that they are amazing cooks and have a vineyard and make incredible wine. We joked that we didn't eat for a few days prior to our trip to make room in our tummies! We ate homemade strudel, fresh cheese from a family member's cow, real chicken noodle soup, and many other delicious dishes. And of course we had what has now become my favorite drink - Bambus. Bambus is a mix of Coke and red wine. Brian's favorite is the Gemist, a mixture of white wine and sparkling water. Brian also loves Croatian beer, Pan.

A night out in Koprivnica, Croatia

Our first night, we went to downtown Koprivnica for Museum Night. We then headed over to a local bar for drinks and live music. The band even played some American favorites like "Stand by Me" using traditional Croatian instruments, including the Tamburica, an instrument Brian's great-grandfather used to play growing up in the former Yugoslavia.

Museum Night in Koprivnica

A surreal night - hanging out in a Croatian bar listening to a traditional Croatian band.

The next day, I went shopping with the girls while Brian headed out to the vineyard to see more wine preparation. He didn't really work too hard; he just enjoyed the wine. That night, we had yet another amazing meal with the entire family.

At the vineyard

Paula studying with me before dinner =)

On our final day, we drove around different parts of the city and then headed out to the lake to feed the swans. We of course ended the night with yet another amazing meal and of course Bambus and Gemist. As we expected, this was another incredible trip. Here's hoping we can return again soon!