New Years Day - Croatia

There hadn't been anything planned for today but the owners of the travel bureau, who were travelling with us, asked us yesterday if we would like to have a trip organised. They found an independent tourist guide who was willing to work on New Years Day. We had a leisurely breakfast and left at 11am for Pula, in the south of the Istrian peninsula. On the way we stopped at a cafe where the tour guide asked if we could photograph from the terrace (see Flickr). She took us on a tour through the town of Pula. There wasn't too much to see as most things were closed due to the public holiday but there are a lot of remaining structures dating back to Roman times and Middle Ages. The Roman Arena (third and fourth extra) is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and with all three Roman architectural orders remaining. It was constructed in 27 BC – 68 AD. We skipped lunch as we had all eaten a substantial breakfast and restaurants were closed. We found a coffee shop that served fabulous coffee and hot chocolate - I had one made with white chocolate and hazelnuts. We were asked if we wanted to spend longer in Pula or did we want to visit a hill top town, Mošćenice, above where we were staying. Normally you need to get approval from the Burgermeister (mayor) and book a tour. Tour numbers are limited and  are booked 6 months ahead as the streets are small and winding (no cars) and there is minimal parking outside the village. Because we were leaving the next day she asked if we could just walk through the village which was met with approval. It was sunset again as we were driving up to the village but we were in time for a photo when the bus stopped. The village was picturesque  and beautifully decorated for Christmas. The Burgermeister surprised us by meeting our group and showed us through some of the streets before having a tasting of their Limencello and Grappa. The town now exists on tourism and sales of their homemade olive oil, honey, wine and lavender products. The Schnapps was served in the old olive mill, a huge stone which was turned by a pony. The Burgermeister was a very friendly, jovial man who made us laugh a lot. We were then 'invited' to visit the shop run by his wife to buy some products. We arrived home exhausted and in time for some more seafood for dinner.
More photos in Flickr