12 Aug 2017

Postcards from Pula

A few weeks' back now, I flew out to Croatia with family for a much-needed break in the sunshine. I say much-needed lightly; it's been a hectic year and moving out in less than a month now (very exciting times), it doesn't seem like it's going to slow down anytime soon, so a break to re-charge was sweet relief, if just for a week. Croatia is somewhere I've been before and hold many happy and silly memories; island hopping around the Dalmatian Coast is something I couldn't recommend more to let loose and relax that's just on the doorstep from the UK. Going back was just as lovely - perhaps a slightly different vibe and a lot more slow-paced (for instance, staying in the same place for more than three nights was a welcome change). It was also an opportunity to see the country from a different perspective - more wandering and less marching with backpacks - and it really is a beautiful country. History, food and photogenic cobbled streets, what more could you want out of a summer break.

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In the north of Croatia, bordering Slovenia and Italy, Pula reminds me of a lot of places I've been before. The ampitheatre resembling a (much smaller) Roman colluseum, piazzas from it's European neighbours, habours like Portugal and an old town district that reminded me of Alfama, Lisbon (if only for it's gradiant and inescapable steps reaching further parts of the town). I came here about four years ago, staying in a hostel while at Outlook festival, and there's something nostalgic in me that gets a kick out of going back to places I've been before. The down-scaled ampitheater is definitely the place to visit first, with not only shorter queues than you'll find in Rome, but also a lot more going on inside. While I was there, Sting and Tom Jones were performing (separate) intimate concerts, whilst there was a Gladiators-style thing going on during other nights. There's a shopping district (which I wouldn't particularly rate and it was uncomfortably busy whilst I was there), an Old Town (which I most certainly would) and monuments dotted around to look at. 

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The Forum (named after it's Roman origins) is a bustling piazza, the idyllic spot to get an (iced) caffeine fix, take in the surroundings and people-watch. Yes, its a little touristy (show me somewhere in Europe that isn't, now), but has a local feel that's refreshing, authentic and very chilled. There's history to take in if you want it - old churches, Roman ruins and the like - or if you prefer to simply wander, it's pretty good for that, too. Oh, and there's a lot of unbelievable sweet shops (the smell alone will get you), as well as spices, olive oil and lavender, so if you've got a sweet-tooth then make sure you have hold luggage... 

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Dress | ASOS
Sunglasses | RayBan
Shoes | Topshop (similar here and in the sale!)
Straw Hat | ASOS (similar here)


All photos taken by myself.




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