Split, Croatia, 10/30/2006

Took the bus to split. Danica was up to see us off. She waited at the bus stop for us to make sure we got on the right bus. Definitely a grandma. The trip wasn't too bad. Given the winding, narrow roads along the shore, I was glad we were not driving. When we got to Split, we were accosted by people trying to get us to stay in their rooms for rent. It was a real mob scene. Luckily, we already had plans, or I am not sure which I would have trusted.

Met a couple at dinner last night. I recognized them as Americans and asked where they were from (Austin). We lucked out in meeting them. They had just come from Split and had found a lady who had a very clean room. They gave us her email address, so we sent her a note last night and she responded that she had a room. She is around 50, with several rooms throughout the city. The room is small, but nice, and the price is great (~$40 for both of us for the night). We also have a kitchenette area and a washing machine that we share with 3 other rooms. We have a private bath (some don't). Given we are in the room so seldom, it is perfect for us.

Tomorrow we leave for Plitvice Lakes. We are going to get a stick shift, so Cathy is going to drive and me navigate. You know me and my maps, and I never miss a chance to tell someone what to do.

Walked around Diocletian's castle today. Really, it is mostly in ruins, except for columns here and there and a few structures. Were able to visit the mausoleum that he built for himself, now a church named after one of the Christians he killed (he hated Christianity). Ironic, huh? The other area I visited is the basement. Because it was used to dump waste during medieval times, no one went down there, so it survived. The have great arched ceilings even down there (but no longer any waste).

Other than that, the only thing Split has is long rows of market. Even there, mostly reminds me of flea market, but not much worth buying.

Although it was 60's today, it is extremely windy right now (weather forecasts said gusts up to 30 mph). Tomorrows supposed to be high 60's. I love it! I expect to lose most of Wednesday to rain, but maybe we will luck out.

I have now been told twice that my name (Busic) is from Croatia - both in Dubrovnik and in Split. They pronounce it with a "ch" sound at the end. Both said it is a very popular surname here (I think the lady in Split said it is one of the most popular, but her English was not always easy to understand). Given I was told the same thing in Budapest years ago, either people immigrated or I am highly wanted [as an ancestor].

I am watching the sun set on the Adriatic through the Internet cafe window as I am typing. It is a beautiful orange. I do love the water, and am getting lots of chances to spend time near it. I can't wait for Plitvice. I hope we are able to go on the boat ride I heard about, given the season (we have already run into a few issues with being out of season; In Dubrovnik, I was told not everything would have remained open, however they new a Royal Caribbean cruise was coming yesterday.

Anyway, email you again soon.

Oh, and yes mom, your daughter is doing fine.