Single on a July Day: The Croatia Files, pt 2

After an amazing bus ride through the hills (and one incident of the bus overheating), I arrived in my last full stop on this wondrous vacation-- Novalja.

When I planned on coming here it was mainly for the Croatia Rocks festival, but I ended up enjoying the whole city. I stayed at the Moon Rocks Hostel..it was significantly cheaper than the other apartments and I was not into spending a week in a shared room. When you travel alone its painful to have to pay the double occupancy fee...that's money that could be better spent outside of the hostel. 

Moon Rocks is at the top

This hostel  was walking distance from the bus terminal and the city centre and it had a great bar. If I were to go back, I'd hope to stay closer to the city. It gets pretty dark and I like partying late on the shore; it would just be easier to stay there than trek back in the dark.  Plus transit is easy to navigate and inexpensive.

The area is host to several festivals and I was coming in after Fresh Island Festival. I feel like I should have come for that. It seemed to have a great line up of artists! I came for Croatia Rocks instead....I didn't even know the line up when I got there. In fact I had VIP and was not even given a programme...and I refused to buy it.

I think that sums up my Croatia Rocks experience...over paying..well suggestions of  over paying since I did not take the extra bait. I am not sure if it is because it was the first time a Rocks festival came to Croatia or if it was just a poorly organized festival, it was not worth the ticket. Decent experience, but there are free replacements all over Zrce!

Euphoria, it got busier as the night went on

The bus runs all night and you can carry your booze with you. The festival bars cost more than the regular bars and I saw three other places to party. If you are looking for a budget time, I recommend Euphoria. It is right on the beach as you get off the bus. It had cheap liquor and a stripper pole--can't go wrong. The men aren't my cup of tea (way too young, for someone that loves the 40+ crowd), but I know women all over that would love it..you know who you are..Euphoria had an awesome DJ..spinning some mix of 80s/90s to begin with then worked into more modern dancystuff. The bar had mega cocktails for 100k and special shot prices every night...oh and it's no cover and of course no dress code...

Aquarius

Papaya

There were also afternoon pool parties associated with Croatia Rocks. The wristband was supposed to get me into some awesome fun with well known DJs. It was sort of like this. There were only two clubs involved in the whole festival-- Papaya and Aquarius--so only two pool parties associated with the pass. They both had great DJs, but, honestly, only Papaya had a party. The other was a lounge with a wading pool.

If you are travelling to Novalja and do not want to spend money on some music fest, you can still go to the Zrce Beach. There is music all over and you can bring a picnic to the

Snacks and Giant Beer

beach. Plus there are bars and little food kiosks all over. The beach is made of rocks..flipflops  can be painful..but people do it... I recommend some canvas shoe cheapies and bring a yoga mat to sit on. 

City Beach. Such clear water!!!!

There is also a nice quaint beach at the city centre and some great bars over looking the Sea. I spent some time there and socialized with anyone that wanted to speak English. It was nice and a more laid back scene. I walked past another hostel, that I might consider next time around...if I'm still rolling solo. 

Overall an amazing time, despite any festival issues.  

Sunset on my walk from the bus terminal

I'll just note that I put in my complaint and they were taken seriously. It might be helpful for anyone else that had problems to email the sales team: sales@croatiarocks.com. It's the only way they can make improvements.

From here I did a 4h bus ride to Zagreb and then other 30min bus to the airport....then to my last night stay at the Dream Hotel. What an amazing treat this place was!  I was only there for my stop over, until my flight home so I didn't leave the hotel and cannot comment on how close it is to things to do. I enjoyed the restaurant and ate an amazing steak then had an awesome breakfast the next day. The breakfast was included and the airport transport was free. I paid about $80CDN for room and dinner...with wine. Madness!!!

I ate all of this...nom nom

Ferry on the bus ride

 It was a dream vacation, but at some point I had come home...

 YTZ!!!!

Single on a July Day: The Croatia Files, pt 1

After an exhilarating stay in a city I longed to see, it was time to head to the beach. This half of the trip is even more so filled with drinking and partying, but without the full cultural experience. Sometimes you just gotta have fun. 

I spent my time gazing out the windows.

From Sarajevo I hopped two flights to Zadar. Normally I don't fly, but Croatia Airlines had an amazing fare going on Expedia.ca, and money talks when you are travelling alone on a budget! 

SJJ is one of those simple, cute airports. It's easy to navigate and just a few gates take you around the world. Not much to do. There is a duty free shop, but it's best to bring your own entertainment.

I was doing SJJ-ZAG-ZAD and both of my flights were late getting in and out. Apparently this is just what to expect from this airline. I didn't mind; the great service and low price made up for it! 

A little snack during my stopover in ZAG

I arrived in Zadar after 10pm. It was dark and everything was pretty much closed. I already looked things up before so I knew there was a bus and how much it cost and how to get to my hostel, so I wasn't worried about anything.  I grabbed my pack and made my way to the bus...it was pretty full and I think he waited for the flight to get in before departing... pretty decent! 

I was staying the Old Town and it was the last of two stops on the bus. Easy enough. The place was packed still with visitors enjoying their vacation and it was a little after 11pm. I checked in to what I'm going to consider a luxury hostel. As usual, Booking.com was a score. The Boutique Hostel Forum in Zadar was awesome. I think it is important to remember that this comes after the grossness in Novi Sad and the dormitory setting in Sarajevo. I feel like I spoiled myself on this stay.  I had my own room with bathroom and regular cleaning...I loved it. Not really hostel-esk, but single occupancy in a double room was under $50CDN/night....so I guess I can call it a budget hotel..whatever the label, it was great!!

Zadar was a definite good time. I spent my whole time in the Old Town, but I think I should have stayed longer and did more. You can walk the Old Town...you kind of have to since cars are not permitted in most of it. This was great since it was only people traffic that you had to deal with. Plus it was easy to navigate after a few beers...

What to do:
-The Sea Organs (of course!!): The Adriatic Sea feeds into this piece of art and creates music! You just have to go.
-Swim in the sea: I liked sitting by it and smelling that sea like odour that cannot be captured in a room freshener. I saw people jumping in and there was a shallow section for kids to walk around in.
-The Greeting to the Sun: Another wonderful piece of art. It lights up and is very nice to see at sunset or night.

I saw these growing out of rocks by the waterside

-Drink Maraschino: I haven't steered you wrong so far in the booze department so I'm not even going to explain this one...just do it!
-Walk around/take a tour: I'm a firm believer in wondering around, taking it all it in. Or have someone take you around. It was not a big town. I didn't get lost and if I felt lost I just kept going...eventually I saw a building that I recognized.

The lackadaisical life of solo vacationing....

I took in the Museum of Archeology.. ...after a few beers at the Boutique Caffe Forum-- oddly enough it is connected to my hotel, but no discounts were given. Whatever, it's not like it was that expensive to drink...15k for a Tomislav .5l...wonderful!

7.3% and didn't taste like a dark beer  

As usual my trip had some music involved...Havana Club put on a promotion with live band! Smart move since Manu Chao was playing there the next night. That really wasn't the highlight of the trip though....on my second night, I met a cool local and chilled on the pier facing the Adriatic Sea drinking beer from a 2L bottle...that's how it comes...in the convenience store...and they give you cups. Then you relax and enjoy the coast. 

Breath taking....just remember to clean up after yourdamnself!  There were a lot of bottles around and the person I was with outright said that it was probably tourists....of course it is. Not all tourists, but some just see every part of their trip like it's a hotel...someone else will pick up after them.

Folks remember: take pictures, leave footprints....not: take advantage and leave garbage!!

I wish I could have captured the scent!

Well a couple of days of luxury was all that I had...then it was a 1.5h bus ride to Novalja for the final stop on this grand vacation.  

Single on a July Day: Part 2, Exit Festing (NoviSad)

Well after my short time in Belgrade I had to make my way to Novi Sad...I had a ticket for Exit Festival!!!! This is where things get fun. The lady at the counter did not speak English and my Serbian isn' t any better. I made great use of sign language and what I hoped was the correct schedule. I bought what I hoped was a one way ticket and got on a train that I figured was going to the right place.

Solo travel at its best!

This is the old train...used for other cities

 

Two hours later I was in Novi Sad. The trip was in a great new train, but the tracks are still old so it was not any faster, just way more comfy...and had air conditioning which was a plus with the +36C degree weather.

Once I arrived at the train station there were volunteers from the festival helping people get to their destination. Now this is where I give two pieces of important advice...1) don't bother with the bus pass;  2) If you are a solo traveller on a budget do not book through Exit Trip (unless you are booking camping).

As for #1, they sell you on the bus pass because it is more convenient than trying to pay on the bus, but it really is not necessary. Everything I needed was in walking distance...including the festival.

The shower curtain..one on each side

And #2....I was told by representative (by email) that  I had to book a whole room even if I was traveling alone. This meant that I was paying double, but got the whole room to myself. So it was a budget conscious decision for me to go with the cheapest place. Bad idea!! Horrible....no WiFi, no cleaning, very basic amenities. A true hostel...but was apparently student housing for a tech program. The shower was open to two room areas and when I told the guy that was showing me to my room that it was unacceptable he said it was nothing to worry about and continued. Hahaha....I know better now. Next time I'll just do a little extra research and not trust the website; too bad their ad could not just say: "this place is filthy and ill equipped". (Booking.com helped me out with the other places, I'll keep them in mind for my next Exit Adventure.)

On a positive note, it was a good place to meet other people since everyone around was either a student or a visitor down for Exit.

Me and the rules for entry

Exit Festival was a first of its kind for me...a night time festival. I've done raves, but a full on festival at night....that was  different. I loved it. It was 8pm- 8am and I was usually there from 10pm-4am...that's the perfect time of day for me. The weather was more bearable and I simply prefer the night time.

There were 10 stages and all sorts of awesomeness. Plus it was held in fortress!! The party atmosphere was insane; DJs and bands all over an historical fort and let's not forget about 100 000 people were there each night. It was a great experience that I wish I could afford to do again next year. So many highlights: Faithless, Roni Size Reprezent, the whole No Sleep zone, silent disco, Manu Chau, giant slide, opening night fireworks...and much more.  I walked to and from the event and had no issues with safety or directions since Novi Sad is easy to navigate and my map memory is pretty good.

The city itself was very nice beyond the festival. Once again great prices for food and drink and great places to chill. Since my crappy accommodations did not have WiFi (so odd!!), I was advised by the ExitTrip people to go across the street to the mall and find a restaurant there. It worked out for the best since I ended up hanging out at cool place called Babylon in the SPENS. I walked in and asked if they had food, booze and Internet...they had booze and Internet and that was good enough for me.

My time at Babylon begins on a Thursday. The festival did not start until Friday so I needed a night of boozing. This is where the rakija enters the vacation. To compensate for the no food issues I had fast food across the way at Minuta....

It's all about cheap and fast

after a few beers....then I asked for rakija and the waitress was shocked and pleased.

Now from this point it is a routine of beers and different types of rakija and glasses of water along with laughs and failed language lessons . It was nice to feel welcome and, since I was alone, there was no pressure to stay or to go. I crawled back into my single bed at the residence around 7:30am....I swear that rakija shit is like red bull....I didn't get sick, just stayed awake until I was horizontal...then it was sleep time.

I did some visiting and more drinking during my few days in Novi Sad, but as I said this was a whirlwind vacation. I think I'll need to go back and stay for a few days after or before Exit Fest. I'd definitely do Exit again!

If you're making plans here are my recommendations:

Get the early bird ticket and make sure you have a hotel/hostel/apartment booked by February. The prices go up and the city sells out. You can always do the camp thing...not my thing, but I heard it was pretty clean and close to the beach.

Also, there is a secondary festival in Montenegro-- Sea Dance. If you buy your Exit ticket early enough you can get into this festival quite inexpensively. I did not go, but I saw pictures....awesome time. I might do it next year...if I can afford to get back to that side of the world!


On to the next stop....

This was one of the stops on my 9h bus ride to Sarajevo

Ah .. I get it...and it sucks

Ok..so I get it now…remember when I discussed the advanced dancers in my beginner 1 pole class (check this link)? Well now I understand their pain. The pain of ‘the hottie that wants to be in advanced but still needs to build her strength in beginner 2 but only beginner 1 is available.’

Yup, that’s a thing now. I stand in the back corner hating every minute…hoping the instructor just ignores my irritated presence…..worst part is that it is the only pole class available to me…I don’t get a workout and sometimes I have to share a pole. I hate it. I’m miserable.

 I did not come to meet people and share life stories. I came to dance. I’ve sent emails and the Vixens have made it clear that I just gotta wait and hope….plus I cannot transfer the membership. Fine. Understandable. But I am wasting time…it’s not even the money…it’s the time. I’m not going to grow at all in beginner 1. That shit is for people who need to dip their feet in the pole water.

I like to jump right the fuck in….

I need a beginner 2 class…someplace to build my strength, learn some new moves and just dance it out….oh but wait....to do that I have to leave work early, or get up at 10 am on my only day off….fuck that shit.

Of course there are other classes- Pilate's, Chair dance, flex stuff, aerials…great…but that is what is filling my schedule and none of that has me dancing on a pole…...letting my sexy out on a safe, glass free dance floor….and, let’s face it, you can get that shit free from the Internet! I’m not paying $100 a month for that.

I guess I just need to turn my storage area into a studio…hmm….Dear Santa…..

In the meantime, any know of a pole studio that allows for a mostly pole schedule?!


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It's hard to party in a city that's shitty.

Ok so I’ve decided Toronto has become a very shitty pretentious city. Friday night I was

King West

having a conversation with some friends while walking down John St. to King west. Some ass stopped and interjected to correct us, but was not even on point with what we were talking about. That is the true sign of assholism. You can comment without being educated on a topic and you don’t care. Gaaaaa….

Even the service industry has fallen (but that has been on a steady shit decline since SARs). There was of course that jerk bartender at the Gladstone Hotel (the reason I don’t go in there at all and my friends know this so we make sure to avoid them).  Then there was a couple of nights ago at Bier Market where three bartenders decided that they were only going to service one end of one of the bars and do one drink at a time (a rookie mistake in the Toronto bar scene that seems to be happening everywhere).  I guess the night was too hard for them…Gaaaaa²

Seriously…it sickens me to think that this is the path the city is taking when it actually used to be a community and a place with character and manners…well a real Torontonian knows whose blame for the mega changes…rhymes with Ike Barris…..

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Kicking up heels on Canada Day..

I’m sorry to say this…but WTF Toronto!!!! Not all of us have cottages at this time! Some of us are in the city on a holiday eve and looking for a place to smashed at….gaahhh.

Yes I am frustrated. What does this frustration stem from..well. Picture it: June 30 2014…it is a Monday night and bunch of drunken cool ppl are out….trying to get our dance and drink on.

We all had July 1st off..Hell the whole country had the next day off!

How is it that on the night of a holiday a party was so hard to find?!!! We were in the east end and all the usuals were closed…. More closures than dancefloors.  Nonesense.

….but the country bar was open. Yes…I went to Boots andBurbon…

Not my cup of tea, but I am glad they were around. Hot men, good drinks, great bartenders…can’t go wrong! Heck I even learnt how to line dance…sort of…

I gotta say, that was awesome. Kind of felt nice getting out of my usual comfort spots. I typically don't go east, but this summer is about experiencing new good times...all the boot scootin boogie times.

Sex on a first date

Someone sent this across my way:

Why You Should Always Have Sex on a First Date

Awesome article!! The main thing to take in is that if you are sacrificing having sex with someone for the sake of looking pure then you might be wasting your time. I read "The Rules" and even attempted to follow them, but I could not. I cannot be that lady.

Sex itself is a healthy thing for the body. It hopefully leads to an orgasm or a rush of body chemicals the ends up with you feeling elated and tired. Assuming it goes well and there aren't any medical/other issues involved.

If you want technical reasons then look up these lovely chemicals:
Oxytocin: This is a hormone that the body releases during orgasm. This releases endorphins and brings a sense of elation to the body. It makes you happy.
Prolactin: A hormone mainly linked to lactation (breast feeding)
Dopamine: Another (blessed) side effect of orgasm, dopamine is a hormone released 

Of course there is the emotional side of things. The skin to skin contact can be comforting and being with someone might make you feel closer to them (or just feel good for the sake of feeling good).

All of these things are not great excuses for pressuring someone to have sex on a first date...they are just positive rationalizations. Now.... things can get iffy.

Some people see sex as a way to solidify a relationship. Sex on a first date is probably not a good idea in this situation. The first date may be the last and the sex was not intended as a connection. Then there are those who have sex addictions- a real issue. This might cause someone to have sex on a first date for no reason and then feel like shit afterwards. That is also a bad idea. There are also people that have difficulty coming to orgasm or have pain during sex (such as vaginismus). Also hard times for sex on a first date. These situations require a lot more from a partner than a quick meeting can provide.

Overall, sex on a first date can be great thing, but should not bea pressure. Do what what you're most comfortable with and do it safely.....and if you like it--do it often.


Sources:
Cool article in Chatelaine (and there is mention of Beverly Whipple, an awesome sexual scientist): http://www.chatelaine.com/health/sex-and-relationships/more-sex-is-the-secret-to-a-longer-healthier-life/
Video:http://youtu.be/sSOFtSG6nDo

Single on a Saturday: Booze can be helpful!!

Well another Saturday night spent home doing work...just took a break to read another part of current interest: "The Sexual Herbal" by Brigitte Mars. Good thing I did. I read a section about the positive aspects of certain alcohols for sex purposes.

Of course it is common sense to note that alcohol in excess is not good for those looking fora good pump. For men, too much of a boozy time decreases testosterone production and can lead to problems with erection formation and maintenance. For women, it leads to an increase in estrogen and can impact fertility and ability to reach orgasm.

All terrible news!!


But there is a mild light at the end of the tunnel-- drinking she mentioned a drink that I loved many years ago....Chartreuse. Deliciously unique in flavour, Chartreuse is a green or yellow  liqueur that tastes deliciously wonderful on ice. (let me just interject here: use a lot of ice or an ice ball. This prevents the ice from melting and you keep your drink cold, not watered down) I used to drink the green one back in my 'bartending at Burswood (now Crown Perth Casino) days' 6ish years ago. I haven't been able to find it at a bar since.

Well according to Mars and some other articles including this one by AskMen, Chartreuse is an aphrodisiac..it increases the libido....makes you want to get it on...

Now why this particular alcohol you ask? From what I can understand the crazy plant ingredients themselves produce a sexual stimulant and booze overall does relax you and help with inhibitions.

That would explain many a night after my shift ended.....Hmm...good times...I think I need to add some to my repertoire again. Off to the LCBO I go!!

remember to always drink in moderation or else you'll break your fuck...

Review: Mixology

So I officially think that "Mixology" is the best show on earth. It feels like I'm watching my nights in action. For those not in the know, "Mixology" is a show about picking at the bar. One night, that goes for a few episodes. Its that night you had that time and you're retelling it to a buddy. It's a unique way to look at the bar scene and cannot hate on lines such as: "I'm not just some guy, I'm a man that wants to make sweet ass love to you."
The best part comes at the end when they are all trying to finalize their evening booties. "You gotta get the ice cream home before it melts" ....yes...they said what we are all thinking. By the end of the night you have worked so hard for that pick up and you need to recognize there is a small window of opportunity. I did not specify a time in my previous post  but the show pins it at 8 mins. You have to leave the venue in 8 minutes after agreeing to go home together....there you go...the window is 8 minutes.

Thanks Mixiology.

I wonder if there is enough material for a second season....

"Rob Fording"

Well this man has ruined my city's reputation, but I gotta say he can party!!! For that, he can be a verb...

Rob Fording (v.)-ed -ing: to get messed up and be undignified at a club when you have a dignified job..... "I was 'Rob Fording' last night and I feel like shit today"; "We 'Rob Forded' at Ultra Fest, it was awesome!"

Wanna know how to Rob Ford- Check out  this article from the Star

Single on a Saturday and other blogs return this weekend....

Single on a Saturday: Casual sex done right!

Picture it:

You spend the night at your house with a friend. Going through the wine..and whatever other contraband you enjoy..then comes bed time..pick whichever time works for you- 1am…7am…what ever. The rest is good. Ah yes…score to the single gal…or guy. That at home nookie is great. No worries about a cab or cover or waiting in line. No need to create a pick up plan. That friend is in your home. Drinking with you…and then you bed.

Then you get up. The other side is empty.

For the most part you breathe fresh air, happy that you didn’t have to kick anyone out…but then you hear the water. Perhaps it’s the shower…even better…it’s the kitchen sink. Your dishes are being washed!!!

You were not only graciously laid, you didn’t even have to clean up after last night. 

Seriously awesome.

This is not an anomaly. It is happening.  I highly doubt it’s a regular thing, but it’s a thing. I have had experiences, and I know others that have. Their regular casual booties might straighten up the living room, clean up after the binge and /or do the dishes. 

Finding out how often this happens could be a great research project...right now I'm just calling it  an extension to my previous edition on Booty Call Etiquette. I guess it can be referred to as the Morning After Etiquette....yes...genius. (I am coining phrases that might never catch on....pass them on..!!)

Morning after etiquette works in all situations but its nice when there is a regular visitor (perhaps someone in your little black book) that cares enough to clean up after themselves on their way out. It could be their way of not leaving any evidence behind or their way of saying thanks for the bed. Maybe it's just a thanks for the sex. Whatever the case may be, they know they are on your list and that small gesture bumps them up to the top.

 Plus, at this point, it is a beneficial friends situation-- you only hang out when you want to have sex with them. Friends-with- Benefits puts the friend part first. In this situation the benefits come first. You call each other when horny and you go to dinner or just chill and watch movies...basically there are activities and then there is sex. The sex is going to come no matter what-- but you do stuff together to get the date going like true friends. 

Getting back to it..since your friendship is based on decent good times that happen occasionally, cleaning up the morning after should become a standard. It's not like you're sneaking out and hoping not to wake the person. You're planning on seeing this person again at some point. Make them want you back and, for those on the other side, use the morning after etiquette to rate your little black book. 

When casual sex is done right--all the way to the method of exiting the situation--then the beneficial friendship takes on a whole new 'no-strings-attached' level....a positive move. Single folk its time to make this a thing!!