Down by the harbour in Medulin, Croatia, is a lovely little artisan shop selling all manner of regional drinks.

We popped in one morning, looking for something different for our bar at home. Also an opportunity to try out a few Hrvatski phrases we'd learned.

After saying good morning, how are you, in Croatian, the guy in the shop was only too pleased to show us his wares, hundreds of bottles available to sample for free.

After a dozen or so samples, we bought a bottle of Aura Teranino liqueur, a bottle of Jedna Rakija-Mandarin, and a bottle of the local red wine. All at a very reasonable price. Please, thank you, and goodbye earned us another freebie!

Back at the hotel, talking to a couple from down south. Amazed that they were complaining that there was little to buy in the area of the local produce. That the locals were abrupt and even unfriendly.

We told them of several shops we'd been to, and how accommodating the locals were. Maybe try a few words in the local language?

Blank stares. Everyone speaks English, they're just rude to tourists.

Oh, dear.

A day trip to Pula. Apart from the buses being rammed full, and very few and far between, we had a brilliant day. We'd researched what ancient sights were to be seen, the best local restaurants, and places that were a 'must see'.

A truly lovely city. Fantastic food and drink, and very friendly locals. One of the best meals we had ever had (the local truffle pasta), and free tasting of regional delicacies around every corner, too.

On the bus back, an English couple took the chance to complain to us that there was 'bugger all to see, the locals were unfriendly, and the day had been a waste of time and money.'

What?

Did you tour the amphitheatre, see the Gates of Hercules, the Temple of Augustus, find the mosaic of the Punishment of Dirce, visit the Cathedral? Maybe tried the local delicacies in the beautiful restaurants around the town?

Apparently they'd got off the bus, failed to find a bloody McDonalds, and promptly decided to return to their hotel!

Back at our hotel, the day after our visit, talking to another couple. Discovered they'd done Pula, too.

Oh dear.

Got off the bus, saw the Arena, didn't want to pay the ten-euro admission fee. Walked around for half an hour 'bloody starving', failed to find anywhere to eat down by the river, nothing to see but a shipyard, gave up and came back.

Totally stunned when we told them of our visit, showed them the photos of the sights and food we'd enjoyed a few yards away from the bus stop they'd got off from.

We promised to take them to the marina the next day, showed them what they were missing. They were astounded by the warm reception we were given.

Back at the hotel, asking for two red wines in Croatian, the guy next to us at the bar asks if we are fluent in the language and how often we'd been here.

No, and it's our first time here, but not the last!

'How do you know the language, then? We've been coming here for years and can't even say hello!'

Oh, dear.

Apparently English holiday-makers researching a few words of Croatian is a novelty, but I can assure you, it's much appreciated by the locals.

Please, folks, take the time on your travels to pick up a few basic phrases, you'll have a much better time and maybe, just maybe, discover there's more to travelling than finding the nearest burger joint!

FWR

27.05.24 Front Page

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