After breakfast we drove to Trogir, a small island & artist community just steps from the mainland. We crossed a bridge that was only about 5 yards long to reach it. The island had some auto traffic around the edges but the entire inherit was a pedestrian mall. It was tiny; we crossed it on foot during a10- minute stroll. The we’re many cafes, artisan shops, & artists’ studios. No huge bargains, but I find a smart new hat at a vendor stall that was cooler than the ones I brought.
Cafe on isn’t of TrogirBelltown on TrogirTrogir promenadeLOTS of cafés along the promenadeFort on TrogirHibiscusMy new hat – Trogir souvenir – & picturesque alleyBeautiful coleus garden & handsome travelerFascinating statue without any explanationFrom Trogir looking to the neighboring islandLooking back to the Trogir church as we leave
Leaving Trogir, we drove to Zadar, our final coastal stop before heading to the mountains. Our guide Marina showed us the amazing patented sea organ (so meditative!) then walked us through the ancient Roman ruins. Zadar also boasts the largest Cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. It’s quite dark inside – very small windows in the Gothic architectural style. As with many of our guides, Marinaa was incredibly well educated, personable, & was friends with many local folks we met on our walk. She showed us how each denomination of euros sites a different architectural style. Fascinating!
Traveling..View from a roadside stopSo many beautiful viewsThe sign of St.Chrysogonus, Zadar’s patron saintStunningly clear water, hard to capture todayLooking into water so clear you can see meters downOur group at the Roman ruinsSir / Bill said “take a picture of the devil”The original floor of the Roman square, uncovered in excavationsA midieval church; the foundation is re-used Roman ruinsCathedral of St. Anastasia, Romaneque architecture. Sea organ – listen carefully behind the conversation
We ended the day by turning inland and climbing through the mountains to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s the largest national park in Croatia; we stayed in a lodge.
On our drive from the coast to the mountains we saw evidence of the most recent of the many wars to ravage this country. In 1991 Croatia choose to withdraw from the Republic of Yugoslavia & declare its independence, which was their right as written in the Republics charter. Bosnia & others objected & the war began. This then spiraled into wars of ethic cleansing which embroiled the region. They ended in 1995 but the scars are still evident, physically & psychically.
