We arrived

Hi Everyone,

We have arrived safe and sound. It has been a bit like National Lampoons vacation. Fits and starts since Monday.

First the car - I found out that we couldn't cross the border into Eastern Europe on Tuesday. It was a rush trying to find a company that would let us do that - Hertz came through.

Then, we needed international drivers licenses. Thank goodness AAA is right next to my office. So in the middle of the busiest day ever in my office I was scrambling to get this all done.

The airplane trip went without a hitch. We arrived on time in Venice - tired but happy to be here starting our new adventure. The drive to Croatia was fun - We made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up going in the wrong direction. How we missed the sign, I have no idea. We only lost about 30 minutes though. We went through 4 different security checks within 1 mile and had to turn around and do it again.

The drive was pretty fast and otherwise uneventful. We made our way to Rovinj. Of course we came in from the north and had to drive around town a bit before finding Branko's home. Finally I went down to the harbor and said - they live at the top of this street (closed due to construction) so we went around, up and over and there it was. Voila! They were waiting for us.

Everyone looks good here and seems happy and healthy. They all send their love. Vlasta stayed home from work and was here to translate for us. Zlatko and Liliana came over tonite. It is good to see everyone again. They want to see photos of everyone - why didn't I think to bring some? Too busy. Michelle and Becky can you email some to Vlasta and Zlatko. Becky, where are your wedding photos online? You can email me the address at jstodo2 at hotmail.com

Tomorrow we head to Pula for a day trip with Vlasta and Sanjas her son. The weather is cool (40), rainy, overcast and foggy. The visibility was 1/4-1/2 mile driving here from Venice. So we didn' t see much of the countryside. It is very quiet in Rovinj compared to the summer when we were here before. It is very quiet, romantic and charming with the cobblestone streets, etc.

Well, until tomorrow - if I get a chance.

Love,
Jackie