So, the deed is done. Yay ! What a nice young couple. I use 'young' loosely, right?
Rev Bev and our interpreter Robert Sedak. Robert did an amazing job translating the service for the Croatian guests. As well, we did half our vows in English, half in Croatian. Very cool.
My groomsmen (and Bruno, the ring-bearer), followed by Reny's bridesmaids - both a bunch of goofballs in their own sweet ways.
The next photo I like. Everyone is paying attention nicely, and Reny and I have that 'when the hell do you think they'll leave us alone' look in our eyes. :-)
Finally, we hit the hall we rented and party until very late. I call the next photo 'Rock and Roll Face'.
After Sept 10th, the guests started peeling out pretty quick. Some continued adventuring through Europe, some headed home. Eight of our guests shared the same Sept 14th flight home to Whitehorse. On Sept 16th, Renata and I headed for the beautiful Croatian coast. First we went to Pula to check out the ancient Roman Colosseum that was built there about 2500 years ago. Those crazy Romans were everywhere back in the day.
Unlike the Colosseum in Rome, this one is almost completely intact, and they continue to host concerts and productions here on a constant basis. Phenomenal.
Renata and I decided to go on a boat tour of the Brijuni Islands, where Tito made his home, and the site of various parks and zoos. The tour boat was called 'Pirate Ship Ana Marija' and it was a 5 hour tour.
Some of the tour participants (us included) got dropped off on one of the islands, where there is an ancient quarry, and some nice facilities for tourists. Also, some four-legged friends as well. Renata and her love of animals. Of course. She shares the carrots she brought along.
Walking along the Promenade in Medulin, you come across some pretty odd stuff. Can anyone say LAWSUIT ??
After our second night in Pula (actually, a small town called Medulin 7 kms out of Pula) we decided to continue along the coast to Zadar, stopping briefly for an awesome photo just outside of the seaside town of Karlobag.
On our way to Zadar, we passed through Smiljan, the birthplace of Nikola Tesla. This amazing Croatian-born scientist now has a nice memorial dedicated to him, and we toured through his house, now a museum, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
One last one, I can't resist.
"The intellect of men will govern the motion of the stars" Yeah. Go Nikola. He also predicted a few small things such as cell phones and the internet. He also did some of the very first experimentation with x-rays and a little known technology called television.
On to Zadar - one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Croatia. It is well known for it's collection of amazing churches and cathedrals. This one here is surrounded by more ancient Roman ruins. Amazing.
I'm telling you, those crazy Romans were everywhere. :-)
I love the next shot, the amazing streets in Zadar are polished to a bright shine from centuries (millennium I guess, really) of people walking the roads. Incredible to see, I hope the next photo comes close to doing it justice.
After we spent a nice quiet night in the lovely Vila Valentina, we headed back out to the now angry sea to fulfill Eka's wish - that we bring her home some sea water from the Adriatic. The waves were about four feet high and I got drenched right up to my shoulder - but hey, it's for moja punica (moy-a poon-eets-ah) (my mother-in-law) so how could I not?
On the way back to Popovaca, we drove the back road instead of the main highway. We passed through a town with a great name. God, I'm such a child. Tee Hee.
Since then, we have pretty much been kicking around the house, doing not much of anything, and actually relaxing. Visiting some folks, and laying around. It's been nice.
For those of you in Whitehorse, see you October 2nd. For those of you elsewhere in the world, and especially in Croatia, Sretan Put, (Good Journey) from the Traveling Fools.
Much love,
Kevin & Renata
