During the night there was a significant change in the weather and we awoke to find heavy rain and very miserable conditions indeed. The locals assured us that this rainstorm would pass and that by late afternoon it would clear.
After an early breakfast we said farewell to Willy and our German and Swiss cycling friends of whom three couples were to drive the 1000km or more to their homes taking several days to do it.
We packed our bags and vacated our cabins leaving our luggage on the ‘Tarin’ to collect later if and when the rain eased. We headed off in raincoats to find the bus station to check that our travel plans for tomorrow morning are in order. With this confirmed we headed into Pula’s old town to find it practically deserted and the streets awash. We had coffees under the protection of a canvas awning and then decided that we needed more cover from the weather so we ventured into the small Café Uliks which is tucked in a corner behind the Sergius Arch. The café has a larger than life-sized bronze sculpture of James Joyce outside its front door and inside it has some photos and memorabilia of Joyce’s time in Pula.
Our Aussie group at Sergius Arch
Our Aussie group with hot chocolates at James Joyce Cafe, Pula
Inside James Joyce Cafe, Pula
With the rain having now abated a little we ventured back to the ‘Tarin’ and said our last goodbyes to the Admiral, Ina and Kuki before collecting our bags and walking up to the Scaletta Hotel where we’re staying tonight.
In the mid-afternoon the rain ceased as predicted and in semi-sunshine we wandered back down into the city centre of Pula and bought some provisions and liquid refreshments. We also ventured beyond the normal tourist zone and discovered the large market square. Although being Sunday it was devoid of activity.
Scarletta Hotel, Pula
Central City Market, Pula
Amphitheatre, Pula
Back at the Scaletta we had a gin and tonic with our Irish cycling friend Richard who is staying in the same hotel and then we all walked to the nearby Peekaboo pizza restaurant for an evening meal. The choice of pizzas included one with a healthy sprinkling of truffle pieces. This one proved to be very popular as was the selection of local wines.
Before heading for bed we all said farewell to Richard who is to leave very early tomorrow before breakfast. Our close contact riding with him over this last week or so has resulted in a friendship developing that we hope can continue. As an international pilot there’s a chance he may get to visit us all in Australia or maybe for us to visit him in Dublin.
Tomorrow morning the six of us board a public bus at 10:00 and head for the Plitvice Lakes and Waterfalls; a further adventure in this amazing and much unknown part of the world.