Chasing Geckos: Croatia, May-June, 2014, Part 1

Croatia, May-June, 2014

Destination, Croatia. We have fallen in love with another country.

From Ancona, Italy, we crossed to Split, Croatia by ferry. As we boarded, we felt like we were walking onto our very own Chi-Cheemaun ferry.

We also felt like we were the only ones on board. There was no dance partner to be found.

Jim, as Heidi knows, pretended not to see the dance floor:)

We arrived in Split at 7am. The views were spectacular.

From every angle, you couldn't help but smile at the incredible beauty of this old city.

As a backdrop, the 1500m-high Dinaric Coastal Mountain Range looms, reminding us of our own white Killarney rock.

The turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea sparkle amidst the comings and goings of the many boats that grace this busy transport hub.

The while stone walls of Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of the most imposing Roman ruins in existence today.

Built between 295 and 305 AD, it is not a museum, but rather a very alive part of the city.

Laundry drying from windows is an example of the day to day living that takes place inside the walls.

The city was transformed at night to another remarkable place of beauty.

Musicians and their songs seemed to be around every corner. Their voices created magic within this enchanted place.

Digeridoos, simple guitars, and accordions could be heard.

In the mornings, the Croatian tradition of the "klapa" could be heard. If you caught them in the vestibule of the palace, the acoustics were breathtaking. The harmony in their voices as they sang of love, betrayal, patriotism and beauty was mesmerizing. I never wanted to leave.

In the evenings, local musicians entertained here in the square.

Street food became fresh and tasty pastries...

slices of pizza...

ice cold beer...

fresh cheese from the market

and the absolute best breads we have ever eaten.

Favourite picnic sites might have taken the shape of outside Roman ruins...

…magic waterfalls...

…the rolling green of the countryside..

…one of the many pebbled, empty beaches...

…or perhaps the rocky coast of a seaside town.

A novel and beautiful concept…no need to buy bottled water…the fountains served up cold and fresh drinking water. How simple to just drink water straight from Mother Earth.