Taking the High Road to Opatija

We got up early so we would have time to take one more walk around the beautiful grounds at Hotel Ivan.  (Forgot to tell you that Hotel Ivan has shuttered balconies that allowed us to enjoy the cool mountain air.  There were no screens, but mosquitoes that dive bombed us several times each night. Definitely added to the ambiance. The twin beds were very narrow.  I haven't slept on a bed that narrow since the cots at Camp Hitaga!) Left Sibernik at 8:30  and continued north.  Instead of taking the coastline as we had been, we took a super highway set further inland--not as pretty but much faster.  The rocky terrain continued.  Occasionally we would see a flock of sheep and they always had a shepherd with them.  Seems that wolves are common in the area and are protected so the sheep need someone to protect them from the wolves.  Drove through several long tunnels --one was 3.1 kilometers long.  After miles and miles of rocks, rocks, rocks, we finally drove over the mountains and saw some fertile soil and some good crops.  This year has a particularly good olive crop--the trees are hanging heavy.  Around 2:00 pm we had passed through Rijeka (3rd largest city) and arrived in Opatija.  This is a spa/resort area that was developed by the Austrians around the beginning of the 20th century.  The hotel is lovely.  Our room faces the water.  Of course, it is eerily quiet without the rock band. Chuck and I ate a late lunch at the Terrace Cafe.  We noticed pigeons hopping around between the tables.  Occasionally one would hop on a table, but it wasn't until the gentlemen at the table next to us left that they really showed their stuff.  They dived the table and a coffee cup hit the rock terrace and broke.  The pigeons were into the leftover desserts--had whipped cream all over their   faces and a mess on the ground. The waiters seemed unconcerned.  We had enjoyed the best walnut cake I have ever tasted, but were ready to leave before the pigeons turned their attention to us. Took a walking tour of the promenade along the water.  Dinner included a choice of sword fish or chicken.  Another delicious dessert---the Austrian influence.  Time to put my full tummy to bed.