Thursday, 17 July 2014

I love Korčula


Ok, I’ve decided I’m not coming home.  I’ve found the place that’s stolen my heart and I don’t want to leave it…ever.  Sorry mum.  Not going to lie though, it may very much have to do with the incredibly sexy bartender that I’m pretty sure I’m in love with.  Obviously probably not the type of love that results in forever after, but really, I don’t understand how someone can be that damn hot!!! I never appreciated the good looks of the Croatian guys before this summer and I can assure you, this guy is not alone - there are a looottttt.  I mean blue eyes, dark features and incredibly flirtatious….girls, beware. 

But seriously, Korcula is spectacular all on its own, hot bartenders aside.  The rich greenery of the dense forests, mixed with the crystal blue of the waters that meet the land are incredible for sightseeing.  Lombarda, a popular stop for sail boats to refuel and for guests to relax, is a perfect backdrop for the standard photo opportunity in the serene waters.  The water is cool, refreshing and very salty, however so clear you can see for metres below where you tread water.  Often you can see little fish swimming around you, very content to share the water with so many tourists. 

Beautiful waters off Korcula Island (Lombarda)

Heading into Korcula Old Town – wow.  It is said to be a mini Dubrovnik, with a beautiful fortified wall surrounding it.  The most interesting part of this town is its fish bone design, allowing cool breezes during summer and shelter during the winter months.  A phenomenal design for the pre-16th Century and really gives this Old Town an interesting vibe.  Marco Polo is rumoured to have been born in Korcula so there are plenty of “Marco Polo” inspired places, from his house he grew up in to a museum, souvenirs and even ice cream! However, my favourite place to go near the old town is Massimo.  An old tower-turned-cocktail bar, this quaint little place provides the best views off the Korcula coast.  The coolest thing about this bar though is the pulley system they use to deliver drinks.  You order with the top waiter, and the drinks are prepared below and put on a pulley to be delivered up to the top! It is a very sharp incline on a ladder to the top, so beware of the descent after a few too many of their delicious cocktails!
 

Aerial view of the Old Town
 
Enjoying a pinky colada at the top of Massimo Cocktail Bar
 
Walking away from the Old Town and along the marina, you will find many cute little restaurants and coffee shops.  My favourite restaurant though claims to have the best pizzas in Korcula and after trying one, I can see why.  BBQ Locos is a pizza and Mexican joint, with quick, cheap and delicious meals.  The owner Niki is a laugh and always keen to party, often bringing out shots for the whole table so everyone else can party too!  The vibe here is chilled, very popular with sail boats and money conscious travellers, without missing out on quality.  Definitely a must try!

For those of you that are party animals, the nightlife in Korcula is epic to say the least.  I have the most fun every week here in Korcula as the atmosphere is joyous and everyone is keen to have a good time! To start, head to Dos Locos, a tiny bar on the corner near the bus station.  This place gets packed here every night, however spills out onto the street for a massive street party.  Join this with a projector screen airing all important sporting games and if nothing of the sort is on, a very interesting display of the antics on the dance floor inside!  As many of the patrons are highly intoxicated, the stripper pole inside is enticing and the projector camera is often forgotten, making it extremely entertaining for those still outside. 

Partying in Dos Locos with some of my group
 
After here, jump in free taxis up to the island’s club, Boogie Jungle.  The name says it all – boogie in the jungle! The club is huge, with a large covered dance floor downstairs and a more relaxed atmosphere with couches upstairs.  However, there are plenty of areas to relax in the outside air, as the club is an open air design, with the stairs going up through the “jungle” to the upper level. 

On top of all these fun things to try, Korcula offers other activities such as a buggy riding experience, kayak hire and other water sports.  It is a vibrant place with a lot of activity, friendly locals, beautiful architecture, incredible scenery, delicious food and of course, hot barmen.  How could I not fall in love with this place??

Until next time

xxx

 

 

 

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

1. Spend 12 weeks on a boat tripping along the Croatian Coast – Part 1


Well I’ve officially finished my first week on the boat.  Technically, I’m half way through the second as we chat.  But wow what a week it was.  I am completely and utterly shattered, nursing a throat infection and trying to perform a job of communicator without a voice.  I know, how the hell am I going to survive the next 11 weeks??!!!

With the most amazing two groups of people on the boats I could have asked for, I felt compelled to indulge just a little too much last week…..

Crazy Mlini Family

Almissa Blu family (minus crazy Aussie boys)


Starting in Dubrovnik, I met the crazy Almissa Blu crew the night before we sailed.  Little did I know just how crazy they would be, especially when combined with a group of insane young Aussie guys, looking for a good time of booze, sun and girls.  Mix in some more Aussies, a few kiwis, a couple of English girls and then some more Aussies, this would be a week like no other, one I will never forget and one that I’m sure is very patchy for everyone else!

Most mornings started with triple vodkas at 8am for my adopted son, Dom (below) and it wasn’t too long before the others all joined in.  However, it was the crew that instigated the 6am Jack Daniels party, where 4 bottles disappeared within a few hours.  Now most people would be horrified by this, but with the naked dances from Dom, the gossip about snuggles from Tegan, the slug crawl by Joel, high kicks by Jack, the drunken slurs from Kearney, sexual grinding dances from Rocky and the daily appearance of Shaz (aka Susan), life was never dull on Almissa Blu. 

Dom loving life

My other boat, Mlini at first glances appeared a little tamer.  What a stupid assumption.  These guys’ gave the other boat a run for their money with daily “Kings Cup” expeditions, coupled with nicknames for everyone that, if forgotten, resulted in a consumption of your entire beverage.  Now I’m not very good with names to start with, but after learning actual names the first day, this task was much more difficult.  There sure was a lot of finger pointing.  I enjoyed seeing this boat in action as there was a little bit of incest going on, but what a wonderful love story for Jitterbug and Doug and Terd and Al Pacino.  Will these couples continue or was it just a week long fling?? I will keep you posted….

Mlini’s less finer moment was in Stari Grad, where we embark on a Wine Tasting expedition.  The boat was conveniently sloshed before even arriving into port, so the wine just slid on down.  And down, down, down quite a few more bottles went, before some of the guys thought they’d become a little invincible.  Sandybox, Al Pacino, the Doctor and others decided jumping off the roof into the vineyards would be a wonderful idea, effectively ending our welcome at the winery.  I don’t think anyone was too fazed though, because happy hour was on the boat, so party on!!

Wine Tour in Stari Grad

I have had the most incredible experience last week, met some amazing and beautiful people, got to visit the gorgeous places along the coast of Croatia and really couldn’t have asked for a smoother ride.  Some of these guys will be my friends for life and wow it makes me cherish how incredibly lucky I am to be working in Croatia on this party trip back and forth for the summer.  Tough gig that’s for sure. 

Until next update…

xx