So much fun having visitors from the USA. On May 27th we were excited to welcome Chris' sister Tina, her husband Bill and our neice, Jamie to the mission. We met them at the Zagreb airport after their travels included 3 different airline delays, and arriving instead of at 2 pm, at 12:00 midnight. Poor travelers were worn out from all the changes.
After a good nights sleep at the AirB&B, we headed out the first day for a visit to the Crnich ancestral home village of Mrkopalj.
Tina, Jamie and Chris are standing in front of their great uncle's family's headstone...Berislav Crnic
After a rewarding visit to the mountain village of Mrkopalj and connecting with our ancestors we drove towards the coastal town of Riejka and north around it to the peninsula of Istria. Our goal was the very southern tip and the old town of Pula.
Near the town of Pula artifacts have been found which date the area to 1000 BC. Much legend and history are associated with this town and it would take a book to talk about it.
One fascinating part of their history is from the Greeks regarding Jason, who stole the golden fleece. With the help of Medea he ran away. Colchis were chasing them, but could not catch Jason, a very skilled sea traveler.
They didn't dare to return without the golden fleece, so they settled in the upper Adriatic, where the Illiric tribe lived, and named the city - The City of Refuges, and in their language - Polai (Pula). Centuries later greek pottery was found, as well as parts of a statue representing Apollo, and some other traves of Greek culture. (from Croatian History.net)
Of course the Romans played an important part in the history of Pula. Under Emperor Vespasian, a big amphitheater was built (6th largest in the world). Here were gladiator fights and other brutal amusements for the masses.
Through the years, ownership and occupation have changed hands in Pula, but it remained strongly Croatian and today, they continue to rebuild and grow.
After a night in an Old Town apartment, we returned to Slovenia crossing the border and our scheduled visit at Postonja Cave & Prejama Castle.
Last stop for the day was at Ljubljana where we toured the castle and then had dinner on the river. Another late night getting back to Zagreb but filled with great sights and memories.
Next morning up and off to a castle tour day. First stop at Varazdin with pizza at Dominic's, our favorite!
Next stop, Trakoscan and the now required picture of our visitors on the steps leading up to the castle. I think we are somewhere near a dozen visits to this favorite castle.
Ending the day in Maribor, where we stayed at the Crnich' apartment and did a quick tour of Maribor.
Our last day with the family took us to Pekel Cave, a new little cave we found between Maribor & Celje. A beautiful, peaceful walk next to a small stream brings you to Pekel cave complete with it's underground waterfall. It had rained early that morning so inside the cave was dripping with water. Fantastic underground adventure.
Another hour down the road brought us to Lake Bled which couldn't have been more beautiful. It was raining a little when we got there but within 20 minutes it stopped so we could take the boat ride to Bled Island and visit the little church on top of the hill. We were treated to a new baby swan swimming next to it's mother.
It was raining again lightly by the time we got back to the mainland. We took a short walk along the lake and then headed to a special restaurant next to the water, ending the near perfect day with a delicious local meal.
We had a very fast paced-see every thing we can in 4 days trip, but spending time with family in this magical land was a wonderful blessing. Thanks Tina, Bill and Jamie for stopping by!
Next morning up and off to a castle tour day. First stop at Varazdin with pizza at Dominic's, our favorite!
Next stop, Trakoscan and the now required picture of our visitors on the steps leading up to the castle. I think we are somewhere near a dozen visits to this favorite castle.Ending the day in Maribor, where we stayed at the Crnich' apartment and did a quick tour of Maribor.
Our last day with the family took us to Pekel Cave, a new little cave we found between Maribor & Celje. A beautiful, peaceful walk next to a small stream brings you to Pekel cave complete with it's underground waterfall. It had rained early that morning so inside the cave was dripping with water. Fantastic underground adventure.
Another hour down the road brought us to Lake Bled which couldn't have been more beautiful. It was raining a little when we got there but within 20 minutes it stopped so we could take the boat ride to Bled Island and visit the little church on top of the hill. We were treated to a new baby swan swimming next to it's mother. 
It was raining again lightly by the time we got back to the mainland. We took a short walk along the lake and then headed to a special restaurant next to the water, ending the near perfect day with a delicious local meal.