Sunday, November 12, 2017

Split : Brač & Hvar


Our Croatian Series continue! Ning and I didn't waste a minute, as you will find us on-the-road again from Plitviče heading South towards Split, a town along Croatia's historical and coastal region of Dalmatia. We were chasing the sun and the warmth Croatia has to offer. We arrived just when the sun began to shed light over the Town, the little Cafés and Shops just started to open up welcoming another torrent of tourists and the Ships and Ferries docked by the Pier greeting us. My kind of vibe. We were on foot in search of our Hostel which gave us an ample amount of time to rummage through this small town. The Split Garden was an airy and peaceful home for our 3-day stay. We were at a perfect location from the City Center. Away from noise, but close to the party zone and just a walk away from The Diocletian's Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage. What sets this town apart, from being a very hip and modern tourist place that it is today, is it's fortresslike complex and sprawling remains of the Roman Empire which we are lucky enough to enjoy this day. Truly you get the GOT feeling. It's the place that gave life to the series. Though I have to admit, it's a shame I haven't seen any episode of it.

Being an #IslandGirl and #Waterbaby myself, the Croatian Islands are not to be missed. We have unpacked and packed again for an island adventure and were aboard Jadrolinija off the Adriatic Sea.

Brač
After an hour ferry ride from Split, we arrived at the main town of Supetar in the island of Brač. We were greeted by friendly locals who let us try their fresh produce of the day. Croatia is also producer of our favourite home goods such as Olive Oil, Honey and Lavender. When asked about where we are coming from, we proudly say the Philippines, then we get the wide eyes and cheers for having come so far. Hell yeah, We bring the Asia in Croatia! That said, our traveling wasn't over as we had to take another bus ride heading South of Brač to Bol, where we aim to reach the Zlatni Rat or Golden Cape. Zlatni Rat is famous for it's white pebbled beach, windsurfing activities and spit of land which formed a pointed shoreline. I was looking down at the white buildings with orange-bricked roofs bestrewing the bottom of the mountains. The landscape surrounding us made us gasp in awe. With the mountains behind us and the beach before us, it was perfect to lay down and take everything in.



Hvar
The following day was spent at the island of Hvar located just below Brač. That took us about two hours on a ferry from Split. Staying at the open air deck of the ship gave us darker skin with a tint of red cheeks, the best views of the deep blue water beneath us and the lush green landscapes to our sides. Catch and Release by Matt Simons playing on my iPod. Our ship finally docked in Stari Grad and our wandering began through a walk in the woods. We'd stop by for pictures of unique flora and hints of the beach. When we arrived at the inhabited area of this quaint little town, souvenir shops, little cafés, small boats and pastel-coloured buildings welcomed us. This place felt as if it was held back in time.

Croatia shows very strong Christianity, as evidenced by the presence of a Cathedral in the City, Churches on the Island and debossed crucifixes on limestone walls, which are vague to even notice. It was quiet and there were barely any tourists on this beautiful island. We came upon the Trvdalj Castle, a fortified Renaissance-era building which served as the Summer home of the Croatian Poet - Petar Hektorović. The home was filled with his poetry, mostly in Latin, carved on it's walls. 

Our walk lasted for an hour until we stopped at a perfect 'camping' spot. We found a smooth, even rock by the sea to lay our towels as makeshift sunbeds and the pine trees served as umbrellas. The opal-blue beach all to ourselves! We had our own little paradise while snacking away or getting lost in a book. I, meanwhile, swimming the waters of the Adriatic Sea.

The closure to this Sojourn was the flaming sunset on our ferry and the double rainbow painted from the sky to the sea. Crazy. Beautiful. Our last night in Split was spent over dinner with a warm and hearty Diocletian Risotto.

Ning and friends and I, recently had homemade Raclette, Tiramisú and Glühwein at her flat which turned to a night of spontaneous Jam Sesh singing to our favourite acoustic songhits. English and Tagalog. Current and Old School! And I'm glad for this, for friends who make home away from home...



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