Our final destination for this European adventure was the much loved city of Trieste.  We had such an amazing time there at the beginning of the trip, that we were quietly excited to be returning.

We were heading back there to spend 3 nights of rest (and a little bit of shopping), but more importantly to celebrate Jeff’s birthday.

By road it wasn’t a long drive, but it was long weekend in Italy and many were heading out of Italy to the Croatian coast.  We had left at the right time!

Before the traffic built up, there were scenic country lanes to enjoy for one last time.

Trieste is situated on the water at the bottom of a very steep mountainous region.  There were a couple of very anxious moments as the GPS took us down the mountain through very narrow residential laneways where at times we didn’t think we would fit.  Jeff was worried we would be handing the car back to the cranky Italian lady at the car rental minus the side mirrors.  Yikes!

Phew!  Made it!  Our little red car made it back unscathed.

After checking back in to The Hotel Continentale, we headed on downstairs for a nourishing lunch.  We were hanging out for vegetables and enjoyed a simple Tomato Soup and a Ceasar Salad.  I’ve never enjoyed a salad so much!  From our hotel room you could see the ocean if you stretched out far enough….

Feeling relaxed and also sad that our European adventure was coming to an end, we sat by the Canal in the early evening enjoying an Aperol Spritz before wandering off to find a perfect restaurant for dinner.  More seafood – Spagetti with Seafood and a striped Ravioli with Scampi (sorry the photo is a little blurry but you get the idea).

A perfect first day back in Italy with the promise of a birthday to celebrate tomorrow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!

Jeff’s day began with a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel, a stroll around the area and an espresso at a local cafe while listening to a group of musicians.

Missing in Action

Jeff took the chance to leave me to my own devices (shopping) so off I set with the promise that I knew my way around and would see him at lunch time back at the hotel.  I had a leisurely stroll around the streets, popping into one shop after another.  Found my favourite store – Colors of Benetton – and shopped away to my heart’s content.

Feeling hungry, it was time to go back to the hotel.  That’s when my day began to go downhill.  I was lost.  With no GPS (no SIM card) and an inherent poor sense of direction, I began walking the streets feeling more anxious by the minute, clutching my purchases and trying not to get run over.

All good stories end well though, and I miraculously turned a corner and saw a familiar landmark.  Unfortunately, I had to fess up to Jeff that I had indeed become lost and to this day he has never let me forget it!

Lunch was at Eatily again (see our first visit to Trieste for the view) – Pizza slices with wine, plus a sweet treat.

Followed by more shopping with Jeff holding me firmly by the hand, back to hotel for an afternoon nap and a long bath, followed by a walk around the local bars where we sat being entertained by buskers while sipping our now favourite Italian drink, the Aperol Spritz.

We loved our meal last evening so much that we returned to the same restaurant.

Drum roll please……. the birthday boy chose the Lamb.  To this day, he still speaks of this meal and we’ve tried to replicate the cooked grapes but just can’t seem to get the same result – perhaps it’s the grape variety.  We will keep trying….

My choice was the Seafood Spagetti.  I think I was getting a little addicted by the seafood by this stage.

The evening was a great success, with our waiter regaling us with tales of his time in Australia, Jeff enjoying the best meal ever, making our last night in Italy very memorable indeed.

Next stop Dubai on our long journey home.

Jeff & Catherine xx