Blogs from Split, Dalmatia, Croatia, Europe - page 4

Today, after breakfast in the fake forest, we return to Croatia and the city of Split. We settle our bill, which comes with a free pipe (never know when that will come in handy) and depart. Once out of Sarajevo, we drive along the Neretva river until the SatNav tells us to turn right, into the mountains. We climb and climb and climb. The views are spectacular. Eventually the road becomes a gravel track and we have to pick our way along 4 km of trail. It’s so ‘off road’ that after a long period of not seeing another vehicle, we start to get passed by 4x4s with drivers and co-drivers wearing helmets. We’re caught up in some sort of Paris-Dakar style rally. Finally we reach the top, there’s an archway, the tarmac appears and we’re ... read more

I came in this morning at 0700AM on a Croatian train, once I got here I needed to figure out how I was going to clean up and where I was going to leave my backpack while I explored Split until the afternoon when I was to take the shuttle to Brodarica. It took me awhile to find the bathroom, there was none inside the train station, it was a short walk out on the very crowded sidewalk. It cost some Kuna, that is the currency in Croatia. So I had to get some Kuna from the cash machine first, then I had to buy a Cappucino to get change. I freshened up in the bathroom, packed up my bag for the day and took my backpack to a store front that stored luggage. I had ... read more

June 22, 2018. Episode 2: Craving Croatia A zest for life isn’t confined to France. This past week we have been in Croatia, where we have met more friendly people that enjoy the good life. Shaped like the open jaws of a dragon (in lateral view!), Croatia is located in the south Eastern corner of Europe. It has a complex history and something of a split personality. The “upper jaw” includes the capital, Zagreb. The landscape features mountains, meadows and forests. The people have a serious work ethic and they eat hearty Hapsburg-inspired food. The “lower jaw” is dominated by the wonderful Dalmatian coastline - a more liberal, laid back area. Lapped by the Adriatic sea, it is a sun-drenched holiday destination, dotted with islands and with large throngs of tourists. It features handsome ancient old ... read more

We were up and at 'em by 9 am for breakfast. It was a typical continental breakfast from the hotel: breads, cheeses, meats, eggs, yogurt, fruit and juices. Damian was right on time at 9:30 to take us to our Split tour guide. This is where we said good-bye to Damian. Our new guide was great, but not one of us can think of her name; therefore, she will forever be known as Kaitlyn (after Kaitlyn Jenner). I think you know where we are going with this. Our guide was wonderful, funny, and knowledgeable. She walked us through the ruins of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Split was his retirement home that was built from 305 BC to 295 BC. It was another hot day, but we were there early and weaving through the small streets of ... read more

After the majesty of Dubrovnik and Kotor, Split was a slight comedown. The old town was still impressive, but there wasn't much else to it apart from being a good base to reach other points of interest. So personally, I wouldn't spend more than one day exploring Split itself then take day trips (or just hit the beaches). We visited Krka National Park and Trogir from Split. Split's old town is made up in large part of Diocletian's Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one that is free to enter, since it is full of homes, shops and restaurants no-one can charge an entrance fee. We first entered the palace through the main gate, the Golden Gate, where you will find a huge statue of Diocletian himself. I found it quite funny that to me ... read more