Island Life in Croatia

Hello from Croatia!

Living on Brač Island here in Croatia for almost two months was very life changing - just as I expected it to be. The daily view of the Adriatic Sea from my apartment balcony brought me peace and tranquility. I swam in the clear, warm sea almost every day and joined the gym at a local hotel. It was reinvigorating, rejuvenating, and really nice!

Not only did I get to know the small town of Bol quite well, but I also had the chance to tour the whole island. The scenery, the views, and the kind, wonderful people made this time one that I’ll forever cherish!

Take a Walk Through Bol, Croatia

The town of Bol has only about 2,000 locals living here all year round. During the summer months, tourists increase that number to close to 10,000! Aside from tourism, the locals are involved in wine-making, olive growing, and fishing. You can easily walk from one end of Bol to the other in no time at all.

So in the video below, we start at the Dominican Monastery (with its bells ringing in the morning) and end up at one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches - Zlatni Rat Beach (also known as the Golden Horn due to its unique shape!) The tip of this renowned beach is constantly changing shape due to the effect of the waves and currents.

Island Hopping to Hvar

One of the best things about the coast of Croatia is being able to hop on a boat and explore nearby islands. In this video, I visit the nearby island of Hvar - and the town of Hvar. It’s a beautiful town (with somewhat of a younger, more hip vibe), and the boat trip across the Adriatic Sea was amazing on this clear, sunny day!

A View from St. Vid's Mount

My friend Nikica was born and raised here in Bol. He’s a tour guide, and I first met him when I was in Zagreb in the spring of 2020. He’s so fun to be with, and obviously very knowledgeable in the history of Croatia - both in the capital of Zagreb and also the coastal towns and islands.

Late one afternoon he drove me up to the top of Vidova Goran (St. Vid's mountain) for one of the best views of Bol. This mountain is the highest peak in the Adriatic islands. From this view you can also see the neighboring islands of Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and Jabuka.

Finally...

To make my time here even more memorable is that Bol was in full swing when I got here in early September. The tourists were everywhere, making for a really fun, exciting vibe.

Then I experienced all the tourists leaving - and restaurants and stores closing up for the winter. It went from one extreme to the other. I was expecting this, so it wasn’t a shock.

Although it was very weird experience, that’s the seasonal reality here. And when they close up for the winter, it’s like they are preparing for a hurricane! It's a bit ironic in that the town becomes desolate, yet you look right out at the peaceful, clear blue Adriatic Sea - with bright sunny skies (most days) and sailboats everywhere.

But now I’m ready to leave the island and get back to civilization (just like Gilligan lol.). I’m ready for more people around me - and can’t wait to once again feel the buzz and vibrant excitement of restaurants, music, busy streets, and open stores.

So… it’s back to the mainland of Croatia and the scenic coastal town Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most visited towns, known for its architecture in Old Town - and many people also know it from where they filmed Game of Thrones. I never watched the show, but nevertheless I know it will be another beautiful place to visit here in Croatia.

More from Dubrovnik next month!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Hello again Croatia

Hello from Croatia!

September has been a month of changes, and all of them very welcome. I loved my time in Portugal, but being back in Croatia has been filled with memories - and some brand new experiences.

I started out in Zagreb for the first 10 days of the month. As I've mentioned before, this is where I spent the spring of 2020, just when Covid (and a major earthquake!) hit. I found the capital city much more vibrant than when I left it, and it was fun to revisit some of my favorite spots during this much happier time. The Zagreb Cathedral was standing tall (and as beautiful as ever) and the street scene and people watching was still really fun.

Zagreb to Split by Train

Since I love train rides, I decided to take a scenic and relaxing trek from Zagreb down to the coastal town of Split - at the Adriatic Sea. The trip took about four hours, and the train was quiet and comfortable. I spent the time listening to podcasts and taking in the amazing scenery!

Catamaran to Brač Island

I only had one night in Split before I hopped on a catamaran and headed to the island of Brač, and the town of Bol. There are several back and forth trips each day on the catamaran, and it takes about an hour. There are fewer trips when tourist season ends in October, so getting back to the mainland for visits will be a bit trickier. I love watching the other boats (big and small) as you cruise along. There's also a coffee and snack bar, and big screen TVs. The Adriatic Sea is so blue and clear! But...island life is now here!

The Sights of Bol

Since I'll be here until the end of October, there will be many more beautiful pictures of Bol to share. Like all the islands off the coast, the town thrives on tourism. Everyone tells me this past summer was the best since before Covid in 2019. It's truly a magical place, and I arrived just in time to see many tourists create a nice vibe. I'll be here long enough to get a good feeling for what it's like to be a local too.

Finally...

Being on a small, tranquil island is something I've never experienced. I knew that Brač Island would be a psychological change, given that my travels to date have taken me only to places with a vibrant city center. There is no city center in Bol. It's a small island town with approximately 1,000 local people. It was once a village of winemakers, fisherman, and sailors before becoming a first class tourist destination.

With no city center, there is just the boardwalk along the sea. There are lots of shops, excellent restaurants, fresh food - and boats going back and forth between the mainland and other islands.

The month of October will bring more changes, with even fewer tourists and many restaurants closing for the season. The last two weeks will be really interesting, and possibly challenging - with more time to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. That is how I'm looking at this time in my life....and soon getting ready for my next move to Dubrovnik (back on the mainland) on November 1st.

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Goodbye For Now Portugal

Hello from Croatia!

Yes, I've left Portugal and now back in Croatia. I can't believe I was in Portugal for 10 months! That was so unexpected, but I'm not complaining since I loved it there and plan to return next year. There were so many wonderful memories. I'm not sure I could list them all or even pick a favorite.

But here is how I finished up the month of August in Lisbon:

Castelo de São Jorge

For the best views of Lisbon, this castle (dedicated to Saint George, the patron Saint of England) is the place to go! It's probably the top tourist attraction in the city. The castle was established in 200bc by the Romans, but restored in the 1940s. So while it's not exactly historically accurate, there is much to be learned and experienced by being here. I couldn't have chosen a better day to visit.

David from the UK

I've always liked comedy, and getting out of my comfort zone and trying my hand at it was scary, but quite fun. David is an improv friend of mine (and good sport) and nice enough to go along with my obnoxious behavior and find the humor in it!

Improv in the Park

A friend of mine in Lisbon has a Meetup group that gathers monthly for various, fun activities and events. He knew I loved improv, so he asked me to teach a three-week (one evening per week) class during August. Now, I've taken many improv classes, but never taught one before. He thought I'd be good at it, so I decided to abandoned my fear of having no experience and jump right in.

I thought about all the fun exercises and scene work we did in my improv classes in California and also Vienna and put together a program. Everyone seemed to enjoy it - and I really had a great time. If the class is laughing, you know you've done well. And we did laugh a lot! 🤣

Teaching improv classes in the park (Parque Eduardo VII) in Lisbon during August 2021 is something I'll never forget!

Finally...

Last time I was in Zagreb, Croatia was just before Covid hit. I remember barely making it here before the borders closed down in mid-March 2020. A week later I experienced the scariest earthquake I've ever felt.

Fast forward 1 1/2 years and the city is bustling with people (many tourists) and businesses are open and doing well. I've been told this past summer was just like pre-pandemic.

I'm only in Zagreb for 10 days before heading to Brač Island in the Adriatic Sea, in Split, Croatia. I'm taking a six-hour train ride and I can't wait to see the country by rail.

I'm always remembering how grateful I am for living my life of travel. As Year Two comes to a close, spending it on this island should be a beautiful and peaceful way to celebrate it.

The Adriatic Sea is supposed to be clear, warm, and very inviting. Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding are all in the mix - not to mention exploring the island (and surrounding islands.) I can't wait to experience life on an island, and I'm excited to be able to share it with you!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275