I spent a few weeks on the Istrian peninsula at a little seaside town back in the early 90's...Drove over the mountains out of Trieste in the middle of the night...no moon, dark as dark....got stopped at a checkpoint, sub machine guns and dogs....Got out of the car, lit up a smoke and looked up at the stars,......Perfect! roughly the same latitude as Michigan so they were all right where I left them! The guards were somewhat interested in an American at this time of the night, and during that time frame, there was some stuff going on in that area... I was polite and gave them a few packs of Marlboros and they let me on my way...I took the time to learn a few Yugoslavian (Croatian) words before I went, the basics, 'please' 'thankyou' 'beer'...etc...
The VERY best prosciutto, breads and cheeses I have ever had come off the Istrian peninsula on account of the dry salt air blowing onshore all the time! I ate cheese prosciutto sandwiches morning noon and night! It was so damn good, I didnt want anything else! I bet I ate a whole hog!
Nice little town...cant remember the name of it, semi/resort fishing village kind of deal...I would go and look at the boats and talk to the fishermen early in the morning...even though there was a language barrier, we all understood wooden boats and because of this, were able to communicate nearly flawlessly! Really cool wooden fishing boats powered by diesel tractor engines...
I remember the beach was rock...not pea gravel, not big rocks, but about the size of an egg...Every morning I would leave a $5 tip for the Maid at the hotel with a handwritten 'thankyou' note as is my custom wherever I go....I never had any trouble with the locals, but I wasnt looking for it..I tried my best to be invisible, and I'm really good at it, but in those little towns, its about impossible...Americans stick out like painted blaze orange, everyone knows you are there, so be aware of your surroundings....
If you can strike up a friendship with a local...that would probably be a good idea...Even if you dont smoke, you should take a carton of Marlboros along to give out as gifts...This should be one GREAT adventure! Please take pics and do us a post!