Awake early, sorted a few emails etc then wandered further into old town to find somewhere for breakfast - omelettes, and scrambled eggs for boys and muesli, fruit and yoghurt for me. Bit of a wander before Roko picked Raym up to go and collect the car and then we headed off for our coastal drive south to Split.
Much to our friend "Serena's" dismay we avoided the motorways and stuck to the slower more scenic coastal route. And it was so worthwhile! This Dalmatian coastline is extraordinary! Literally where the mountains meet the sea - and such rugged barren mountains - and such a beautifully coloured ocean! With every twist and turn was yet another beautiful cove featuring a sensational pebbly beach cram packed with beachside holiday makers! Apartments/"sobe" everywhere as well as some amazing looking hotels and of course yachts and various other water craft!
Made a refreshment stop at Trogir - parked and walked over the bridge to the old town. Gorgeous! Incredibly hot - but gorgeous! Yes touristy but still loved it . Found a restaurant ( like there's so many!) for some pizza and salad for lunch before resuming our journey to Split.
Once again this coastal drive is slow but so picturesque. But then we encountered a little stress coming into Split - unfortunately our GPS seems to be not so up to date and Split definitely has many new roads!! After many U-turns and mounting tension, we ignored Serena for a while and finally arrived at Rokova 20 - Apartment Suzi! Suzi had left instructions for us on the door, her neighbour helped us park in the ridiculously narrow streets just outside the environs of the old town before Suzi arrived to greet us. Yet another lovely Croatian personality who provided us with a wealth of information and advice for our stay.
The little two bedroom apartment was comfortable and Adam was soon gone to quench his anxiety of meeting up with the boys!
Now about 5ish, we showered and changed and headed off for a wander down to the port - only about 100 metres, across the marina area where all the boats/yachts are moored and into the old town area. Interesting.... different again to other towns. Certainly a hive of activity as being a Friday evening (in the peak of summer!) massive fleet of sail boats off loaded their passengers in preparation for impending departures tomorrow!
Very easy to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets in the old town area - the Diocletian Palace! Incredible! Only negative was the frequent wave of stench ..... not particularly pleasant! Fortunately was only in waves so bearable.
Aching feet and general exhaustion prompted our gravitation to a bar Adam had suggested we meet - Fmarine. Perfect location on the waters edge and pivo and cider went down extremely well! Only few sips in before boys arrived. So good to see them all! Milky, Ebby, Maysa, Pip, and Adam's newer mates - Simon and Vinnie! So many stories.... So proud of these guys as they tell us of their experiences and the people they have met. They have all grown up so much and broadened their horizons. So good!
They left us to party on and we strolled the crowded port area where local market style activities were happening. Enjoyed some local specialities - Croatian version of gozleme and barbecued sardines! Just delicious! The main square in front of the port was really pumping - band playing and much activity. Found ourselves a table at a bar and enjoyed the entertainment and some people watching. Couldn't resist a gelato on way back to apartment - they are truly amazing!