Monday May 5th ~ En route to Split, Croatia
Departing from Dubrovnik we traveled along the Dalmatian Coast line of the Adriatic Sea. This area is known for their sea food especially the muscles and squid. It is also some of the most beautiful shoreline I have ever seen.
Dalmatian coastline, Adriatic Sea
Our morning coffee stop was in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I guess we can actually say we have visited this country, even if only for a few minutes. Croatia gifted Bosnia a very narrow strip of land that connects them to the Adriatic, which allowed them a sea port.
It also means that to travel from the southern end of Croatia where Dubrovnik is to the rest of Croatia, you have to cross the border twice – from Croatia passing through Bosnia and then back into Croatia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
An unexpected surprise was this charming seaside village where we stopped for lunch. With its pretty oceanfront promenade and well-preserved old town, I was sorry we did not have more time to explore further.
Makarska
Still it gave us the opportunity to have a seafood salad and grilled calamari which was delicious.
Grilled squid
This is the second largest city in Croatia and dates back 1700 years. We started our walking tour at the oldest building which was built in 305 AD:
Diocletian’s Palace
The Roman emperor, Diocletian, decided to build his retirement palace on the water’s edge in Split. Built in three levels, with the lower level mostly submerged under water. Today there is some distance that separates the palace walls before reaching the water and the lowest level is dry. They were in final preparations for a large flower show at the time we were touring through.
Bird of Paradise
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, but today probably more well-known as the place where the 4th season of Game of Thrones was filmed.
“…the world’s most complete remains of a Roman palace.” ~ Wikipedia
Formerly underwater, where “Game of Thrones” was filmed
Incredibly expensive real estate inside the palace walls
A highlight for me was listening to these men perform a cappella. Inside the curved walls, the acoustics were perfect. A beautiful goose bump moment. I purchased one of their CD’s. I hope at some point I can figure out how to add music to my blog…
I asked them if I could have my picture taken with them and they graciously agreed
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for those goose-bump moments that catch you by surprise. They come along when you least expect them, yet they are often the memories that are clearest when you recall them years later. Listening to this group perform for us was one of those moments for me.
A Note From Abroad 
Great to follow this blog. I went to Yugoslavia in 1982 and visited what was to be Croatia and Slovenia. I never got as far south as this but would love to one day 🙂
LikeLike
Croatia and Slovenia have turned out to be my favorite countries from the former Yugoslavia. Both have amazing natural beauty. I can’t wait to post my pictures from Bled to show you!
LikeLike
Lovely photos. I find Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia very appealing in many ways and the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea speaks deeply to this classic fishie (Piscean). I haven’t noticed any references to you two going swimming. Are there pauses in the itinerary to allow such moments? Doesn’t say much about cultural sophistication when Game of Thrones (which I’ve never seen) is more well known than the history and beauty of Croatia, huh.
LikeLike
HaHa, you are right about Game of Thrones vs. cultural sophistication. And no, we have not done any swimming yet, but who knows what the future will hold. Most of our leisure time would be filled up with taking a walk, or writing this blog 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, speaking of “writing this blog” I know you spoke to this some moons ago, but can you tell me what device you use to write the blogs? I know my approach will in any case be the “budget” version, but I thought it would helpful to get a fix on your modality. THANKS!
LikeLike
Maha, I use WordPress.com. They are basically free unless you upgrade to custom formats or don’t want any advertising on your pages. You can also pay to have your own personal web site hosted by them. I have found them reasonably priced using the options and except for the rare downtime, they are normally reliable.
LikeLike
Oh, sorry, I meant what electronic device, e.g., tablet, pad, laptop, do you use. But I also appreciate your format info! Thanks.
LikeLike
I am electronic heavy, but I carry with me my iPhone, mini iPad, MacPro laptop and my Sony RX100 camera.
LikeLike
I’m such a pest…I hope you don’t mind — for blogging only (not considering the accompanying photos), which one device would be the most essential to you?
LikeLike
No problem at all. I welcome the questions. Honestly, I’m simply delighted that someone is taking the time to look at my posts! I use my Macbook Pro laptop for blogging.
LikeLike
…which of course includes needing to connect to the internet to Send.
LikeLike
Most of the hotels have free Internet, at least in the lobby or business center. Many have free service in the rooms as well. Interestingly we have found that the more expensive the rooms, the more they charge for the Internet. Bargain hotels often offer it in your room for free.
LikeLike
I love reading your posts…..they are wonderful!
LikeLike
Thank you. It is so nice to have someone take the time to join us.
LikeLike