Dovidenja Split! I left Split via ferry this morning but had time to stroll through the market and take some more photos as the rain had stopped. I bought some Croatian lace which a good source (hello Drazen) told me was a typical souvenir.
The market stall where I bought the lace against a wall of Diocletian's Palace
Looking back on Split from the ferry
Brac (pronounced Brach) is the largest island of the central Dalmatian group of islands and the third largest of the Adriatic islands. Brac is well known for it's limestone and even has its own stonemason school. The old Romans used it to build cities, amphitheatres, palaces, etc. - think Diocletian's Palace from yesterday. Brac also produces wine and olive oil.
Croatia has has over 1200 islands and yet again comes to the 'picture perfect' party. No wonder Aussies are flocking here. I promised myself that I wouldn't take any photos from the bus window (they always turn out blurry or reflective) but I couldn't help myself as we slowly wove around the island. Sampling a 1/2 litre bottle of Croatian beer with lunch may have helped with the breaking of that rule.
Hello Karlovacko beer!
Island of Brac
Brac
Most of the day was spent getting a tour of the island but I managed to take a late walk down to the beach (pebbles not sand) and catch the sunset. The water here is so temperate even the fussiest of swimmers wouldn't be able to resist! Hopefully I'll get time for a swim tomorrow. By the way, did you notice how translucent the water is? Note the feature photo taken from a cliff looking down to the water - you can see every rock and pebble!
Sunset on the beach
Brac sunset
Note to European travellers: The one thing I have been frustrated with on this trip is the lack of irons in the hotels. Even when asking at the front desk you will not be supplied with one as the hotels provide laundry and ironing at a cost. From memory, this is quite normal for hotels in Europe but if you hate looking crushed like I do and you don't have the time or money to use the laundry service then my tip is to buy a travel iron. I know I will be if I'm ever lucky enough to come back again.