Pag Island on the day we became non Europeans

So as I was mid dream at 3am last night I was awoken to the thought that the UK may have decided where it stands on being part of the EU. Ironically being in bed in Croatia, I watched the next few hours unfold to a victory for the leave campaign. 52% to leave versus 48% to remain. A sad, sad day for us as we class ourselves as Europeans and are proud of it. The thought of coming out of the EU makes us both feel claustrophobic and disappointed that we live in a country that chooses to not integrate but to separate, to want to quit where it could improve. It's shameful and I woke up in tears with the worry of what is to come. Complete financial instability and no future easy movement within Europe for our children.

This made the day start off very slowly. We didn't leave Zadar until the shock wore off around 10am. We had a free day today, in other words I hadn't planned anything so we had a little look on the map and decided the island of Pag looked quite interesting! 

So off we went, Ethan asleep in the car already to Pag. It's one of the largest islands in Croatia accessed by a bridge. We spent the day driving around the island, stopping off for ice cream

And drinks and sneaky dips in the Adriatic Sea. Paradise. 

We ended the day at Pag Town beach where we relaxed before driving up to our accommodation by the Plitvice National Park. We gave Ethan the choice between mine or Terrys ice cream to try. He ended up trying both and decided he liked Terrys the best as he was constantly eyeing it up and moaning when terry had some! So funny! 

We stayed in a beautiful apartment in the Croatian mountains last night near to the national park. It was so peaceful and lush full of gorgeous vegetation. Idyllic way to spend an evening. Ethan and I went to bed early and ended up taking up the whole bed so Terry spent the night in the single. Mumma just loves snuggling with her bubba! 

Finding a beach gem and sea organ in Zadar

We had a unintentional lie in this morning.  It wasn't until 8am that we woke up and started the day. That's pretty late for the three of us these days! The lovely host in Sibenik organised a travel cot so Ethan slept well alone and in return this meant Terry and I could sleep without the constant fridgeting between us. It was blisteringly hot at 9am as we left the apartment, already 36c. We hopped in the car with plans to head on the coastal road to Zadar.

The drive was stunning. Through mountains and we views of the surrounding islands and beaches on either side. Gorgeous. We saw a sign for Pine Beach Eco Resort along the route so decided to take a random detour to see if it was worth a sneaky stop off. We were in luck! The resort offered day passes which gave entry to a beautiful sandy beach with pine forest surrounding it so lots of shade and just perfect for Ethan (and Terry!). You could also use all of the facilities like Kayaking, beach yoga and so on. It's like their version of centre parcs! 

It was ideal so we spent a few hours chilling out and testing out Ethan's beach skills! He was a little dubious of the water at first but soon warmed up and started splashing. Very sweet! 

After making up some baguettes in the car (cheese and marmite of course!) we were back in the road to Zadar to another air bnb apartment. This apartment is fantastic. Everything you need! It's also only 5 minutes to the centre of Zadar. After a little nap we ventured out to explore. 

Zadar is wonderful, just been nominated as European City 2016 and we can see why. It's clean, vibrant and historic, and with some really unique additions such as the amazing sea organ (makes wonderful songs as the waves hit the steps) and a light show. Well worth the visit. 

Ethan's been a trooper yet again. He's amazing. He stayed up until 9pm again watching the world go by as we chilled out and ate pizza in the old town.

Another fantastic day in Croatia. 

Krka to Sibenik - hikes, waterfalls, beach and balconies

Ethan slept like a dream last night. Aircon is a must as its so humid here. It's as if you are constantly in a sauna. It's 37.5c as I sit here and write this at 9pm!

We woke up, showered, fed little man and packed up. Out of the apartment by 9 and on the road to Krka. He was good as gold and fell asleep straight away. This gave us the opportunity to navigate our way to Krka national park. 

Croatia's motorway is made up of toll roads so prepare to to pay dependent on how far you travel. It's 33kn to Sibenik just for example. The roads are a treat, smooth and full of stunning views. It's really easy to find Krka national park. When you arrive there's lots of free parking car parks, however we were both a little dubious of 'free' so we went to the car park right next to the national park Skardin entrance. It's only 7kn an hour. 

You have to buy a ticket to enter the park, it's 110kn per adult and this gives you a free ride on the boat along to the waterfalls. As we have a 7 month old, we took the pushchair and it was an ok choice. If you have a carrier, it's a good idea although it was sooo hot that letting him sleep in the pushchair with a cover was worth the 250 steps encountered. Probably our best purchase was a Koo-di sun cover. It blocks our the sun, gives some cool shade and a little darkness for naps. So glad we purchased this at the last minute!

The park itself is stunning, mind blowing. Waterfalls a plenty! There were quite a few people at the park, but not enough for it to bother you or get in the way. The views all along the 2 hour walk were just breathtaking.

We had to stop a few times for food and nappy change, but the park is set up perfectly for nice little breaks in the 39c heat!!

After leaving the park, we took the winding road to Sibenik to stay in another  Air bnb. I guess the main reason we chose Air bnb over hotels was the option to have an apartment with a kitchen. This made life with a baby much easier as we are able to sort out his food, clean bottles and keep things cool in the fridge. 

We checked in and had some well

Needed respite from the sun and some relaxing time in the air conditioning. Life saver.

We then thought it was time to check out the beach. Sibenik has a stoney beach used mostly or maybe wholly by the locals so it was a fun experience for all

Of 5 minutes when Ethan decided enough was enough and screamed for the air conditioning! Terry and I grabbed a quick swim and back to the car it was!

It took me until 9.15pm to get him to sleep this evening. His senses got the better off him. So much to see and do! We made some dinner and sat on our private and huge terrace to watch the sun go down as a family. This is what happiness is made of. 

Croatia the Constants have arrived!

There it is. That magical feeling. Close your eyes for a moment and picture the moment when you walk off the aeroplane and feel the heat of the sun on your face. We made it. Bliss. Blue skies, mountain views and the smell of foreign travel.  Bliss (did I say that twice?).

The view as you fly into Split is breathtaking. Lots of islands dotted around the wide ocean that shine bright in the midday sun. 

We thought the easiest way to see this country was by car. We aren't ones for holiday packages or laying by the pool, so I made a plan. A nine day trip to see all of the sights. 7 cities in 9 days. Ambitious we may be, but I'm sure it can be done. 

Terry had to keep reminding himself to drive on the opposite side the road and he soon got he hang of it. We've brought along mums sat nav which hilariously (and rather annoyingly) has Terry's voice recorded so Terrys voice told us to take the next left and second right and telling jokes along the way! 

We made it to our Air bnb apartment, literally seconds from the Diocletians Palace. Our apartment has a sea view. It overlooks the palace and the ocean, and it's beautiful inside. It has a king size bed and no cot so we will be co-sleeping tonight. Thank god for the aircon which is a must when you are sharing your bed with a little oven! 

We fed him veggie lasagna and fruit for lunch and got ourselves out exploring Happiness for Terry and I is exploring, the feeling of not taking a map and letting your senses be your guide. It's refreshing and Ive missed it. Literally haven't had the smile off my face all day. It's amazing what a little foreign travel does to me! 

We explored the walls of the Diocletian and walked the streets of Split. Taking in the history and the sights. We needed to wet down a wet wipe for Ethan so he had some respite as he was getting pretty toasty but he did really well. No tears so far!

After a lovely afternoon in the old town, we went back to the apartment to relax and let Ethan sleep. Although he didn't and he soon got over tired and the tears came! Soon settled with a bottle and we were showered and off out to Bacvice, the closest beach to Split.

It was quiet down there, just lots of families spending time together enjoying the water. Such a pleasure to watch families and even young children enjoy a Tuesday evening without TV and being stuck indoors. 

We ate, drank and Ethan fell asleep in his pushchair. Lush day in Split. Day one a success! 

Easyjet as easy as 1,2,3 with a baby

The process of getting to Croatia was so straightforward with Ethan. 

We checked in at the easyjet desk and put of suitcase on the scales. It was 21.7kg. Oops. Needed to get it down to 21 so we did some quick moving and shaking and voila, no problemo. 

After a smooth ride through security, I managed to feed him, change him and dress him. Easy.

Next up was the gate call. It felt like a million miles away but we made it and were put in the priority aisle.

Once the plane was ready, we took him out in the pushchair, collapsed it down (it's two parts and that was fine!) and popped on to a nice empty plane before it filled up with passengers. 

As we were departing I gave Ethan a bottle in the hope he would take it and the sucking motion will help his ears adjust. It worked! He fell asleep with his ear muffs on (great tip to rid the noise) and he slept for 20 minutes. 

Now on our mission to get out and ensure everything was packed for Ethan, we forgot food for ourselves and we are both pretty hungry now. The only thing easyjet offer to vegetarians is some lame cheese roll. Think I'd rather go hungry...