Barb's Fab Adventures in Cotswolds, London and Croatia
Nov 9th, 2009, 12:48 AM
#21
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Well, I'm really enjoying your trip report Barb! It's amazing how much detail you remembered considering how tired you were. But we did have a good time.
historytraveler, Tipputs Inn is on the A46 which is the main road running south to Bath. It is a mile or so above Nailsworth, on the right if you are heading for Bath.
http://www.food-club.com/tipputs.htm
Lee Ann, yes that was a nice evening we had when you and Mr Pickle were staying in this relatively undiscovered part of the Cotswolds. I still remember the rainbow!
Nikki - if you find yourself in this part of the Cotswolds next summer, and would like to meet, let me know.
historytraveler, Tipputs Inn is on the A46 which is the main road running south to Bath. It is a mile or so above Nailsworth, on the right if you are heading for Bath.
http://www.food-club.com/tipputs.htm
Lee Ann, yes that was a nice evening we had when you and Mr Pickle were staying in this relatively undiscovered part of the Cotswolds. I still remember the rainbow!
Nikki - if you find yourself in this part of the Cotswolds next summer, and would like to meet, let me know.
Nov 9th, 2009, 01:20 AM
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Thanks for a wonderful read. I've had Cotswalds on my list for a while and this is pushing it higher. Can't wait to get to Dubrovnik. I think I know the commercial for Croatia ("the Mediterranean as it once was"?) that got you there. They still have it and I watch it every time. It's so beautiful and I love the music.
Nov 9th, 2009, 01:34 AM
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Interesting report, thanks.
I think your friend will be unlucky in her appeal; loading zones are for commercial vehicles unloading to businesses - delivery trucks etc. We have a loading zone outside our offices but we can't use it as we only have cars - the fact that we are delivering/picking up papers to the office doesn't matter. They are for lorries/vans only.
Hotels have to provide their own privately owned parking if they want it.
I can see why you may have been confused though...
I think your friend will be unlucky in her appeal; loading zones are for commercial vehicles unloading to businesses - delivery trucks etc. We have a loading zone outside our offices but we can't use it as we only have cars - the fact that we are delivering/picking up papers to the office doesn't matter. They are for lorries/vans only.
Hotels have to provide their own privately owned parking if they want it.
I can see why you may have been confused though...
Nov 9th, 2009, 02:11 AM
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Yes, I do expect to have to pay up, but felt it worth appealing. The sign was a little misleading IMO, it stated Sundays, loading only, 40 minutes. We were barely 10 minutes checking in and finding our where the hotel's private underground garage was located (it is not signed at all) and I really didn't expect an enforcement officer to be around on a Sunday evening. He said he issued the ticket as he saw no actual unloading taking place, and many people abuse the parking there.
Oh well, I think I was a bit unlucky, but it could have been worse - at least the car wasn't clamped or towed away!
Oh well, I think I was a bit unlucky, but it could have been worse - at least the car wasn't clamped or towed away!
Nov 9th, 2009, 08:26 AM
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JulieVikmanis: Yes, I am sure that is the same commercial. I just sat and stared, practically drooling, at it. I stored it away in the back of my brain and, when planning a special b'day present for myself, the vision of those gorgeous blue waters and the music came rushing forth. I think it was meant to be...
Nov 9th, 2009, 11:09 AM
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We were up and out fairly early as we had a lot to cover in a short period of time. After a quick breakfast of toast and capuccino across the street from the hotel, we headed back to Covent Garden. There were lots of tables/stalls set up with antiques of every shape and size. We strolled through there for awhile and then headed to the Tube for a short ride to Leichester Square. The goal was to see London's famous squares. It was sprinkling a little, but not bad at this point. From there we boarded a bus, the next stop being Trafalgar Sq. I was pleased to see a small crowd around the "4th plinth" a young woman who was busily crotcheting, or kitting something, somewhat oblivious to what is turning into a rainy day. I am not really totally sure what this is all about, but the Fourth Plinth in Traf. Sq., (square block at the base of a column, or pedestal),was originally intended for an equestrian statue, but has been empty for many years and is now the location for specially commissioned artwork. The ‘fourth plinth’ was sculptor Anthony Gormley’s latest project, in which he randomly selected a different person for one hour, every hour for 100 days to occupy the empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. The crotceting plinther, Heather, was throwing cards commemorating her one hour of fame with little crotcheted flowers attached from atop her perch. Mine is now in my journal. www.oneandother.co.uk
Back on the bus and on to Piccadilly. We walked around this area a bit and because of the now cold, rainy weather, decided to head back to the hotel, pack up and begin the LONG drive out of London to Gatwick.
DJ had allowed 2 hrs. to get to Gatwick. The traffic was heavy and getting out of London proved to be taking longer than planned. TG! DJ did not tell me how worried she was getting that we might not make it because I would have been freaking out!! After a wrong turn into the parking lot, we were on the shuttle bus taking deep breaths, "We Made It!!" Check in for our Easyjet flight was, ha, easy. We picked up some sandwiches, crisps and a "screw top" bottle of wine for our lunch on the plane. We managed to pick up a couple small plastic cups that were being used at a demo table for our wine. DJ scurried ahead of me to get us a good seat and soon we were settled in and eating our lunch and had just poured our little glasses of wine - when they announced that bringing any alcohol aboard for consumption during the flight was prohibited. Oh no... our bottle was then quickly put into the sandwich bag and we looked like two old winos, pouring out of the bag. We didn't care, it was SO nice to just be on the plane, relaxing and feeling a little naughty.
In hindsight, trying to fit in a trip to London was probably crazy, and due to the time constraint and bad weather, I felt a little overwhelmed there. I am sure I will be back with much more time to spend to give it a fair chance.
Back on the bus and on to Piccadilly. We walked around this area a bit and because of the now cold, rainy weather, decided to head back to the hotel, pack up and begin the LONG drive out of London to Gatwick.
DJ had allowed 2 hrs. to get to Gatwick. The traffic was heavy and getting out of London proved to be taking longer than planned. TG! DJ did not tell me how worried she was getting that we might not make it because I would have been freaking out!! After a wrong turn into the parking lot, we were on the shuttle bus taking deep breaths, "We Made It!!" Check in for our Easyjet flight was, ha, easy. We picked up some sandwiches, crisps and a "screw top" bottle of wine for our lunch on the plane. We managed to pick up a couple small plastic cups that were being used at a demo table for our wine. DJ scurried ahead of me to get us a good seat and soon we were settled in and eating our lunch and had just poured our little glasses of wine - when they announced that bringing any alcohol aboard for consumption during the flight was prohibited. Oh no... our bottle was then quickly put into the sandwich bag and we looked like two old winos, pouring out of the bag. We didn't care, it was SO nice to just be on the plane, relaxing and feeling a little naughty.
In hindsight, trying to fit in a trip to London was probably crazy, and due to the time constraint and bad weather, I felt a little overwhelmed there. I am sure I will be back with much more time to spend to give it a fair chance.
Nov 9th, 2009, 03:06 PM
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Because it was dark when we flew over Dubrovnik, I wasn't able to enjoy that stunning first glimpse. The airport has really been going through some changes -for the better -- expanded and much nicer baggage claim. Nino our driver was waiting for us with a small van with a few other people he was collecting. It was like stepping back into summer, a soft, warm, fragrant sea breeze welcomed us. I think the night time view of Dubrovnik is every bit as breathtaking as in the day! with the city lite up with that glorious warm glow. Nino had arranged for a man with a cart at the Ploce Gate to help us get our bags to our apts. DJ's apt. was just steps away from mine. Usually the main street door to my apt. is always open, or at least not locked, but now it was. I had emailed V, the owner, to let him know when I would be there, so I was a little surprised. The cart guy tried punching a few of the intercom buttons, but nothing. Pretty soon another guy walking by and joined us in trying to get V. When we finally reached him, he came down and to our surprise he knew the guys helping us - they were like good old friends! Anyway, I had lots of strong arms to haul "big boy" up the one flight of stairs to my "home". After DJ and I got settled in, with heart pounding and butterflies in my stomach we set out to meet my guy (DG). It had been a whole year since I had seen him, even though we talk every Sat. morning. All those stupid, insecure things were going around in my mind... what if he thinks I"m too fat, what if he hates my new hair do, what if he hates my shoes, what if.... but the minute we saw each other, all that nonsense just melted away. We had a great dinner, but to tell you the truth, I have no idea what I had and in fact, I really don't remember too much else about that evening and, hmmm didn't write in my journal before bedtime, wink wink. All the bad travel memories vanished as I could slowly begin to feel myself slowly relax into life there and blessedly picking up where I left off.
Nov 10th, 2009, 02:15 PM
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Continuing on -- Tues. 10/6
The plan had been to get up early and take the bus to Lapad and Baba Kuk, which we did, just real eary, lol. Bus 4 took us to the Palace Hotel and a path took us from there through some nice shady gardens to the beach. There is a naturalist beach just a little north and I guess south? towards Gruz is the Copacabana Beach. Love, love this beach! It was so incredibly laid back and relaxing there. We sat at an outdoor cafe and had lunch. Watching the swimmers and sunbathers convinced me that I had to come back soon with a bathing suit and probably some swim shoes as the beach was pebbly and hard to walk on in bare feet, well for this tender foot at least. The weather was glorious. Bright blue skies, and about 80. What a relief from the cold, damp weather in London. Gee do you think that's maybe why so many Brits come to Dubrovnik? After deciding to tear ourselves away from there, we walked along the path which eventually led to the Dubrovnik Yacht Club and then back to the main road and Gruz. We hopped back on the #4 and rode back to Old Town.
Julia was having some real issues with her foot, plantars fascietis (sp) and her ankle was quite swollen as well. So we took it pretty easy for the rest of the afternoon.
The plan had been to get up early and take the bus to Lapad and Baba Kuk, which we did, just real eary, lol. Bus 4 took us to the Palace Hotel and a path took us from there through some nice shady gardens to the beach. There is a naturalist beach just a little north and I guess south? towards Gruz is the Copacabana Beach. Love, love this beach! It was so incredibly laid back and relaxing there. We sat at an outdoor cafe and had lunch. Watching the swimmers and sunbathers convinced me that I had to come back soon with a bathing suit and probably some swim shoes as the beach was pebbly and hard to walk on in bare feet, well for this tender foot at least. The weather was glorious. Bright blue skies, and about 80. What a relief from the cold, damp weather in London. Gee do you think that's maybe why so many Brits come to Dubrovnik? After deciding to tear ourselves away from there, we walked along the path which eventually led to the Dubrovnik Yacht Club and then back to the main road and Gruz. We hopped back on the #4 and rode back to Old Town.
Julia was having some real issues with her foot, plantars fascietis (sp) and her ankle was quite swollen as well. So we took it pretty easy for the rest of the afternoon.
Nov 10th, 2009, 02:41 PM
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oops, that should be "which we did, just not real early, lol"
Trying to do this at work between projects.
That evening we had arranged to meet some friends I had met last year and who live in Bristol, for dinner. They have been going to Dubrovnik every October for many years. My DG joined us and we had a wonderful evening. Dinner was at Rosarij, my favorite resto in Dubrovnik. It is tucked away at the end of Prijeko, which is the street with all the rather touristy restos. This is a hidden gem! The freshest seafood, OMG. It has received good comments on TA. I had, grilled sea bass with swiss chard and potatoes and DJ and I shared a mixed salad and a 1/2 ltr of the house white wine, which is very good and I believe from Korcula. DJ's foot was really swollen and quite sore even after DG's kind massage. After a really fun evening, we all said our goodnights. Thankfully our walk back to my place is short and we were back in each other's arms, like I had never left.
Trying to do this at work between projects.
That evening we had arranged to meet some friends I had met last year and who live in Bristol, for dinner. They have been going to Dubrovnik every October for many years. My DG joined us and we had a wonderful evening. Dinner was at Rosarij, my favorite resto in Dubrovnik. It is tucked away at the end of Prijeko, which is the street with all the rather touristy restos. This is a hidden gem! The freshest seafood, OMG. It has received good comments on TA. I had, grilled sea bass with swiss chard and potatoes and DJ and I shared a mixed salad and a 1/2 ltr of the house white wine, which is very good and I believe from Korcula. DJ's foot was really swollen and quite sore even after DG's kind massage. After a really fun evening, we all said our goodnights. Thankfully our walk back to my place is short and we were back in each other's arms, like I had never left.
Nov 10th, 2009, 03:48 PM
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woops-- after rereading my notes, I noticed that I did not have grilled fish -- not that it matters, ha., but it was rather interesting because we were served a little sampling of steak tartar, just to try because the owner had made it just that evening and he wanted us to try it. I have NEVER eaten raw hamburger -- think e-coli!! But, I have to say, it was wonderful. We also shared some delicious grilled calamari.
Wed. 10/7:
We took the 1B bus to Gruz to check out the ferry schedule to Lopud, but the times just did not work out, so we walked through the Farmer's Market in Gruz. It was quite large with many varieties of veg and fruit and the seafood, well what can I say, fresh, fresh, smelled like the sea. Every shape and size was displayed. Most looked very foreign to me, I live on the West Coast in a fishing town with BIG fish ha. I did not see too many tourists here, mostly locals filling their shopping bags for dinner that evening I suspect.
I had packed a small bag with swimsuit and towel in anticipation of maybe spending the day on Lopud, but since there was a change of plans, we decided to take the local bus back to Old Town and then take the bus to Mlini and maybe find a nice beach for a swim there. We jumped on the bus and no sooner had it pulled away when I realized I had left my beach bag sitting on the bench at the bus stop. By the time the bus came to the next stop, I was quite a ways from there, so I quickly ran ahead, fully expecting to see the bag gone. But, there it was... and as it turned out it was a blessing in disguise because, right across the street from that bench was the bus station for all the local buses and one that said Cavtat, so I thought that it probably would be the one to take us to Mlini too and,, it was!!
DJ and I both fell in love with Mlini. We walked from the main road down to the beach and then walked along the water past small sandy beaches and to Srebreno where we stopped and had a glass of wine at a lovely cafe right on the water. It was just amazingly beautiful, quiet and serene. On our way back to Mlini we passed an inviting looking place "Bistro Caffe "G". It was on one side of the road and on the beach side was a shady terrace with nice comfy chairs. Lunch was very good - antipasta platter for DJ and grilled chicken, grilled vegs and fries for me -- SO good.
There was a really nice little cove/beach with sand! which is hard to come by in Croatia, right below the terrace. But,, by the time we ate and shared a 1/2 ltr. of vino, we decided to just sit on the terrace and have tea/latte and save a swim for another day. We were quickly getting into the "sit back and take a deep breath" mode. We both decided that we could have stayed there all day -- maybe even live there, ha. It was truly one of those Ah Ha moments and we both felt it. We decided to take the boat back to Dubrovnik at 4:00, I think to maybe just prolong that wonderful feeling that was going on. We were the only ones on the boat and, if I ever figure out how to do photos on here, I have a couple that will give you an idea of how we were feeling that afternoon.
And, very fitting to the mind set, we headed straight to the Buza Bar to watch the sunset. Well, it wasn't quite as relaxing as that terrace in Mlini, but it is pretty darn close, listening to the oldies music, warm adriatic breeze, and watching that magnificant sun sink into the sea. This was such a good day!!
Hence, my thread "Buza Bar Alert" for those who didn't see it.
Wed. 10/7:
We took the 1B bus to Gruz to check out the ferry schedule to Lopud, but the times just did not work out, so we walked through the Farmer's Market in Gruz. It was quite large with many varieties of veg and fruit and the seafood, well what can I say, fresh, fresh, smelled like the sea. Every shape and size was displayed. Most looked very foreign to me, I live on the West Coast in a fishing town with BIG fish ha. I did not see too many tourists here, mostly locals filling their shopping bags for dinner that evening I suspect.
I had packed a small bag with swimsuit and towel in anticipation of maybe spending the day on Lopud, but since there was a change of plans, we decided to take the local bus back to Old Town and then take the bus to Mlini and maybe find a nice beach for a swim there. We jumped on the bus and no sooner had it pulled away when I realized I had left my beach bag sitting on the bench at the bus stop. By the time the bus came to the next stop, I was quite a ways from there, so I quickly ran ahead, fully expecting to see the bag gone. But, there it was... and as it turned out it was a blessing in disguise because, right across the street from that bench was the bus station for all the local buses and one that said Cavtat, so I thought that it probably would be the one to take us to Mlini too and,, it was!!
DJ and I both fell in love with Mlini. We walked from the main road down to the beach and then walked along the water past small sandy beaches and to Srebreno where we stopped and had a glass of wine at a lovely cafe right on the water. It was just amazingly beautiful, quiet and serene. On our way back to Mlini we passed an inviting looking place "Bistro Caffe "G". It was on one side of the road and on the beach side was a shady terrace with nice comfy chairs. Lunch was very good - antipasta platter for DJ and grilled chicken, grilled vegs and fries for me -- SO good.
There was a really nice little cove/beach with sand! which is hard to come by in Croatia, right below the terrace. But,, by the time we ate and shared a 1/2 ltr. of vino, we decided to just sit on the terrace and have tea/latte and save a swim for another day. We were quickly getting into the "sit back and take a deep breath" mode. We both decided that we could have stayed there all day -- maybe even live there, ha. It was truly one of those Ah Ha moments and we both felt it. We decided to take the boat back to Dubrovnik at 4:00, I think to maybe just prolong that wonderful feeling that was going on. We were the only ones on the boat and, if I ever figure out how to do photos on here, I have a couple that will give you an idea of how we were feeling that afternoon.
And, very fitting to the mind set, we headed straight to the Buza Bar to watch the sunset. Well, it wasn't quite as relaxing as that terrace in Mlini, but it is pretty darn close, listening to the oldies music, warm adriatic breeze, and watching that magnificant sun sink into the sea. This was such a good day!!
Hence, my thread "Buza Bar Alert" for those who didn't see it.
Nov 10th, 2009, 06:16 PM
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Ha, well I feel like I am talking to myself, but that's ok, some of the emails I'm receiving are encouraging me to continue, so I will, for them and, because this is helping me relive the memories and, in the process, I hope I am sharing some useful information.
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:52 PM
#34
Barb, you're not talking to yourself at all. Great, unique report. I have been following--haven't commented earlier because a trip to Croatia (though oft-contemplated) is not in my near future.
Looking forward to more! And yes to photos, please.
Looking forward to more! And yes to photos, please.
Nov 10th, 2009, 08:10 PM
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You are certainly not just talking to yourself. I did want to say that we were just in Dubrovnik for the first time this past May/June and fell in love with it too. Eager to return.It is a bit of paradise. More please.
Nov 11th, 2009, 03:06 PM
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Thanks Leely, History and Mimar for hanging in there with me. Trip reports are hard work and it's always nice to know that someone is appreciating it.
So, continuing,,, DJ and I decide to split up for dinner that night. That's what is so great about traveling with someone you can honestly communicate with. She and I are good travel buds now.
DG and I decide to try Proto for dinner. I think it is one of the better restos in town, a little more $$ than Rosarij, but worth the splurge. It is a warm evening, so we decide to eat at one of the small streetside tables. I had a small grouper, just the right size for me and the usual side of chard and spud, lol. We share a very fresh salad, which reminded me of all those wonderful vegs at the market, and here they were artfully composed on our plate. Most restos dress their salads with a light vinegarette w/o asking you if this ok. No listing off all the salad dressings ever made, like they do here. lol. Creme caramel was the perfect finale to a luscious dinner.
After dinner we leisurely strolled the Stradun, taking in all the atmosphere, music lilting out of windows, and wonderful aromas wafting down the small alleyways, luring people to investigate. Every moment with my dear sweet guy is a gift and I can't believe I am so blessed.
So, continuing,,, DJ and I decide to split up for dinner that night. That's what is so great about traveling with someone you can honestly communicate with. She and I are good travel buds now.
DG and I decide to try Proto for dinner. I think it is one of the better restos in town, a little more $$ than Rosarij, but worth the splurge. It is a warm evening, so we decide to eat at one of the small streetside tables. I had a small grouper, just the right size for me and the usual side of chard and spud, lol. We share a very fresh salad, which reminded me of all those wonderful vegs at the market, and here they were artfully composed on our plate. Most restos dress their salads with a light vinegarette w/o asking you if this ok. No listing off all the salad dressings ever made, like they do here. lol. Creme caramel was the perfect finale to a luscious dinner.
After dinner we leisurely strolled the Stradun, taking in all the atmosphere, music lilting out of windows, and wonderful aromas wafting down the small alleyways, luring people to investigate. Every moment with my dear sweet guy is a gift and I can't believe I am so blessed.
Nov 11th, 2009, 03:22 PM
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Thurs. 10/8:
It was agreed that we would all meet at 11:00 at the Buza Gate and then we were heading north but I was actually not sure exactly where. DG speaks fairly good English, but sometimes, details are lost in translation, lol. I was a little late, and literally had to run up the steps leading up from Stradun to the Buza Gate, TG for all that pre-trip hill/stair climbing prep at home!! And... OMG, it was hot!!
There was DJ and DG, waiting, not so patiently for me. After I jumped into his car and we were heading north out of town, they told me we wer
It was agreed that we would all meet at 11:00 at the Buza Gate and then we were heading north but I was actually not sure exactly where. DG speaks fairly good English, but sometimes, details are lost in translation, lol. I was a little late, and literally had to run up the steps leading up from Stradun to the Buza Gate, TG for all that pre-trip hill/stair climbing prep at home!! And... OMG, it was hot!!
There was DJ and DG, waiting, not so patiently for me. After I jumped into his car and we were heading north out of town, they told me we wer
Nov 11th, 2009, 04:27 PM
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Sorry, hit the wrong, "little" key on this very small keyboard, and, it submitted,
So,, they told me were going on a picnic and DG had put together this wonderful lunch. We drove past Zaton, up the coast, past stunning views, and suddenly, DG remembered that he had forgotten something for our picnic and pulled over to the side of the road and jumped out of the car. DJ and I were wondering where he had gone, and then, he was back, with two lemons he had picked off someone's tree -- for our fresh, fresh, Ston oysters! Shortly past the turn off to Ston, we turned down a very steep, windy road, down to the sea. We parked and then we were walking along either a "jeep" path, or maybe a "sheep" path, ha, again the lost in translation issue.
Most of the beaches along the S. Dalmatian coast are rocky and pebbly. We came upon a beach with some large smooth rocks, actually one that looked like a bench and we settled in there. DG made a sorta lean-to with some beach wood and some of our outer shirts for the top and shade. There was a small spot under the lean-to where, very fair skinned, DJ could sit and get out of the very hot sun. DG unfolded our unbelievable lunch --- the freshest of Ston oysters, bread, cheese, ham, (dalmatian proscuitto) tomatoes from his garden, w/sea salt!! .. a ripe melon and a special bottle of Korcula white vino, ..with lots of mineral water. OMG!! This is SO, off the tourist map, so incredibly awesome, and so F...HOT!! We slurped and savored the 2 doz. oysters with VERY fresh, off the tree, lemons, throwing our shells into the sea. Lots of laughs and then DJ and DG, talking me into going into the water, sans swimsuit!!! Ok, I did not know this was going to be a beach picnic. So.. after much encouragement from DJ and hand holding from DG, I managed to somewhat maintain my dignity, and swim in that welcoming, cool, refreshing, clear blue Adriatic water.
Oh, no, I do remember reading about seaurchins-- no, not you DSeaUrchin.. but the real thing!
So,, they told me were going on a picnic and DG had put together this wonderful lunch. We drove past Zaton, up the coast, past stunning views, and suddenly, DG remembered that he had forgotten something for our picnic and pulled over to the side of the road and jumped out of the car. DJ and I were wondering where he had gone, and then, he was back, with two lemons he had picked off someone's tree -- for our fresh, fresh, Ston oysters! Shortly past the turn off to Ston, we turned down a very steep, windy road, down to the sea. We parked and then we were walking along either a "jeep" path, or maybe a "sheep" path, ha, again the lost in translation issue.
Most of the beaches along the S. Dalmatian coast are rocky and pebbly. We came upon a beach with some large smooth rocks, actually one that looked like a bench and we settled in there. DG made a sorta lean-to with some beach wood and some of our outer shirts for the top and shade. There was a small spot under the lean-to where, very fair skinned, DJ could sit and get out of the very hot sun. DG unfolded our unbelievable lunch --- the freshest of Ston oysters, bread, cheese, ham, (dalmatian proscuitto) tomatoes from his garden, w/sea salt!! .. a ripe melon and a special bottle of Korcula white vino, ..with lots of mineral water. OMG!! This is SO, off the tourist map, so incredibly awesome, and so F...HOT!! We slurped and savored the 2 doz. oysters with VERY fresh, off the tree, lemons, throwing our shells into the sea. Lots of laughs and then DJ and DG, talking me into going into the water, sans swimsuit!!! Ok, I did not know this was going to be a beach picnic. So.. after much encouragement from DJ and hand holding from DG, I managed to somewhat maintain my dignity, and swim in that welcoming, cool, refreshing, clear blue Adriatic water.
Oh, no, I do remember reading about seaurchins-- no, not you DSeaUrchin.. but the real thing!
