Hvar

Hvar, an island reachable by an hour ferry ride from Split, must be very different during the high season. Being in Hvar during the end of November, we have basically had the place to ourselves, in terms of tourism. The place almost seems like a ghost town, with the locals busy working and preparing for Easter, when the season opens back up again.. Or they have left and returned to their usual home for the Winter after working all summer accomodating the hoards of tourists who visit between June and August.

Last night, while everyone else was having turkey and all other usual foods, we went to one of the 2 open restaurants we could find and had a simple dinner to give thanks for everything we have been able to do and see, and having supportive friends and family who have encouraged us to follow our dreams and have helped make it a reality. Yummy fish with grilled vegetables, olives, some potato with Swiss chard, and Paul had a huge piece of meat. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving in one of the prettiest places I have ever seen.

We have only seen a few other travellers here during our short stay. We inquired about renting a scooter, but the guy who rents them during the tourist season is not here, and it appeared that the boat rental guy was missing too... So we didn't get to visit other cities on the island, like Stari Grad or Julsa, which was unfortunate, but, such is life.

Stari Grad is another small city on the island and is actually the oldet city in Croatia, dating back to the 1st century BC. I'm sure the architecture and history there would have been cool to see, but I'm wondering if we had rented a scooter and were able to visit, if anything would have been open anyways? Everything here in Hvar Town is shut, and only a couple restaurants and cafes are open for the locals to visit from what I could tell. All I know is that this place is gorgeous and despite everything being closed up, Paul and I have had a great time walking around and enjoying the tranquility of the island. I am sure the pace of life is much different when the resorts are full and the clubs are banging out tunes at all hours of the day..

Here's some photos we took of our walk up to the castle Hispanja, named for the Spanish architects who helped the Croats build the fortress waaaay back. Even before it was named Hispanja, it served as a place of military importance dating back to before Roman times.. The only reason I know this is that there was a sign at the front of the fortress telling all about it.. There was also a desk for someone to take money to enter, which was empty. The doors were open but no one was home, so we ventured in to get a good view of the city from above. 

a little random church

Lavender, past its peak for sure, but it grows wild all over the island.. Along with tons of fruit like lemons, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, figs, olives, etc. 

This is the view from our balcony... We rented an apartment, or "apartmeni" as they call them here, which are dotted around the island. It's pretty good, you get a studio with a kitchen and everything. Most of the places are family run and I'm sure do really well during the tourist season. We are the only people staying in our place currently... It's definitely quiet here!

Tomorrow we get the ferry back to Split bright and early at 7:30 AM. We are staying with Deni and Tomo for 2 more nights, and then we are heading to Mostar in Bosnia, which I am told is a gem.. I have seen it is supposed to be in the 20s and snowing! Ahh! Brrrr! Not ready for that as I sit here in the sun on the balcony..

Saturday is the opening of the Christmas market is Split, so we will have a full month of visiting different festivities around Eastern and Central Europe.. I still have yet to buy a coat after my adventure in the second hand store proved unfruitful.. I better get on that....and getting Paul a beard trimmer. That is a must!

MC