A Croatian Adventure

Who doesn't love a good family holiday? It's a fortnight of the year when you have the family's unbroken company, which is simultaneously unbearable and totally needed. It leaves you feeling both relaxed and utterly frustrated. Which is exactly why I revel in the annual family holiday.

This year, we tootled off to Croatia. Porec, Croatia more specifically. It's a small town about a three hour boat journey to Venice, and about an hour from Pula airport. No, I'd never heard of Porec either.

The town was just lovely. The architecture reminded me of Italy so much, and the atmosphere was great. Chilled in the day, and at night Millie and I managed to seek out some of the nightlife which turned out to be unexpectedly fun. 

Food-wise, OH MY GOD. It was just brilliant. I love Italian cuisine, and really was not expecting to find it here in Porec. However, it was filled to the brim with lovely Italian dishes, with pizza and pasta cooked to perfection, and ridiculously cheap too.

We stayed in a tiny island just off the mainland, which you caught a five minute ferry to and fro. The island as called St. Nikola, and the hotel we stayed at was the Hotel Island Fortuna. Great hotel, good food, lovely service and amazing location.

The view of the mainland from our little island. There aren't any beaches so we stayed by the pool, but that is a seawater stretch, and I did manage to get in some snorkelling time. 

  

The main town square. Nearby was my favourite restaurant, Artha's. They did amazing vegan and vegetarian food, and I begged my family to go almost every day. I nearly got my way.

You can see our hotel in this picture- looks pretty cool! 

I'm wearing:

 Urban Outfitters dungarees

 New Look bandeau top

Topshop sliders

ASOS sunglasses

How gorgeous are the evening views? 

I'm wearing:

H&M dress

Accessorize sandals

I'm pretty sure I consumed more cocktails over this holiday than I ever have in my life. Mine was the Pina Colada. They also made a mean Sex on the Beach!

We took a boat trip to Rovinj one day, after which the boat stopped in a tiny cove and myself and Millie jumped off and swam. Lovely end to a lovely day.

This was our penultimate day in Croatia. Looking pretty bronzed by this point! 

I'm wearing:

Topshop top

H&M shorts

ASOS sunglasses

Accessorize sandals

Lewis having a ball with me. 

I'm wearing a dress from Topshop.

Here come the disposables! See the tiny cobbled streets? This photo is going up on my university wall to remind me of sunshine, tans and my big sister.

Making new friends whilst in one of the only 'clubs' which was actually very nice. We met a lovely girl out there from the UK- Roberta. The boys were from Austria... not so sure about them

I'm wearing a dress from Missguided.

Let's just appreciate this photo of Lewis and his ice cream. Look at it. Just look. 

Croatia, I miss you. I miss your sunny days, your amazing food, your cool markets and hippy shops and even your distinct lack of sand. I hope one day to return to you, but until then, I dedicate this blog post to you. 

Many thanks to Croatia.

Wild Strawberry

I mentioned in an earlier blog post (very much earlier, apologies for he absence) that I wanted to go to the Wild Strawberry Cafe, the pop up yurt in Peterley Manor Farm. Its adorable appearance and unique tent-like structure makes it stand out from the typical cafes that are in Bucks, so Ella and I hopped over there one morning for brunch. 

We were seated quickly and quietly, which was expected as we ventured there early on a Tuesday morning- not exactly the busiest time. 

The menu was slightly limited, I'll be honest. Compared to other brunch destinations, there isn't a huge variety. However, this was justified by the fact that this is a 'pop-up' cafe, and the options we did settle for were definitely pleasing! 

Prices are reasonable in my opinion, especially as portion sizes are decent and the location is perfect.

The interior was reminiscent of Great British Bake Off in my opinion, with bunting galore and cute quirks adorning the tables and walls. 

Ella looks chuffed with her luxurious hot chocolate, despite the hot weather that accompanied it.

I opted for Earl Grey tea, and AAH look how cute everything is! The miniature watering can complete with gingham bow almost made me cry with happiness.

The moment arrived for the grand event- the breakfast. I went for a classic, of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, draped across toasted sourdough bread. The eggs were creamy and gently seasoned, and they certainly weren't stingy with the salmon- even though it's hiding under all the egg here!

Ella went for the decadent blueberry pancake stack, with greek yoghurt and maple syrup. I stole a forkful of hers and almost, almost regretted my decision to go with the eggs. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy, although I do think they could be more generous with the blueberries here.

We stayed afterwards for a little extra drink, and I of course went for the elderflower. It was honestly the best elderflower pressè  I have had, and the lime and mint made it mojito-like. All it needed was a dash of rum and I would have been good to go!

 See the cuteness? SEE IT?!

I couldn't resist this last picture due to my obsession of all Potter-related regalia. 

I want the box.

Overall, I wish the Wild Strawberry Cafe was more than a summer fling for me. The quaint touches and delicious food and drink leave me wanting more, and I definitely hope it will turn into a longer-lasting affair.