Croatia part 3 - Split

I was going to include Split in the last post but decided to separate it out because I have had a few days here. It is my last night in Split and in Croatia and I am sitting on the balcony getting a little bit wet because it's raining but the cool breeze is irresistible and to be sitting out here typing while listening to Miles Davis is a fitting end to what has been a slower pace for me. Split has a nice feel to the place. It is a little crowded in the main square but only in the middle of the day. Many people live in the old town so it doesn't feel too manufactured for tourists and I feel quite comfortable wandering around all the small streets because no matter where I go I bump into either a wall, the see or a large promenade so I don't go too far in the wrong direction! The tour I was on finished a few days ago and I have used the extra days here to take things at a quieter pace just exploring and visiting some museums. The food here has been excellent and I found what I think is the best bar I have ever been to in terms of atmosphere. It is called the Library Jazz Bar and has a low stone ceiling with wooden beams, bookshelves and paintings lining the walls and amazing jazz playing. The wine selection isn't super diverse but the atmosphere makes up for it and the menu is a book filled with quotes and descriptions that could be read and enjoyed while sipping the wine or a coffee. Today I abandoned the map and just wandered the streets and I heard an almighty roar in one narrow street and on looking in I saw a crowd watching a large tv with a familiar sight - AFL. I was able to watch the last 20 minutes of the Collingwood v GWS game which felt a little surreal but a good reminder that I need to get sorted for watching the Grand Final when I am in Turkey. 

I am leaving early tomorrow for Turkey (I have set my alarm for 2.30 am) and so this is my moment to reflect on my time in Croatia. It is a wonderful country with so much history of war and bloodshed but they are still standing and have a beautiful culture of which they are proud. It has been a perfect mix of exploring, swimming, relaxing, walking and delicious food. I haven't posted all the food pictures - I might do one big food post on social media at the end of the six months but for now I am only including some of the highlights.