We checked into what has been my favorite Airbnb in Croatia so far. The bedrooms are spacious and decorated so tastefully. Everything is sparkling clean and it has everything we need. We had the first shower that we are accustomed to at home and it was WONDERFUL! No one-handed, stand in a tub fumbling a hand-held hose kind of shower, but the kind with a showerhead overhead leaving both hands free to wash your hair shower.
The rest of our evening in our new town was just as satisfying. Originally, we didn't have high expectations for our pitstop to the coastal town of Zadar, our halfway point from Split to Rovinj, but we were pleasantly surprised by how lovely it is. It has a quaint medieval Old Town area surrounded by a grand promenade along the seawall. It even has a massive art installation of an organ built into the seawall steps. The Sea Organ is powered by the movement of incoming waves, turning them into sounds that are blown out of holes in the cement. We've never seen or heard anything like it!
Upon our walk, we stumbled upon an empty mini amusement park along the sea with three attractions. A bungee trampoline that would fail every safety regulation at home (tattered, splitting cords and all), a tiny train ride for tots and a trampoline reminiscent of one you'd find at a place like Elevated Sports at home. We opted for the latter and had a blast jumping while the two teen employees stood next to the ticket booth smoking. Austin noticed a teen who looked about 14 years old sitting with her parents having a smoke. Everyone smokes in Croatia!
Clint had another opportunity to practice flying his new toy. We panicked when the drone was flying out over the sea and a few seagulls took an interest in it, dive-bombing a little too close for comfort.
The night ended with a delicious Italian dinner. Just as we were about to leave the beach restaurant, it started to pour. As we were getting our phones out to call an Uber, the restaurant owner came up to us and asked if we wanted a ride back to our place. He said he always feels bad for tourists when they have to figure out where to go in the pouring rain. We gladly accepted his kind offer and had a great dry ride home chatting with him.