The Bougainvillea at the Le Monde Cafe

After our leisure walk around the city, we found a lovely restaurant in the Varoš neighborhood.
It was the bougainvillea draped around its entrance that drew us in.

We ordered pasta followed by chocolate crepes.

The waiter was very nice and even interacted with Beli and sang along with her as she hummed, "Medo brundo, ne pona aj se ludo...."(something , something in Croatian)

I will definitely return again. I can picture myself sitting here having a cup of coffee and a slice of their homemade cake.

There is also a loft designated for meetings or birthday celebrations. I will have to bring my classmates from my Croatian class to have a lovely dinner together.

Their website couldn't say it better, "You'll find a special and unforgettable authentic Mediterranean atmosphere in the center of Split."

Plinarska 6
tel. (385-21) 32 22 65

Open 12:00 - 23:00

Beautiful views of Split, Croatia

In case you are wondering if that's the actual name of the city, it is and go ahead you can make the jokes. I was surprised with the name as well when I first met my hubby and he said, "yes I'm from Split, pronounced like a banana split!" I giggled as suddenly I had a craving for ice cream. Even though I have lived here for over a year, everyday I'm discovering new panoramic views of the city.

This hotel is owned by the mayor of the city, and it has been under construction for years. Politics and lack of money are to blame for the slow process.

My friends from Italy, South Africa and France. I do wonder what's on their mind.

Usually this street is busy with cars and we have to be careful and get out of the way, the drivers are insanely fast!
It was a warm morning and this cute dog was getting a bath under one of many water faucets found all over the city.

What do you enjoy the most about the city you live in? For me, it's the serenity found driving along the coast, the views are spectacular. Although I have to be brave about the windy roads. You don't want to know what happened when we traveled from Italy a few years ago. Ok, I will tell you. I was behind the driver's seat and hubby was driving and his Dad was in the front and his Mom in the back next to me. I began to feel nauseous and had to ask hubby to pull over. You know what happened next right? Then we drove to Opatija, beautiful town along the north coast of Croatia, where we stopped at a pharmacy. I explained to the pharmacist I needed tablets for motion sickness or nausea. Hubby said, "they don't have any." I replied, "I really need dramamine tablets" and the lady behind the counter said with her Croatian accent, "oh you need dramamine, of course we have it!" I guess it was my fault because I assumed the name would be different in Croatian. Lesson of the story, I always carry dramamine in my purse.

Update: (Thank you for your kind comments and prayers for Beli's great-grandfather. He remains hospitalized, still in critical condition.)

The essentials for going to the beach

And a splish and a splash to the beach in Znjan here we go! So what's in my beach bag? Six things you will find: sun hat, sunscreen, water wings (which Beli removed after 2 minutes), toys, water and snacks.

View to my right , many umbrellas.

And to my left, a forgotten pair of flip-flops.

In front of me I see five little toes.

After a couple of hours we headed to the nearest cafe for some gelato! Will you join us? What essentials do you carry in your beach bag?

Croatian children's party

Planning Beli's birthday party was a piece of cake. Like my friends said, simple is better and they were right.

Compared to a Mexican fiesta, where you slave for hours in the kitchen preparing mole, asado, ensalada, postre y pastel de tres leches, a Croatian party is much simpler.

We had a small celebration at home with friends and family. I will admit, my Mother-in-law did most of the cooking, she is a terrific cook. She made pasta with zucchini in a white cream sauce, tuna pate, and a platter of percuitto and cheese. Hubby prepared cold-cut wraps and I supplied the french salad.

Total time I spent in the kitchen, less than 10 minutes, that's how long it took me to transfer the salad from the store container to a serving bowl. What can I say, I'm lazy and spoiled by my Mother-in-Law.

Beli and her cousin Yayo. The kids enjoyed playing amongst each others, and I'm happy to report there were no crying spells. Her two friends: MO is 18 months old, and ES is 22 months. Aren't they cute?

Grandma also baked this delicious torta, a chocolate cake with mascarpone cream.

Setting the balloon free.

Kisses Beli, and a Happy Birthday to you!

Her actual birthday is next Saturday which will be celebrated in IOWA! You guessed it, Mexican style..so stay tuned.

Horseback riding in Split

I've always loved horses. This picture was taken when I was about 9 or 10 years old at my grandparents farm in Mexico. I remember telling my Grandpa, "one day Abuelito when I grow up, I will be a doctor so I can take care of all of your animals." Funny how life takes you in a different direction.

Twenty plus years have passed by and even though I didn't become a veterinarian I still love animals, especially horses.

This weekend we had a break in the rain and a group of friends and I enjoyed our Sunday afternoon at the Konjicki Klub located in the small village of Ogorje. It's tucked away in the hills outside of Split, about 40 minutes away.

I took this photo from inside the office and wondering where the mariachi sombrero came from. The owner, Ivica was a great host and had many stories to share from his years of owning horses. He mentioned that he also leads six-day expeditions to the Plitvice lakes, camping along the way. Doesn't this sound like a fun adventure? You can click here for more information. For the one hour of horseback riding it was 100 kunas or if you want to ride longer he also has a 4 hour excursion with lunch provided, he gives you the option to choose your meal. Hubby is thinking lamb. Me? tofu!

This is Nura the horse I rode, she is 17 years old. Isn't she a beauty?

There are over 70 horses on the ranch and Ivica takes great pride in taking care of them. We were even 'lucky' (depending on your point of view) to see one of his horses, an English stud mating with a German mare.

Beautiful scenery along our path.

We informed the owner that we were beginner riders and because he was concerned for our safety we had personal escorts but you could also choose to ride alone. Our friend Robert is leading the way.

Our friend Kelly and Jay are from Ohio and you can read about their adventures of living overseas here.

It was the perfect day for horseback riding. We had a small picnic afterwards and discussed that our next visit should be for the 4-hour excursion. How did you spend your weekend?