Thurs Aug 8, 2024
Hi Gang! Today we are back in Croatia, specifically in the town of Split. Split has a long history as it is home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of St Domnius which were built in the 4th century. The Palace is made up of 220 buildings within its boundaries which currently include homes, bars, hotels and cafes. The Palace’s cellar was used in Season Four of Game of Thrones as Daenery’s Throne Room.
Since this is our third time to Split (I know… I know!) we decided to do something outside of the city. At first we were just going to walk around town but since Regent includes free excursions we figured we might as well take one. Ya can’t beat FREE! Lol.
We didn’t dock until Noon so we got to sleep in and our tour didn’t start until about 12:45. We first rode up to Malacka-Kozjak Mountain that sits high above Split. That’s where the Monument to the Fallen Croatian Veterans of the Homeland War of 1991-1995 Memorial was.
There a huge cross at the top of this walkway with the tombstones of the fallen along the path and a small chapel at the base. We walked up that path (it was VERY steep and I think I may have sweated out a lobster or two!). There were also some awesome views down to Split from up there.
We then drove to a place called Stella Croatica which had a little restaurant where they served us all these different cheeses, green and black olive tapenade, jams, olive oils and this delicious homemade bread most of which was made on site. They also have an olive oil factory and museum where they showed us how they make olive oil and we got to taste the different types.
The expert there explained how most likely, the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) you get in the stores is truly not EVOO. She said there are three ways to tell if it’s real 1) it’s got a fruity smell, 2) if you put it on your tongue it should be bitter and 3) it should be pungent in your throat and burn and tickle your throat. There you go, now you’re all experts on EVOO!
After the tour it was late when we got back to the ship so we got showered and ready for dinner. I’ll send an update later tonight. Hope all my Carolina friends and family stay safe thru Tropical Storm Debby!
The Wandering Italian 