Oh well… You do need travel advisor to plan your trip through Istria (here I’m). The logistic is not that straightforward, but it worth the effort through and through. When I started to plan my trip (being a professional travel advisor with almost 30 years of experience), I was about to give up quite soon: the distances which looked short had a tendency to starch long, and all those ferries, and bridges, and tunnels… But well, now I’m an expert you can relay on. And I promise, you will love it there. The scenery, the people, the food, the heritage, the culture on the very core between Eastern and Western Europe where Slavic meets Latin at its best.
You will not have any language barrier – Croatians speak English fluently. Second official language in Istria is Italian if you happened to speak couple of words in it. I loved learning Croatian on the way, and it was so much appreciated. Well, my mother language is Russian, so mastering simple phrase in Croatian was easy for me.
I started from Istrian countryside, and it was so easy to fall in love with what I’ve seen and experienced. My utmost favourite is place called San Canzian – authentic, true to the place, and simply lovely. Truffle hunting was a very special experience. Surprisingly, I’ve never done it before even I’m frequent in Tuscany and Umbria… Well, if you didn’t try it before, it is a must. And well… Istrian countryside is a treat.
I knew a bit about truffles before I came to Istria. But what I’ve seen and experienced under gentle supervision of truffle hunter and dog whisperer Benjamin and his truffle queens, Lila and Gita dogs, was special. Now I understand why truffles are expensive. What truffle hunters do is a tough job, but, more than it, this is an art which requires skills, passion, true knowledge of the forest, patience and physical ability to jump like a Tarzan down and up the hill to make sure that dogs don’t eat pricy output when they find it.
The lunch which followed truffle hunting made me feel like a big (well, abnormal) truffle. It was delicious, don’t take me wrong. But for couple of days to follow I was avoiding in menu anything saying “truffle”. I’m ready for more truffles now any way. 🙂
Where to stay in Istrian countryside? San Canzian. My driver who picked me up for my next destination was laughing on me since I was hugging (and being hugged) everyone (and by everyone) with whom I was dealing during my stay. Simple as this and says a lot about the place.
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