It’s easy when you’re an adult to think that the vast majority of rules apply to children and other people. Never to your-self – of course. In an adult world you tend to expect rules to be more like guidelines. Stretchable, providing they’re not flouted. Under normal situations, when the application of a rule is taken to its extreme, intransigence by the rule maker can cause supreme irritation; disbelief; frustration; even anger.
Our route today continues down the 643 km long D8. It hugs the coastline tighter than Marilyn Monroe’s red and black corset. Squeezes and lifts the rocky hills and mountains to our left. Allows us fabulous views out to the Adriatic with its flotilla of green islands. A couple of short sections bring us inland. Glimpses of a different type of landscape revealed.
Our meet up with Paul & Kath happens a little earlier than planned. It seems their ‘Adriatic Dream Apartments’ block is only 100 metres from our Solitudo Camp entrance. They’re delighted with it. Keen to show us around. We both need a few things from the local shop. Agree to meet at their place, so they can show us how great it is. As we walk towards their door entrance, the owner, her partner and her mother step out, like three ‘Who goes there lookouts’.
“They can’t go in there. This apartment is only for two” the owner says abruptly. (we presume she thinks Paul & Kath are trying to pull a fast one and that we’re intending to move in too – even though it’s broad daylight and we’re carrying empty Tesco shopping bags) – “No, it’s alright” Paul responds “we just want to let them have a quick look inside” – “You can’t do that. It’s not permitted” – “They’re not going to stay here. We just want to show them our apartment. Our friends are staying on the camp site opposite.” – “It’s not allowed” – “What do you mean it’s not allowed?” – “It’s in your terms and conditions. This is private property.” – “What, you mean we can’t even sit down with them at that table on the veranda and have a cup of tea?” – “No, it’s against Croation Law. If I get found out I will suffer a big fine”. Our incredulity is written all over our faces. She doesn’t like it. We’re feeling it’s almost a throwback to the tiny minds of the 60s and 70s, when you had to beg for a hot bath, or the use of an iron, when staying in a UK B&B. We mutter to one another things like “Well, I’ve never heard of anything so ridiculous” & “This is just bloody stupid” – but obviously directed at the owner. The tension builds. It’s a stand-off. Paul & Kath control a mixture of frustration, disappointment and rising anger. “This is the same rule that applies all over the world” – “No it isn’t” I say – “Yes, I have been to London hotels and you have to meet with friends in the lobby. Never in the room”. Our combined responses to that nonsense tips her over the edge. “You’re trespassing, this is private property”. (to Paul & Kath) “You can’t stay here. I’m going to call the police”. The three of us move away. Paul is left to try and calmly pick up the pieces and salvage some sense from the last few minutes. He is very apologetic. She is having none of it. She can hear our typical English sardonic laughter. That does nothing to aid Paul’s pleas. They get ‘chucked out!’. She intends not to give them a refund. (but does)
Just over an hour later Paul books another apartment just down the road. They move in. First question they ask? “Is it OK if we invite our two friends round for a meal?” – “Yes, of course it is” . . . nuff said