Croatia was meant to be the highlight of my trip through Eastern Europe 2004. It meant a chance to swim in the ocean, party with young people and generally take a break from the rigours of a solo backpacking expedition.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't disappointed in ANY way, shape or form, but I had spent the vast bulk of my money already, and was reduced to penny pinching techniques, and also had to elimintate the long awaiting "island hop" down the coast. I still made it to Hvar Island.

Arriving from Ljubljana ... (more)