We went out to breakfast this morning but had to wait until someplace opened. They don't open for breakfast until 9 and as it was, when we showed up at 9 they seated us but the waitress walked in a few minutes later. She was followed by another woman who just came from the market with a shopping cart containing fresh bread and other items that would be served for breakfast. The town market was open and selling everything from fresh meat to olive oil. We walked through on our way to breakfast and it was obvious the restaurant was stocking up with fresh items. 

We didn't do much this morning and drove to Fazana this afternoon. From there we took the ferry to Brijuni National Park. This was the home of the President of Yugoslavia. President Tito ruled Yugoslavia for over thirty years. His death contributed to the division of the country into the multiple countries that comprise  the area we are currently in, including Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Brijuni island is interesting and includes a 'safari park'. The park contains animals, or descendants of animals, Tito received from rulers of other countries. It was well known that Tito liked animals so he was gifted exotic animals including elephants, zebras, etc. They have expanded to include some native animals since they needed to give up some of the animals to zoos. They weren't able to keep the carnivores after a Tito died. It was kind of a strange place but you could see why he wanted to live here. It is beautiful. He used to meet with rulers from other countries and entertain here. 

We had dinner out and decided to take the owner of the restaurant's suggestion and ordered the fish platter for two. He presented us with the whole fish on a platter to show us how fresh it was prior to cooking it. How can you say no to that? I was afraid that the fish would be served whole and my fears were realized when we were presented with 2 whole fish, squid, and fried calamari. I was good with the calamari but intimidated by the squid and the fish. The waitress took pity on me and offered to help. She fileted the fish at the table and it was delicious. We did turn the fish heads so that they weren't looking at us. We ordered a bottle of house wine which was literally made by the restaurant owner. It came in a bottle that wasn't labeled and it was really good. The olive oil was also local and in a plain bottle. We finished dinner with complementary grappa and rajika, which are local liquors. 

We are heading to Verona tomorrow after returning our car that we've rented for the past 49 days. I can't believe that much time has passed. 

                                        1400 year old olive tree on Brijuni island

                                                        ferry ride

                                            Island-golf course and safari

                                            goofy train

                            one of three or four churches on the property, I think this is Saint Anthony's maybe from the 1500s

I felt very badly for the elephant. The other animals seemed to have more room and friends.

Roman ruins on the island, they also have dinosaurs foot prints

                                            Tito's 1957 Cadillac 

                                            Assistance with fileting

                                                    definitely not our usual table remains

                                        bottles without labels-homemade wine and olive oil