Day 12 - Thunderstorms in Trogir

We were almost tearful leaving Turkey today. We had so much laughter and so many fond memories. We loved all the places we visited and the food. What we loved most and would miss most would be the Turkish people, who are so hospitable and wonderful.

We flew via Vienna and arrived in Split around 2:30 in the afternoon. The bus system cannot compare to that of Turkey. We waited 20 minutes before we were told by a driver from an arriving bus that we were at the wrong bus stop. The one for Trogir is outside the airport on the road. We dragged our luggage to the street. I asked Julee to wait at the corner and I started walking to investigate more. 300 meters later in 85 degrees heat along a road under construction, I still could not find a sign for bus or bus stop. I finally gave up to turn back when I spotted a girl across the street standing under an orange box looking like a bus station. I waved at her and asked her if she were waiting for a bus. She said yes and she was waiting for the one to Trogir which was supposed to be at my side of the street. Because of construction, the bus stop was moved off the road. No wonder I missed it. We walked back to where Julee was, which was actually where the bus would now pick up people. Two minutes later, we hopped on the bus which was very old and just a simple city bus.

When we arrived at the central bus station in Trogir, we transfered by taxi and paid 60 kunas (12 dollars) for two minutes to cross two bridges. Our hotel Sikka is really close to the bus stop and it is right by the sea. When I opened the shutters of the window from our third floor room, there was a picture perfect view coming right from a post card.

We stepped out to explore the town in no time. Trogir has a population of 1600 people and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As soon as we walked into the labyrinth of pebbled streets, boutique shops, bell towers, churches and courtyards, we were enchanted by its old world charm.

When we decided to sit down for a cup of coffee outdoors under the sun shade of a cute little restaurant, within minutes, the sky got dark and gloomy and it started to rain. The waiters came running outside and picked up all the cushions and table clothes leaving only Julee and I sitting there sipping our cappuccino and lemon tea.

It was as if the sky opened and water just poured down. There was lightening above our umbrella. I took out my scarf and wrapped my head and Julee quickly hid her camera. Lemon tea tasted great in the rain and there were drops of water dripping onto the back of my neck. We sat there looking at the people standing in boredom across the courtyard in the pizza shop. We felt lucky that at least we had a place to sit and a Croatian menu to learn some new words.

Eventually it got so bad the waiter came out from the kitchen and waved at me. We got up and took a dive in the rain and went into their kitchen. Our waiter and two other young men were baking a bread for themselves in the kitchen and cooking something off the stove top.

Later in the evening, in puddles of water we treaded in and out of the lanes and shops of Trogir. We absolutely loved everything. Julee is already contemplating of buying a house here, next to her house in Turkey. She said her leave slips are on their way.
By the way, I had the grilled squid for dinner. It was to die for. I can have this every meal in the next five days. However we do have to consider the mountain of fish, mussels, lobsters and shrimps that are lying around and not to mention the ice cream which is bound to taste like gelato. I warned Julee not to get in my way when I am in the mood for food.