The taxi driver had to go down one way streets to get me to the bus station for 10am. It was touch and go whether I would make it on time due to a traffic accident. I gave him a big tip for his balls and dare devil driving. He was on a mission to get me to the bus on time!!
I had been back to my Iranian friend in the health food shop to stock up on provisions for the day. I now know that my life saving berries, which I love, are called WHITE BERRIES and are only available in Iranian shops. I will have to find one out and stock up. No joke I really think they have helped me!
The journey through Bosnia was amazing. It is such a phonomenally beautiful country. I couldnt sleep I just kept looking out the window at all times and lapping it up. These are taken from the bus.
Yesterday evening I went shopping and shopping and shopping and shopping and chatted to a few market sellers. No one in Sarajevo is out to fleece you.. If they say something is 10 KM it is 10KM in all of the stalls. This is such a relaxing experience for me. I knew what the rules were and I didnt feel stressed. One of the guys in a Bosnian Carpet shop was really interesting. He told me that the best days of Sarajevo were in the 1984 Winter Olympics. The world was here and everyone was happy. Since then it,s been only troubles. Sarajevo people have such a strong personality and sense of community. This city only survived being squeezed by nationalists because of the strength and spirit of the people, and their love for their great city. Sarajevoens are a mixed, multi-cultural, tolerant, resourceful, straight forward and educated bunch of people and its only because of this spirit that they could survive for 4 years under such dire circumstances. One of the first things the Serbs did in 1992 was torch the libraries and national archives. They wanted to erase all evidence and knowledge which had ever been recorded in and about this great city and country.
I have my own flat with my own computer...Im going to be writing this for hours. I wonder if anyone will read it all? I don,t care. I,m in the centre of Split. I have some cold beers and I,m blogging. Yep, Im happy!
Right, back to my journey today. Just before the border we stopped for some lunch. here it is!
The wheel was turned by water power I think and the lamb was being successfully spit roasted. It smelt divine! Tasted good too.
I got chatting to a couple on the bus who went on their honeymoon to Argentina. Do you know that in Argentina supermarkets offer 18 months interest free credit for daily shopping needs? Messed up. The things you learn on a bus in BiH (This is the short hand for Bosnia and Herzegovina.)
This is the border control into Croatia.
From Monday I think it will look a bit different as this will be the frontier of the EU. Poor BiH, tradewise things will get even more harsh for them once Croatia is in the European gang.
In Croatia the mountains were not so lush and green, much more shrub like. But the roads, houses and general infrastructure improved ten-fold. I havent seen one bullet holed house in Croatia, whereas that is the norm in BiH. Croatia has vision and money and the ability to move on into the modern world. Honestly, Croatia is such an organised place yet really chilled and relaxed. Sarajavoans are really respectful of how Croatia has moved on and become a modern and well-functioning society. this is the main advantage of having a single government!
Arrived in Split at 6. Didnt feel too tired at all. Got a taxi here and was totally amazed by my little flat. But when I went out I was even more amazed. this city is LOVELY and the meal I had this evening I think was my all time favourite of my trip.. Simple food but my GOD, those salted sardines were delicious.As were the prawns and aubergines. I found out later (via a woman on a stall selling soap) that I live in one of the best areas of town for great, yet affordable restuarants.
This was a tasty meal!
As for the town.. it was full of life Mostly Italians over on boats from Ancona and Pescara. The port is right near the centre. The centre is based around Diocleaten,s Palace and I really thought it was astounding. The palace is a living and breathing city, houses and shops are hidden within the confines of this great Roman building. It sure was impressive and took my breath away. i wasn,t prepared for such a beautiful back drop to the city life. To be honest I think I have been transported from the Ottoman and Austro Hungarian empire right into an Italian one!
Road signs. It all looks a bit similar to Rome to me! But hey, this is a Roman city. They really have done a great restoration job on this city.
Someone,s backyard in the Roman palace.
So Split has pleasantly surprised me and I,m looking forward to wandering around tomorrow and seeing more. So time for bed. I,m tired out now. Ive had enough of writing now and need to sleep plus I am still rocking from 8 hours of swerving along hair pin bends through BiH! Night.
My flat, which will be home for three nights. I have a long way to walk from that computer in the corner to that comfortable looking bed.
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