Split

Today we toured and relaxed in Split. In the morning we caught up with Rada, a local guide who showed us around the old town. The Roman Emperor Diocletian was born near here and said he would build a palace here if he gained power, a promise he fulfilled. After he died the palace was abandoned and slowly became a town with buildings slowly filling in the grounds as the local population grew. Over the years many other empires occupies this land, Venice, Austria-Hungary to name a few gave this city an eclectic collection of buildings and as in other places some of the original ‘pagan’ temples became churches so the original buildings were preserved and can be seen in detail today. Great tour Rada, thanks!

After resting in the late afternoon we went out for dinner in the vibrant Friday evening crowd, lots of energy here. There was a hair band playing on the promenade giving the party crowd who had too little money to get into the clubs something to do. Nice vibe here, we will come back.

Part of the central square in Split.

Part of the central square in Split.

Outside one of the original walls now located in central Split.

Outside one of the original walls now located in central Split.

Once a temple to Jupiter, now a church.

Once a temple to Jupiter, now a church.

Rada and Sydney

Rada and Sydney

Split habor.

Split habor.

Split from up high.

Split from up high.

Sydney and Dad up high.

Sydney and Dad up high.

Vertigo anyone?

Vertigo anyone?

The promenade in Split.

The promenade in Split.

An interesting fountain.

An interesting fountain.

The Hair Band in action.

The Hair Band in action.

Across The Adriatic

Sigh. Time to move on. Although we loved Rome in some ways we were ready to go. Rome is quite the busy place and although I like to visit it and it has one of my favorite buildings in the world (Pantheon) I burn out on the city quicker than other locations in Europe. Adding on was while our hotel (Grand Hotel de la Minerve) was in a great location and had a great staff, the more 21st century oriented facilities were lacking and after 4 days we had enough.

One last lunch at our favorite restaurant by the Pantheon it was time to hop across the Adriatic to Split, Croatia and a beautiful and hopping Thursday night. Our hotel, the Hotel Luxe gave is a warm welcome that included cake and Prosecco, the room has a great view of Split harbor and the ferries that are coming and going to the nearby islands and the vibe in the air for this sea-side town is driving Sydney crazy. Again. At least when she travels in the future I know where I have to worry when she travels…

Now we are watching a red, red moon setting on some of the smoothest water we have seen in a while. Nice. 🙂

One last lunch... She makes friends everywhere...

One last lunch… She makes friends everywhere…

The road to Split.

The road to Split.

Syd on her enclosed porch.

Syd on her enclosed porch.

Our arrival snacks.

Our arrival snacks.

People enjoying the nightlife in Split.

People enjoying the nightlife in Split.

The view from the room.

The view from the room.