Off to Rab Island

Today was a transition day for us from Opatija to Rab Island.  As I've mentioned in previous years, transitions are hard for me when we are staying in a particularly nice place.  We were upgraded when we checked in to a suite at the Hotel Galeb with expansive views up and down the coast from our balcony.  Not only that, the hotel had a private beach at a sister hotel, friendly service, and a breakfast fit for a king.  The hotel also honored a Rick Steves' discount even though we paid with credit card rather than cash.

Since our catamaran didn't leave until 4:30, we spent some time walking the promenade which you can follow for miles.  The water looked so inviting and I couldn't help but feel envious of the people just floating around without a care in the world.  This looked especially appealing because today the heat is oppressive.  All along the path, craftsmen showed their works of art.  One humorous sight was a woman in a straw hat with palette in hand pretending to  carefully study the scene as she painted. Looking closer I noticed the houses didn't resemble anything in the area at all.

At the bus station we waited in the shade and thank goodness the woman from the hotel spotted us because she told us we were at the wrong spot and pointed us in the right direction.  It was the same beaten up bus from the other day with no a.c and no seats but it got us to the ferry terminal.

Our catamaran to Rab Island was identical to the one we took from Venezia to Rovinj and cost only $12 for a 90 minute trip.  Because our accommodation Pension Tamaris cost less than $100 per night, we expected something small and rustic, but it's actually a small hotel right on the water with a restaurant.



Walkinging around the old town in the evening, we were amazed to discover scores of booths and stores selling everything from tacky souvenirs to really nice artwork.  it's been a long day so we'll check it all out tomorrow. I can't wait to go swimming too!