Live by the Sun - Love by the Moon: DAYS 69 & 70

May 27 & 28 - Split, Croatia - a most beautiful city on the Adriatic

Split is one of the oldest cities along the Adriatic. While it is considered just over 1,700 years old counting from the construction of Diocletians' Palace in AD 305, archaeological research relating to the original founding of the city as the Greek colony of Aspálathos in the 6th century BC, establishes the area as being several centuries older.

We had the most beautiful drive along the coastline going to these gorgeous seaside cities.

"Oh to sail the ocean blue in a bigger boat I'd like to do."

Both of our hosts in Croatia had interesting stories to tell about the Serbian-Croatian war between 1991 and 1995. There are still some hostile feelings today that I'm not sure will heal anytime soon. They also spoke of the Communistic times and how things used to be better back then. Many people, young and old, but especially the old remember how it was much better during Communism and that there seems to be more poverty now. It is very sad that retirement brings very little money and the older people must resort to begging on the street. Many make less than $400 a month with their pension and that barely covers their rent. So many stories....

"Quit shouting at me. There is no way I can get you down...we're stuck up here for the next 1,000 years!"

This is very common all over Europe and quite the decor in the olde town.

"Just try to come into our city and overtake it."

Split has had some turbulent times in its history, the most recent being in 1991 when the Yugoslav War navy fired upon Split in its historical center and other places in the city. This started the 1990's economic recession that lasted several years. It is starting to come out of it with the help of tourism.

We took a walk up Marjan Hill which is covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest and completely surrounded by the city and the sea, making it a unique sight. Originally used as a park by the citizens as early as the 3rd century, it is a favorite weekend excursion destination and a recreational center for the city. It is also the setting for numerous beaches and jogging trails as well as tennis courts and the city zoo, all surrounded by the scenic forest.

The old roof of one of the houses in old-towne Split

It seems like that's all the ancient people did was to climb up steps.

In ancient times Emperor Diocletian built his palace a few minutes walk from Marjan. This opulent palace-city was actually inhabited by up to 8,000 to 10,000 people,who required parks and recreation space, Diocletian therefore organized some areas of Marjan nearer to the palace as a park.

It's very scenic from the top of the 178 meter hill

There is also a small rustic early 13th century church situated on Marjan Hill.The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, a favorite saint of fishermen, of which there are many in Split.

This was the statue on top of the church - it's had better days!

Rich really wanted to wind surf in the Adriatic when he saw these sailers.

A fun puzzle found at the top in the playground area.

These are the instructions - looked so fun! BUT....difficult to figure out.

Beautiful cross at the top along with the flag of Croatia

We went off the beaten track and found a little path through the forest that was there a LONG time ago. It was fun looking at all the stone walls and rocks along the path. Then we found this stone building that appeared to be an ancient latrine. How cool!

The first outhouse

Posing at the ancient wall - just think of all those that came before me.

Graffiti - probably in the 20th century

And we begin our descent down the hill.....this time along a beautiful sidewalk path

We're famished... it's time for our favorite staple - BREAD!

About our host...meet the giant man - Bojan (pronounced bo-yan). He was taller than my high school class mate, Jerry Fithian. Bojan was 6'9" and that was common in Croatia. (as well as other European countries) We saw so many tall people, mostly women. We called them the "amazon people."


Bojan, our most gracious host in Split and he's available ladies!!

I'm very comfortable on his couch in the beautiful living room with surround sound TV.

He had recently re-furbished his flat and re-decorated it with beautiful furnishings. He hadn't put up pictures yet, but oh...the colors! I loved the deep purple highlighting everything. The flooring was awesome, too.

The wall to wall closet in his bedroom

I'm in love with the all-white kitchens that Europeans have. The cupboards are state-of-the-art.

Don't you love the chairs?

All our hosts so far have us remove our shoes when we enter...good rule! Bojan had some very creative cupboards installed to put the shoes, so there weren't shoes all over the floor when you come in.