Linda

American Montage ~ October 16, 2015

October 16, 2015
Day 39
Dubrovnik, Croatia
60-75 degrees, drizzle, light to heavy rain, to no rain

Though the buildings and walls are Roman built, the sounds are a montage of American tunes. Duo street musicians play Johnny Cash while those passing by sing the lyrics. Frank Sinatra’s classics are heard in restaurants. All commercial people (bus drivers, cinema ticket sellers, grocery clerks, manicurist, etc) speak a degree of English. American words are a striking contrast to the written Croatian words my eyes keep seeking to make sense.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Dubrovnik

Palace of Diocletian ~ October 15, 2015

October 15, 2015
Day 38
Split
65-70 degrees some light drizzle

Palace of Diocletian, 1,700 year old palace of Roman Emperor (245-311).

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th within the palace walls

Return Ferry ~ October 15, 2015

October 15, 2015
Day 38
Hvar, Croatia
65-70 degrees some light drizzle

Return ferry trip from the island of Hvar to Split.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Hvar, Croatia

Hvar ~ October 15, 2015

October 15, 2015
Day 38
Hvar, Croatia
65-70 degrees some light drizzle

Two hour ferry trip to the island of Hvar.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Hvar, Croatia

Sweatbreads ~ October 14, 2015

October 14, 2015
Day 37
Split
65-70 degrees some light drizzle

Here’s a cozy restaurant within the Diocletian Palace walls, so small there wasn’t enough room for an expresso machine! Instead, the space was filled with wonderful aromas and fine cooking. The sweetbreads were deliciously tender.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Villa Spiza

Looser Win! ~ October 13, 2015

October 13, 2015
Day 36
Split, Croatia
65-75 degrees

Gregory of Nin may have failed to be elected Primate of Dalmatian bishops in the 900’s; however, he is revered over a thousand years later by the locals who make a wish and rub the statue of Nin’s foot. A similar tradition occurs at Harvard.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Split

Familiar Becomes Unfamiliar ~ October 12, 2015

October 12, 2015
Day 35
Firenze
70-78 degrees

Departure brings a rush of emotions. Leaving the familiar. Encountering a long planned destination with all its unfamiliarities. Our trio of friends wish each a bon voyage at the train station for our own destination.

1st Florence Train Station
2nd Snav Ferry, Ancona, Italy

Sunday Stroll ~ October 11, 2015

October 11, 2015
Day 34
Firenze
60-75 degrees

A Sunday stroll across the Arno River was free from the usual tourist trappings. I simply went where my feet lead me. I discovered a cafe with a charming outdoor garden complete with a grassy amphitheater for small productions and a dog park by the Rome Gate.

1st, 2nd Chalet Antana, Bosle Galileo 7, 50125 Firenze
3rd, 4th Regolamento Del Giardino, Florence

Synagogue ~ October 11, 2015

October 11, 2015
Day 34
Firenze
70-78 degrees

A visit to the Jewish Synagogue helped balance the Catholic Cathedrals seen. Lunch next door at Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian restaurant was a delightful twist.

1st Jewish Synagogue
2nd, 3rd Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant, Florence

Santa Croce ~ October 10, 2015

October 10, 2015
Day 33
Firenze
70-78 degrees drizzled all day

The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of the principal churches of Florence. The austere interior, stupendous in size, creates a calming effect. The wooden ceiling with elegant simplicity seems to magnify the height of the church. It contains the tombs of Michalangelo, Dante, Galileo, Nd Machiavelli.