Stunning Croatia!

I wish they all could be California girls??? I don't think so. . .

Either it's a case of American patriotism, or the Beach Boys never made it across that slice of land across the Adriatic Sea, but California girls have nothing on Croatian girls! ;-) Holy shit, it's unbelievable!

I was told that Zagreb sucks and that there was nothing to do there. Well, contrary to what some haters would have you believe, Zagreb is a nice place to visit. Sure, it doesn't boast the attractions found on the Dalmatian Coast. But you can spend a cool two nights in town. And they have a lively outdoor bar/cafe scene, with very reasonable prices. Some of the cheapest prices in Croatia, actually...

Booked at the Hobo Bear Hostel, which was a chilling place to stay at. Will return there in a little over a week, since I'm flying out of Zagreb. The crappy weather made me miss my chance to visit Plitvice Lakes, so I'll be doing that when I'm back in the Croatian capital. Rain or shine, I'm not leaving this country without visiting that national park. . .

Zadar, basically the first stop on the Dalmatian Coast is still under the radar of most travelers. Which is a good thing. But now that Ryanair is flying there, the secret's out! Its Old Town is gorgeous, and you don't have to elbow your way to get a photo taken. And please, don't leave Zadar before having at least a drink at the Garden, a cool outside bar on the waterfront.

Split is another beautiful city in Dalmatia. Stayed at the Hostel Situs, which was more like sharing a flat with people. Cool times! The Old Town is perfect, and the Diocletian's Palace is a "must see" attraction. The spectacular Riva Promenade is the perfect place to sit down and have a couple of drinks at night! As a major port on the Adriatic, Split is also the perfect departure point to catch a ferry to a panoply of stunning Croatian islands. I elected to visit Hvar, which was amazing!

Dubrovnik, on the other hand, is the perfect example of how mass tourism can kill a city's charm. It's so much smaller than everyone expects: less than a square kilometer. And yet, thousands upon thousands of package tourists invade the Old Town every day from cruise ships and tour buses. Hence, the city is filled to the brim and there is no way to truly enjoy it. The vibe is atrocious. Like in Italy, and unlike everywhere else in Croatia, you always get the feeling that everyone is simply after your money. Dubrovnik offers the worse value for your money, with prices higher than anywhere else in the country and you never get your money's worth. American, French, and Asian tour groups are everywhere. A bane for travelers the world over. Old American and French tourists getting in the way, moving oh so slowly, and complaining about everything seem to materialize every time I turn a corner or try to get somewhere.

Mass tourism. . . My God, I never expected Dubrovnik to be so bad. It feels like the city was beaten, raped, sodomized, and that's what we are left with. Nothing of its erstwhile beauty and charm and feel. It's gorgeous, no question. And a walk along the city walls will be the highlight of any trip. But man, the crowds have to be seen to be believed. It's not as bad at night when the ships have left the harbor and the tour buses have departed. But still, the least enjoyable and authentic experience you'll get in Croatia.

Spent three days in Montenegro, in Kotor, Budva, and Sveti Stefan. Leaving for Mostar, Bosnia, tomorrow morning. And I can't wait. I'm absolutely fed up with Dubrovnik. . .