Istria, Croatia–Genuine Adventure Without Genuine Pain

Adventure travel is getting harder and harder to find without abandoning all conceptions of modern conveniences. Adventure is one thing, but not everyone wants to give up having a toilet for weeks on end to be able to say they’ve been to the wild. On the other end of the spectrum is what’s driving modern day Lewis and Clarks to such lengths in search of the real foreign experience.

What is driving modern adventure travelers into jungle and mountain with no hope of comfort to be found? The difficulty in finding genuine, unsterilized experiences. Any popular destination these days is likely to be festooned with American products, English neon signs and T-shirts of popular western bands. Why go to another country to stay home? Croatia is one of the few destinations gaining popularity that is not succumbing to this trend and still offers rustic adventure alongside modern hospitality.

Istria, on its own, gives adventure travel a good name. Unspoiled lakes, thick forest and beautiful vistas that require some foot work to find are the rule and not the exception, and can be reached from vacation rental homes which also are in reach of great restaurants that will not compromise their local customs for tourists. For a genuine experience, try Croatia.

Croation Cuisine Worth the Visit

Istrian cuisine, from the Croatian region of Istria, has been compared to Italian food, Dalmation food and even American food. It is quite diverse, depending on where in Istria one is, and Scampi Buzara is a dish that illustrates that diversity.

Based on prawns that can be gleaned from the Adriatic Sea, or your local fish shop if you don’t have time to get to Croatia and back before dinner, this dish can be modified to accept any additional ingredients. Try tossing in anything you like that goes with a tomato base.

1.5kg fresh prawns
1/2 cup olive oil
1 small can peeled tomatoes
2 tsp garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1tsp Vegeta
2 cups white wine
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large skillet and fry the bread crumbs until they just start to toast.

Add the garlic, parsley, tomatoes and Vegeta and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the wine, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

Add the scampi, lower the heat, cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes.