Zadar, Croatia

Day 14

The sun was out again this morning, yay, so I made use of the washing machines and Gareth washed our very dusty van. She is now gleaming proudly.

You can catch a bus from the campsite into Zadar but we decided to walk, approx an hour along the water’s edge.

The walk took us out via the beach and then along past a few Marinas eventually ending up at the bridge to cross into the old walled town. During our walk we come across a Sphynx, sat proudly in a garden. Reading the info board, the house belonged to a wealthy artist who landscaped the gardens and built a Sphynx! Reaching the bridge, we stopped for a drink before crossing and soaked up some of the sunshine .

Well, the old town is unexpectedly lovely. A musician was playing just inside the old town gate and the sound was awesome, bouncing off the walls and the cobbled streets. There is a square called The Square of 5 Wells, where you can find a Roman column and preserved ruins. I was very impressed that one of the digs shows Roman ruins going under a house! How flipping amazing is that. They have been very clever and are showing ruins off underground by putting glass in the walkway.

Walking through the streets it was lovely to see that the old ornate entrances to alleyways and courtyards have been retained, adding a charm to the businesses and homes they lead to.

Coming into another square there are so many remnants of Roman pillars etc they are displayed in a garden for you to walk around. It reminded Gareth and I of Paphos many moons ago before they cordoned off these treasures. There are also some awesome buildings here, a church, an ancient bell tower and a nunnery.

Leading from this square is the promenade to the Sea Organ. What can I say? Whoever had the genius to let the sea make music for the townspeople deserves a pat on the back. It’s very surreal. You just sit and listen whilst soaking up the gorgeous view. The sound comes out of little holes in the footpath and from gulley holes under the stone you sit on beside the sea. Once again there are no safety barriers, the Croatians rely on you to make sure you are safe yourself, how refreshing.

If you’re not careful, you could sit there for a long time, even Meg was very calm, it’s almost mesmerising. I’m not sure our video captured it above the visitors chatting but hope you get to enjoy a little of it.

On our way back through the old town we stopped for a bite to eat and then headed home to the van just as the rain clouds came over. We were safely back before it rained, though it was just a light shower. Feeling a little sunburnt now though .

The sun is just setting and the cloud on the horizon is sharing it’s rain, luckily not on us .

---