Pula - Rome for a day

Today I made what should have been an easy day trip to Pula - the largest city on Istria and just about 45 minutes to the south.

Everything was planned out but as they say - best laid plans.

I got up early grabbed a coffee and walked over to the bus station. The bus was due to leave at 915a to get me in with plenty of time to join a free tour.

Unfortunately, the 915 bus was signed to Zagreb - it final destination and didn't show the stop in Pula. So I missed that bus and the tour.

It was pretty easy to use the free tour itinerary and wander the significantly larger and busier old town.

The most impressive stop is the arena which rivals the coliseum in Rome. Pula was occupied by Rome and still maintains significant ruins. In addition to the arena there are several old city gates and a mostly reconstructed temple. (Damaged in WWII)

The other interesting site, is the cathedral and XX of St Francis which contains so ancient mosaics to feature a swastika - an ancient symbol of goodwill - which, of course, has been bastardized.

Stopped for a satisfying lunch of pulled pork with slaw and a local beer (the beer might have been trouble). I had a nice chat with my server about the seasonality of Pula. Much like Nantucket, 5 or 6 months.

The sun and my beer might have affected my ability to truly enjoy my final stop at the Istria Olive Oil Museum. There was an audio tour which basically confirmed the supremacy of Istrian olive oil and then a tasting of an excellent, mediocre and acceptable oil ( reminded me of the tasting we did in New Zealand, without the hairnets)

My ticket included a cow milk cheese (yougurt) with honey, mint and fig and we could add olive oil. The second time adding olive oil to dessert. It was lovely.

Grabbed the bus and nap and then heads to my favorite cliff bar. And then a bit of food - quite good pizza with Prosciutto and done read wine - service not so great.

(I inquired with the bar about getting g a job next year - without a work visa - and as I expected, he replied ' get settled and anything is possible)

Trying to figure out tomorrow. There is the possibility of fishing trip but I'm am guessing it will be a beach type day.

Heading for gelato!