Chasing Ideals

I have these last three days been enjoying the wondrous town of Split. From first glance I was unsure of its merits as what glimpses one receives from the motorway are not so pleasant. From that vantage it seems to be just another urban sprawl but arrive at its center and the treasure awaits. I've been staying with a little old lady in another town just further on the coast but still only ten minutes drive from Split's center. I'm a two minute stroll from the beach and today made full use of the local to lounge the afternoon in the deep blue Mediterranean. Before continuing on that subject line and further saucy exploits I will return to the description of Split.

The city center is focused around the palace of Diocletian, Roman emporer from AD 245-313 (It's wonderful to pretend that I actually know something like that). At least in modern times this palace is more of a small village with narrow streets. It is crammed with small shops, restaurants, and suprisingly plenty of homes. I am a sucker for narrow cobble stone streets so thorougly enjoyed strolling around this area. Despite the tourists it was easy to wander and in no time find an area of the palace without another soul about. The main end of the palace faces out over the Mediterranean and the harbor of Split. Small cafes lined the harbor and presented a marvelous spot to relax and see various other peoples wandering about. I think that of the cities I have visited on this trip here I found the most charm. I can't say it wouldn't have been nice to have some company though. I've realized that that is what often puts a downer on the city visits. Without someone accompanying you there is little motivation for continued wanderings around a city, especially when one is surrounded by throngs of couples and groups of friends. Hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to return here with someone else in toe. Tomorrow, Monday, I set sail for the island of Hvar, at least that is the hope. I have been told (by beach hat) that the islands are not to be missed. Beyond Hvar I will return to the mainland and then make another ferry journey to the island of Korcula. I may be unable to post for a few but who knows. Take a look at the new pics on Lovable Quirks.

I've made a bit of a stir here with the old lady of the house where I'm staying. She can't speak a work of English but has tried to communicate with me in Croatian, German, Italian, and Mongolian. My first night here I had wanted to get quite a few things from my car and was also still paranoid about the car leaking. Needless to stay I was out at my car in the dark first checking under it with a flashlight and then making repeated trips to my room and back with an assortment of my possessions. I'm sure she must have thought I to be either lunatic or drug addict. She eventually emerged from the house with suspicious eyebrow and tried to ask if the car was having problems. I said "ne" (Croatian for you guessed it) and continued tottering along between car and room. Assumedly she decided upon lunatic and called it a night. Since this occasion we have had little interaction. I attempted to ask her about a bus into Split but instead came away with new knowledge about a hair dryer. Tonight she came to me repeatedly saying the word doctor and pointing to her wrist. I wasn't quite sure what she wanted me to do to her but eventually understood that she must tomorrow go to the doctor and needed me to pay her now. What a joy is the language barrier?