Ever heard of famous Brioni? Or Brijuni, as we call this Istrian archipelago in the northern Adriatic Sea. Two islands and twelve islets have always been an attractive destination for aristocracy and Hollywood stars like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and many others. Naturally, they couldn’t possibly skip me!

The decision was made, my hooman convinced — today was the day for a Brijuni walk. Just an hour’s drive from home, no need for long planning or royal packing. We started early. Of course, we left late. This is aristocracy, I suppose: always fashionably late.

By the time we parked the car in Valbandon, night had already fallen. We dogs don’t complicate things. I was happy enough to sniff the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves. In the distance, a few lonely lights trembled on the horizon. With a little help of imagination, they became the outlines of islands.

“Oh well, there are Brijuni,” I thought to myself. I guessed this was as close as we’d get. Still, we were around. After all, in the dark the nose can see what eyes cannot.