Lungomare

Stretching 12.5 kms along the shore line from Lovran, through Opatija to Voloski is the Lungomare, a walk way beside the sea. The walk started by Franz Joseph one of the Habsburgs towards the end of the  19 century ad completed in 1910, was created as part of the image of creating a wellness area. The rich and famous were frequently seen taking their daily constitutional around the bays. The beautiful paved walk way passes the sea front, through nice gardens and wooden areas, around marinas and in front of some very luxurious villas. Some of the villas remain in family hands while others have been turned Into apartments and accommodation.  Since we are living approximately at the centre of the walk Ian dropped me off last evening at the Lovran end and I walked home. The sea laps onto huge rocks with people sitting and swimming at every turn. There are many sets of steps from the walk way down onto concrete platforms, or just steps into the sea, for the swimmers to enjoy the gorgeous temperate water. In other places there are gaps in the railings and the public clamber down the rocks to a flat area and camp there for the duration of their water time, a la Jocelyn MacKay. 

The swimmers include people from every possible body shape and every body size imaginable. There are the old and young with a selection of swim wear from very brief, to bikini, to the swimsuit. Some people are very tanned and others pale. Everyone blends in and no one cares. Body image is not a constraint. Enjoying the water and the company the essence of enjoyment. We have a lot to learn from these people. Swimmers relax on the rocks like seals sunning themselves at Kaikoura. Families picnic and others just enjoy the setting. Some areas along the way are created with a pebbly beach and  concrete ampitheatre arrangement for people to sit relax and enjoy the water and the sun.

Around every corner is a surprise. Maybe it's a large villa, or some lovely oak trees, or a small marina, or just a cove with boats and people. Maybe it's a group sitting on the seats admiring the view and enjoying the day. A fabulous way to spend an evening.

Ian has been commenting upon the lack of rubbish in both Croatia and Slovenia. To the point of zero rubbish. There are bins provided and yet these are not clogged with rubbish at the end of a day. As I walked the Lungomare I purposely looked out for rubbish as picnickers left. The whole walk way and the sea front were pristine. Tops marks. This country is very clean and green and I admire the innate attitude of the population to keep it so. We have a lot to learn from these people.