Oct 12 (Mon) - Zadar, Trogit, Split

Today we travelled back down to the Adriatic coast via Zadar, the ancient capital of Byzantine Dalmatia.

We entered the city through one of the Venetian gates and were met by a local guide who took us around to witness the sea organ in action (neat!) and then proceeded to the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donatus (pictured below) and the Cathedral of Anastasius. The visits to either the Archaeological Museum or the Treasury of St. Mary's did not take place.


We were released for some free time at one of the main squares at noon as it started to rain. We tried to find a restaurant to have a sandwich and a soft drink but every restaurant with seating offered only coffee and sweets, or alcohol.

Not knowing the area or in which direction to go, the increasing intensity of the rain upped the ante to find some place quickly. Seeing a sign indicating some fast food, we ducked into a courtyard and found a table.

While I waited to put in our order, the one-person operator talked on a cell phone. After waiting for some 5-10 minutes while she continued talking, we just walked out.

We eventually found a small grocery store that had prepared meats and a variety of breads. I managed to explain to the clerk that we each wanted a prošut sandwich, which she made. We then found a spot under a tree a few blocks away where we could sit on some rocks and eat lunch while staying pretty well dry.

After lunch we continuedp via the expressway to the walled island town of Trogir. Here we visited the Cathedral of St. Lawrence (side chapel pictured below) and had some time to wander and explore the medieval streets - it was nice. The entire town has been preserved as yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Finally we continued to Split and our overnight stop.

Due to the rain which had by now increased significantly, we took taxis to our supper. I had the house speciality marinated beef (Dalmatian style) - it was tasty but not as flavourful as Sauerbraten IMO.

We (most of us) walked from the restaurant back to the hotel in the rain and heavy gusts of wind that was ripping umbrellas - we saw the carcasses of several of these in the streets.


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