Day 42 – It’s time to have some fun – lots of it . . .

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So it stands to reason that all play and no work makes Jack very interesting. Or at least what he gets up to.

Looking like a couple of Highway Patrol Officers on vacation – helmets, black out sunnies and T-shirts, we Scoot into Zadar. We’ve put out an APB. The search is on for a bit of culture, a lot of humour and some soothing water music.

We leave Scoot outside and enter through the ancient city wall. Immediately lose track of our first target. There are no broken twigs or droppings to help. No visitor friendly signs either. Not for the first time we’re clueless. Pace up and down, then round the block. Eyes squinting furtively. We look as if we’re casing the joint. Getting ready for a stakeout. We find it. Staring back at us – The Museum of Ancient Glass.

It’s beautifully laid out. The workmanship from way back quite astounding. These 1st century local finds our favourites . . .

We’re given a glass blowing demo. It’s fast. Every second counts. The molten glass needs to be kept and worked at just the right temperatures for each part of the process. I fail to capture ‘the blow’. He’s faster on the draw than me. Mary-Ann manages some blow-less stills.

Our lunchtime sarnie spot is out front. We’re the old side of the inlet. Gives us a great view of the new. Scoot’s in view too. Not quite hiding.

The Museum of Illusions is just across the street. It’s just gone 2.30pm. We’re today’s first customers. Peak season can see one hundred people crammed in. We have it all to ourselves. Lose our inhibitions. Mary-Ann starts with a touch of growth therapy . . .

Then I fail to watch my step. Be on my best behavior. Put a foot wrong. The now Super Size Nanny lays down the law. Sends me to the naughty seat . . .

But not for too long . . .

I get the last laugh. Time for dinner . . .

The kaleidoscopes amuse . . .

We finish the day with some water music. The Sea Organ pipes built into the side of the sea wall create a continuous harmony of unique chords. Orchestrated beautifully by the lapping waves.

Such a pity the Chinese and Japanese parties were only interested in taking photos and chattering on and not listening.