Croatia Trip - Friday: Day trip to Bol, Brac Island

Pilgrimage to Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, on the southern coast of the island of Brac. Woke up early, bought ticket for day trip to Bol, had breakfast on the square (eggs and some very salty prosciutto, with tap water that came too late).

The trip to Bol takes two hours each way, even though the boat is going at pretty good clip at 10 knots. A woman who is spilling out of her swimsuit ("Boobs") and a guy also from the Bay Area who just never stops talking ("Chatterbox "). At least Chatterbox has made a couple British friends who enjoy his company and put up with his incessant speech. Turns out Chatterbox's true name is David, and he lives in Livermore.

The beach at Zlatni Rat wasn't as crowded as I had anticipated. Striaciatelle ice cream treat on the walk back, white wine for 8 Kunas while I waited for the boat back. 8 Kunas! Unbelievable.

On the way back, the captain served us a sweet citrus liquor called Kruskovuc. Delicious and what a treat. Halfway back on the boat, the lightning started. By the time we returned to Hvar, the skies opened up with a big thunderstorm.

Dinner at Alviz, with power going in and out. Had the tagliatelle with walnuts and shrimp in a cream sauce that tasted distinctly of mushrooms accompanied by a glass of house red wine, and finished off some real grappa.

Went back to room, showered, then spent last night in Hvar relishing the atmosphere. An proud to have sat in the town square for 15 minutes before needing to move and walk. Found a wine bar by the cathedral called ka'lavanda, ordered a Laganini, which tastes like a pinot, amidst some good music.