As is our custom, our travel plans included some time in “the front country” – away from the trails and the woods – though we might not quite call what we’d enjoyed anything like the back country of New Hampshire. Spending time in civilizations and exploring other areas of the world are always enjoyable.

Since we were already in Northern Italy, we had heard great things about the Istrian Peninsula – part of Croatia on the Adriatic. Our time off from work didn’t enable us to spend much additional time away, so we split the difference a bit, and settled on a visit to quaint resort town of Piran, Slovenia.

Piran is just over the Italian border, not much more than a 2 hour drive from Venice Airport, and promised similar charm to towns further south on the peninsula (such as coastal towns of Porec or Rovinj, Croatia). We found a cute Airbnb, within walking distance from the village center, with a small balcony, overlooking a bay toward a small peninsula across the border in Croatia.

We didn’t spend much time indoors – the weather was stunning – high 70’s, one of our last gasps of summer weather! We spent our time exploring.

Of course, enjoying our Campari and Soda – marveling a bit at the sun-bathers who spread a towel on a concrete ‘pier’ – who cares? they were in the sun, swimming in the Adriatic in September. Some things just don’t change, the world over!

On one day, we took a day trip into Croatia. Not part of the Schengen zone, we did have to pass through customs, show our passports and all. Not a big deal, since we weren’t part of the rush hour traffic, but we did learn that the border crossing did get busy.

In our Croatian adventure, we visited the village of Grožnjan, known as an artist village. A very small, no drive area, with old cobblestones, and local artisans.

We drove around a bit more and took the time to visit a few vineyards – enjoying a meat/cheese platter and a glass of vino, overlooking a beautiful vineyard.

Then it was back to Piran, our apartment, some wonderful food and, of course sunsets.

What better way than to end an amazing vacation!