Opatija Luxury Living
One of the reasons that we decided to go to Croatia this summer was because two of our favorite Ohlone families (the Segos and the Comptons) were doing a week long boat trip along the coastline of Croatia starting and ending in Rijeka. Amazingly, we manage to add another spectacular family to our Croatian visit as one of Tom‘s longtime friends Dave Thompson was vacationing with his family 20 minutes south of Rijeka.
After gorging ourselves on the excellent breakfast buffet, we plopped ourselves into our seaside beach chairs and enjoyed the fantastic view of the Adriatic.
Around noon Dave, his sister, his ex wife and two kids arrived. In true Kramer, style we smuggled them into our pool area which was easy as no one seems to mind. Betty, 11, is autistic and lovely enjoyed jumping into the sea. The kids’ Ohlone education shined through as both kids were nonplussed by Betty and her communication style. At no point did anyone even seem to think an unkind thought as Betty is different not weird.
We spent a wonderful afternoon alternating between swimming in the chilly Adriatic, gawking at the amazing view from the balcony, and enjoying the indoor outdoor swimming pool. By 7 PM it was time for us to drive to Rijeka to meet up with the Sego‘s/Compton‘s. But of course the Kramers hate to waste anything and were delighted when we realized that Dave and his family could be us for dinner and enjoy the full buffet!
Tom found an off the beaten track restaurant that was conveniently located just steps down from the castle where the Sego/Compton‘s had been enjoying a spectacular view and equally spectacular beverages.
By 8 PM we were reunited, six adults at one table and six kids at another and 12 happy humans. There is something special about reconnecting with friends in foreign places, even if for only a short time.
The meal was excellent and there was some debate as to whether the porcini pasta or the duck breast was the superior dish but everyone’s meal was amazing and the total bill including wine was less than $20 per person!
We spent the evening swapping stories and laughing about the funny things that have happened along the way. Around 10 we started strolling back to the port where their boat was moored. Half of the group went straight to the boat while half of the group stayed for a beer at a rowdy portside bar. Around midnight we finally dragged our kids off the boat and made the short 20 minute drive back to our hotel.
A long but wonderful day reconnecting with friends.