Travels with Louise-The Adriatic
By Louise Hughes

National Theatre of Split

The Adriatic first I must say how envious I am of Ranier enjoying himself in beautiful Austria where I'd love to be today. A tiny town on the Rhine what could be sweeter! Plus Vienna is close, one of the most enjoyable of all cities. But oh, those pastries-walking from one shop after another on a Sunday afternoon! Pure delight and few extra pounds.

But today we start the exciting trip along the steep, narrow road along the sea ending eventually in Dubrounik. The Queen of the Adriatic. It is a long drive but glorious scenery all the way on both sides of the road-limestone, steep mountains on the left and on the and on the right frightening drops to the sea. There are no rails, adding to the fun, this is the truck route also but at least there are no huge semi's as we have in the U.S. Excellent train service is normal in most of Europe. I do miss it in America which has foolishly stopped many of our lines except in the west. Where they are a necessity.

We passed through several small towns stopping in "Maslenica" and "Sibenik" for R and R. A lot of passengers were terrified after this great drive an hoped for stops. But the road had not ended so we set off for our destination, the unusual city of "Split" for a two night stay.

Inside Palace Split-lived in for many hundreds of years.

The coast from Sibenik is all a holiday region and includes several of the islands previously mentioned. Brac, Hvar, Solta and Korcula but we don't have a car so missed the chance to take ferries to them. "Split" is a major resort and port of call for cruise ships. The Emperor Diocletian, born in 245, reigned from 284 to 305. Built his palace on the sea. There is not space here for the interesting history of this place. Suffice it to say, that it was used as a refuge during many wars and was walled in and dwellings were built inside and the walls fortified for protection against the Turks- now the people still live inside where a maze of tiny streets make for great exploring. In addition there is an entrance to a huge basement where you find amazing shops. This was not a dungeon but a shelter and now creative imagination has made it unforgettable. Above is the large square with good restaurants and almost anything you might want. Of course outside the fascinating walls there is a bustling city encompassing both old and new architecture. Two days is not enough!

Our hotel is a modern one "The Marjan" with views over the gorgeous Promenade lined with palm trees, flowers and majestic buildings. There is the Croatian National Theatre of Split. An imposing building with large courtyard complete with colorful vendors selling various souvenirs. All in all a very delightful city.

Our rooms were what I call plastic fantastic but very nice. Mine was a corner one with two views-that's when I realized how big Split is. It spreads out everywhere. The hotel has every amenity and Ginny went to the hairdresser for a bit of pampering- I still had my waist length hair which only heeds shampoo. I'm lazy-Libra.

Another excellent dinner and we were ready for a walk along with the people already at the Promenade. This one was especially beautiful and the moon was up there in its glory. Lots of benches were spread around and we sat awhile enjoying the fresh sea air. I am not a fan of buses but I was glad Bronko did today's driving as I was a bit stiff from the Yugo. Of course before retiring I had my coffee ice cream and Ginny a lovely wine. We also bought a few things. I had a lovely sand picture for Eddie, who loves art and some filagree jewelry which they excel in and so on!

There are over 100 churches in this area and plenty of museums. Impossible to see it all. The background of the mountains plus the sea is just entrancing. These mountains are mostly barren-we had left the limestone and now we are in the area of Bavxite which is a major export here. A contrast from the alps which we had traveled a short time ago!

After a refreshing long sleep, Ginny and I were ready for out last bus ride along the coast so goodbye to the unbelievable city of "Split," a place I'll never forget. But soon a spectacular sight! George Bernard Shaw called "Dubrounik" an earthly paradise and I agree-the first view was truly awesome. The red tiled roofs are lovely and the location is like a dream as the barren mountains form a background for the fortified "Oldtown" with streets, plaza buildings and steps all built of marble. Not to mention, a beautiful waterfront awaits your inspection.

I couldn't contain my joy and wanted to jump out and enter the huge gates but we must check in the top notch hotel, "Libertas" which is built into a sleep hill so you check in at the top while the rooms go downhill in terraces, giant steps which end at the beach, Each of our rooms were very large, first a marble bathroom, then the big bedroom plus a sitting room and a terrace. Wonderful, will one month be enough? No way! What a cool place and breakfast plus dinner (not dinars)! Included. The balconies have flowers and plants galore-everything is great. We unpacked and spread out our belongings, decorated with some souvenirs to make it "home" and we were ready to explore! Our new car arrives at 10 a.m. and we are free! Sweet!!