Split

Another gorgeous day on the coast- today was the day to explore Split.
First we headed to the stadium where Hadjuk Split play- Frank wanted to see it.

Then we parked the car back at the apartment and walked into town- about a 15 minute walk.
We were on the Riva in no time.  We entered Diocletian's palace and went to the underground section for the tour.  Pretty amazing that this castle and it's insides have been standing since 293AD!! There were wet patches all over the area and we found out that because there are houses and shops built all amongst the walls outside, and the plumbing is not that great- every time someone showers the water drains into this underground and takes a few hours to sink in!  Coming back out from the underground of this massive palace.  (Diocletian was a Roman Emperor btw, who built this palace as his retirement house- he was the only emperor to retire and not be killed or die on the throne!)

The main court of the once palace is now a shopping area- with tons of neat stalls selling stuff for our tourist eyes. Walking through we came up the other side in front of the Cathedral of St Domnius and the bell tower on top.  We climbed the bell tower and has the most incredible view of the city from above.  These older cities don't have massive skyscrapers blocking your view and I like it!

Following the crowds we were in search of lunch- we found a little store serving sandwiches and sat down to observe the madding crowds as they went by.  Certainly not as many crowds as Paris or Venice - which is a good thing.  We wandered around some of the boutique store in square and then sat down for a coffee (it has been a long day- must have time for coffee!) Strolling back to the Riva we headed home.

it smells like sulpher down on the Riva!

On our way back, our noses were drawn to this chimney sending divine smoked smells into the air.  I popped in and it was the most incredible looking restaurant.  I booked a table for 9pm, just for Frank and me as the girls were too tired and said they rally wanted to just chill at home.
Frank took the girls to the beach for a swim and I headed to the store to pick up some dinner for them.
They had a great swim and claimed the water to be much warmer than the Brela beach water.
Frank and I headed out for our 9pm dinner at Dvor.  we arrived to the most gorgeous setting - candlelit  tables on the ocean, the trees overhead and smells that made any stomach long for dinner.
We ordered an appie of beef short rib risotto and before that arrived were given a tray of fresh smoked sausage and bread- so good.  For dinner we both had fish - I had sea bass and Frank's was called white fish- some of the English translations were funny! The atmosphere was great and I kept thinking I was in Malibu or some other elegant setting.  Then it was home and too bed as we were so full it took everything to roll ourselves the 300m home!