Buisness/Pleasure trip to the Adriatic.

So a friend on FB recently tagged me in a post with this image in it. She was curious if it was anywhere near us. It was nowhere near us but luckily we had a trip planned south to the Adriatic. 

We actually had a trip planned to go scout out a conference toom to have an upcoming Evangelistic meeting in June so it worked out perfectly. 

On the way down we stopped just of the E71 Hwy to have lunch in a little village; the view was beautiful and peaceful. 

By the time we got into the hotel the view was amazing! The colors in the sky were amazing and even though I've skies like this before, the sea made it even more amazing. 

Let me tell you, staying on the coast off-season is awesome, we got a 5 star hotel room for $40! It was a wonderfully peaceful stay and it came with breakfast! 

The next morning was a little rainy but the view was still amazing. Split is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia and also home of Deocletians Palace from the turn of the fourth century AD. Interesting fact about Roman Empreor Deocletian: He killed more Christians during hsi reign that Nero did.

The next day we drove up toward Klis to get a bird's-eye view of Split and it was just beautful. Past the city of Split is some of the 1100 islands that belong to Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. 

The next day we decided to travel to the island Brač and see the Zlatni Rat. We took a ferry across and Split was beautiful from the ferry. 

Once we were on the island the views were amazing even with all the cloud cover. 

Look at that view! The sun shining through the clouds was breath-taking and I took way too many photos!

We fianlly made it to Zlatni Rat and we were not disappinted, a little chilly but totally worth it. To tell you the truth, I'm always amazed by the beauty of Croatia. We've been here 22 years and I'm still amazed. I feel extremely priviledged to be given the chance to live in such an amazing country. 

The tip of Zlatni Rat changes depending on the winds; turning either to the left or right. 

This one is just because I love my huney. 

It was so interesting that all the trees grew up leaning because of the winds. Really cool. 

While we waited for the ferry we walked around Supetar a little and the views we beautiful.

The sunrise the day we left was unbelieveable and such a nice going away present. 

On the way home, back to the norther part of Croatia we met with a little surprise. Apparently it snowed in the mountains while we were at the sea. 

I didn't know a work trip could be so much fun, what a wonderful time we had. 

Zagreb Christmas 2014

One of the things I love most about living in Europe is their Advent celebrations. They do such a wonderful job decorating and all the Christmas markets are amazing. We have been to the Vienna, Austria Christmas market and it was amazing but our own capital of Zagreb has outdone themselves this year. Johnny and I were already in the capital for Hannah's dentist appointment so we headed in town.   

This year there was a living nativity. It was a mini city of Bethlehem. It was nice to see but knowing that they have no idea how much power was in that little city so long ago, it wasn't as nice. My heart breaks for all the beautiful people who still rest in their own goodness for salvation when Jesus already paid it all for them. Salvation is free for all those who will receive it. 

 I love that living in a Catholic country they still celebrate the baby Jesus at Christmas. There's no, "Happy Holidays" here. Instead it's, "Sretan Božić" which means Happy little God. 

 The decorations on town were amazing. I loved all the lights and Christmas music floated on the crisp night air. Hey, that was pretty poetical! 

There were lots of street performers, including this guy making money in a very unique way!

I fell in love with the red, white and blue lights this year. No, they're not honoring the USA instead those are the colors of their flag. I love 'em!

There were hundreds of little shops lining the roads. As usual, we didn't buy anything but there wasn't really anything we wanted. Until we got to the food shops!

 This year there was an amazing ice rink right in town. It was in the park by the theatre and it was amazing. There was a main rink like normal but off that rink there were several paths that went all the way around the park perimeter. It was pretty amazing. No we didn't skate!

I was so happy to spend this time with Hannah. This is her last Christmas here in Croatia with us and it was such a fun time. Doesn't she look adorable.

 

BTW, that's not snow behind us but little silver hearts blowing in the wind. They gave the nicest twinkling effect.

I'm not sure what Johnny said to get such crazy looks from us. I'm sure it was a hoot!

This photo is a freebie! Love him!

I'm so thankful to be spending my 24th Christmas with my honey baby.

  

We finally found what our hearts longed for; the food stands. Johnny and Hannah had fritule, little fried donut balls. They are delish but definitely not low carb or gluten free so I passed and headed to the sausage stand. 

What a fun time we had in Zagreb for the Advent celebration. The weather was perfect, about 49 and clear. We enjoyed ourselves and now we are all ready for Christmas. 

Okay I'm signing out for a few days to enjoy Christmas with my family. I pray you all have the nicest Christmas ever and remember Jesus really is the nicest gift and gift-giver ever!