From Korcula we cruise to the island of 'Vis'. This is a compact hump rearing dramatically out of the sea. Vis town is another good looking Croatian harbour town, with some beautiful old churches right on the waters edge. The island has some interesting history, it has opened up to visitors since 1989 as it was closed for military reasons. It is where marshall Tito hid until 1947. After some time in Russia he eventually took over the unification of Yugoslavia. It seems a place without much tourism infrastructure but has good food facilities. It is a very fertile island with a lot of wine grown, plus olive oil, cheese and figs. We have the afternoon to tour the island. Bernie has organized a tour but we are disappointed by the guide who appears to want to rip us off, so we cancel hime. We end up with a taxi van and driver 'Inga', who is a happy bubbly girl who speaks good english and knows the island well. A great comment of her's is that " the people of the island are lazy".
The island has some wonderful quiet beaches, also very rugged mountains and fertile valley's. We drive to the highest mountain where on the top is a small church where farmers pray before they start the days work.
We pass several roadside farmers stalls attended by old ladies selling 'Viski Hib' (dry grated fig with aromatic herbs). They also have home made fresh olive oil, wine, capers, dried herbs, anchovies, etc all prepared at the farm.
We reach the other main town of 'Komiza', a small fishing village. Back in Viz we visit the small archaeological museum. They have some very fine Greek pottery and sculpture from 4th to 3rd century B.C. There is a large collection of amphorae found in a Roman shipwreck nearby, displayed very interestingly as they sat in the ship. The caretaker is welcoming and enthusiastic showing us where to go although he speaks no english. A very interesting museum.
JB and Mick