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We are on our next adventure, this time to Croatia and then back across Europe by train!! We flew to Dubrovnik in the very south of Croatia and thanks to John & Julie had the best accommodation (with a very unusual landlord!) at the gate of the old town. Srjdan met us at the airport, gave us a guided tour of town, suggested places to eat and organized our ongoing transport - very helpful. Dubrovnik is a jewel, amazingly restored after the war when over 2000 bombs etc were dropped in 6 months 1991-92. As it is still low season there weren't many tourists so we were able to visit all the places of interest as well as walk around the city walls (2kms with lots of steps). We had thought we might get a swim here but 4 days before we arrived they had had the heaviest snowfall since 1942 and there was still heaps of snow on the ground so too chilly!
We have moved on to Korcula, a very pretty town on an island of the same name. We came across on a car ferry arriving around sunset and the sun on the old stone walls was very attractive. We had dinner at the only restaurant open and atehome made macaroni with beef sauce (that's all that was on the menu!) which was delicious, followed by some local fruit brandy!!
We traveled to Split by fast ferry leaving at 6 AM, good trip in a catamaran wave piercing hull, ferry looked quite odd as I think it was made with two modules that sat on top of hull which meant it was very quiet. Split was fairly quiet when we arrived (8.30am); our host met us at the ferry and insisted on carrying the two heaviest bags up the hill to our apartment in the old town( he was an ex-rugby union international about 10 years ago).
Split was chosen by the Roman Emperior Diaclentian (3rd centuary AD) as the site for his summer palace and an enormous palace was constructed on the harbour front with boats unloading straight into the watergate. Later homes were built into and infront of the palace and now there is a prominade and small harbour in front. A large city was built behind the old city, trading broardly being under control of the Venetians in later years. The old city consists of vehicle free irregular streets and squares. Parts of the palace has been used for housing and commerce, other parts have given rise to indvidual buildings including churches, smart shops and housing all built of white stone. Shops selling world brands in narrow lanes, streets and squares and all without cars and motor bikes. Sydney's Pitt Street Mall would not rate a mention. Under much of this city is the original basement to the palace which has been dug out in recent times and is used for retail, exhibitions and museum. A great city with smart,well dressed people and a coffee and bar culture. The quayside is a buzz at weeekends and presumably on weekdays in holiday season.
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