Split - Roman Occupation

Hi all,

Well I'm off the islands now, took a ferry to Split, Croatia's second largest city. From the ferry, I can for the first time in Croatia, see downtown business high rise above about 10 stories, this is a big city.
I'm arriving a bit late, mid day, but I have time to drop my backpack in "Left Luggage" for the day and see the main site here, visible from the harbor, Deocletian's Palace. Mr. D was the Roman emperor that occupied this region several years B.C. That makes all this palace over 2000 years old. The palace is humbling, walking through meeting rooms, hallways and courtyards with the classic Roman columns and stone. One sphinx statue (robbed by the Romans) was 1500 B.C.

This is a UNESCO world heritage site for a good reason. I had a picnic lunch complete with red wine, sitting on a corner stone in the center courtyard visuallizing the activity here 2000 years ago "Et tu Deocletian"...cheers dude

I jumped on a bus for a 25min ride west to see the ancient city of Trogir, it is amazing, out on an island, surrounded by a channel full of multimillion $ yachts from all over the world. This is an ancient walled city, with upscale shops and restaurants. Interesting here in Croatia how business' are nested right inside these sacred historical sites, kinda like having a McDonalds inside the White house at home.

Trogir is also a world heritage site, thats a record, two in one day.

Well I stay in Trogir tonight, then fly off to Vienna for the return leg home.

This has been an incredible adventure in Eastern Europe, a look at life in Poland, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and lovely, amazing Croatia. I have a new respect for the people here, young and old.

Till next time on the road,
Yours in travel,

Bill Wilson
billwilson@pocketmail.com (While away on travel)
email2bill@cox.net (When home)

------------------------------
Sent via PocketMail
Email Anywhere
www.pocketmail.com

Dalmation Islands

Hi All, Wed June 1- Sat June 4,2005

Found out no ferries on Wed to Korcula, so took a bus later in the day from Dubrovnik. The coastal countryside north from Dubrovnik was spectacular. The bus driver was a real businessman. He knew everyone on break stops on the way, we stopped on hwy at someones house, guy ran out with a bag of mussels, they were later traded for something. Then coolers full of fish...

Korcula was my favorite, again walled city, narrow alleyways, dating back to the 1200's, but incredibly perfect weather, views along the sea wall 30 steps from my pensione. I was greeted by Peter and Lenna, who owned a beautiful place right in the walled city. A "Mr. Wilson" sign, displayed by Peter at the bus station got us connected, people on the bus loved it..a reservation call paid off this time. A historic, incredible stay in the walled city for $15/night.

Went to show one night to see the historical dance of the swordsmen, a dance dating back centuries to the invasion by the Turks, amazing display.

Then took ferry further north to Hvar Island. On board had an increible discussion with 5, 10 and 11 year old school children on a field trip. Croatian children take many extensive field trips each year. At this age they also average about 6 years of english. We laughed over the map spread on my table, they were being my tour guides. They each signed my map, I signed my name for them.

Hvar was interesting, actually stayed in a private home in Stari Grad, 1/2 hour away by bus. Very layed back city, it grew on me. The Croatian People are wonderful.

On to Split, 2nd largest city in Croatia to see Roman emperor Deocleation Palace, then a day trip to Trogir down the coast. These two sites are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Will be back to you one more time before this amazing trip ends.

Yours in travel,

Bill

Bill Wilson
billwilson@pocketmail.com (While away on travel)
email2bill@cox.net (When home)

------------------------------
Sent via PocketMail
Email Anywhere
www.pocketmail.com