St Peter's Peninsular!

The trouble with going on holiday, is you put on weight; good food and wine all contribute to that ever-growing waist line. For me, piling on the pounds is easy. I only have to look at food, and I get bigger. We have decided to do a long walk each morning to keep us as fit and healthy as possible. When I was working at Tesco, I would do, on average, fifteen thousand steps a day, so I need to do at least ten thousand to keep the weight off, especially when I am having a beer or two each day.

On Wednesday we walked from Darrell's Cousin's flat in the East of Makarska to the town centre, following the St Peter's Peninsular trail, across the mountains and down into the marina. As you walk along the cliff side, you are struck by the amazing views, everywhere you look. I was in awe of the landscape; it really is absolutely breathtaking. The walk can be quite treacherous at times, especially with the erosion along the tourist pathways, but the panorama, makes it worthwhile. Most people who come here, just sit in a bar and drink, and although I do that myself on occasion, I am also finding my feet once again and experiencing the diverse topography that makes this part of Croatia, so unique!

As we finished our walk at the monument of St Peter, overlooking Makarska harbour, I just stood looking over the bay, sun glistening, bouncing off the yachts, dancing in the heat of the day. It was a beautiful sight. Standing there, with my hands on the chain link fence, adorned with padlocks, I suddenly felt at one with myself. This is the life I was born to live, but sadly am unable to afford. Still, it is nice to dip in and out of this gorgeous country at will and return when we are able. Yes, I was tired by the end of the walk, but the vista made it all worthwhile. I have been to most places in the UK, but nothing resembles the dramatic terrain that Croatia is famous for!

Once again, in the evening, we went to Podgora to see family. While Darrell swam, I made my way to the end of the promenade, just soaking up the atmosphere. Stopping occasionally, I sat for a while having a drink, just looking out to sea. Podgora is a place to sit quietly and think, contemplate life and make plans for the future, it always has been. It is akin to paradise on Earth, when you compare it with the UK, but it is more than that, it is a connection to family that we wouldn't otherwise have.

It warmed my heart to see Darrell spending time with his kin folk in Podgora; arm around his Cousin Zana, swimming with others he hasn't seen for so long, these are precious moments for him, as we both travel to Australia. Furthermore, it is important now, more than ever, that he takes the time to be with all those closest. We are still here for the next six days, so we need to be with them as much as possible. Podgora is the backbone of Darrell's family and the reason we return over and over again. I am glad everyone here has played an important part in my lifestyle break, and hope to see them once again as my year draws to a close.

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