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This blog is split by day, like some earlier ones. Click on each day's link for the full entry. Scrolling through pix on this page will give you highlights. 9/6-9/17/2023 - A small-ship cruise in Croatia. This trip is an unexpected result of me learning to sail (see earlier blogs). The goal for that has been to be able to charter sailboats anywhere in the world. Since my ASA 103/104 certifications became official in June, I've been receiving emails about the various group sails (flotillas) ASA organizes. It is a good way to keep learning sailing with a group, led by someone familiar with the waters and challenges of the location. One in particular, organized by Med Sailing Adventures, sailing in Croatia, stood out. It's a country I've never been to, looks spectacular. Plus food and winery tours! After a few emails back and forth, it turns out this year's sail is sold out. But, would I be interested in a 'micro cruise' they are doing in September? A maximum of 36 passengers on the ship, and a winery/food itinerary. I've never done a cruise, and the big ships hold zero appeal to me. But this sounded fun. So, sure! Of course work has been crazy and I've been literally staying up all night doing Modbatt circuit board layouts. Last week's day's notice trip to Florence added more schedule chaos and jetlag on top. So I really shouldn't be doing this right now. But it looks like I'll be able to work on the trip, I got some key things done before departure, and I could use a reset. The mileage reward flight is four segments - Portland - DC - Frankfurt - Zagreb - Split. Takes about 18 hours. Still boggles the mind that we can just go to the other side of the planet in less than a day. Croatia is country number 35 for me. Still lots to go.
Day 1 - Transit and arrival in Split, first night in Trogir - Full day link
Day 2 - Trogir and day trip to Split, first winery visit - Full day link
Day 3 - 5AM walk in Trogir, Guided tour of Diocletian palace in Split, boarding the ship, first day onboard - Full day link
Day 4 - Sibenik, three wineries - Full day link
Day 5 - National Park of Krka, Primosten - Full day link
Day 6 - Hvar - Full day link
Day 7 - Vis - Full day link
Day 8 - Vis , military tour, Stari Grad - Full day link
Day 9 - Return to Split - Full day link
Day 10 - Final day in Split - Full day link
Return trip is fairly straightforward - walk 15 minutes to the bus depot at 5am, catch the bus to the airport, fly Split-Dublin-Chicago-Portland. Outside the historic center, Split is, well, unremarkable. This is typical of most European cities. Modern construction is bland and uninspiring compared to that of 2,000 years ago. Should be humbling but isn't apparently since we keep doing it. In the US we don't have the monuments of the past reminding us what humans were capable of once. City wise. But they didn't fly across continents in hours, so there's that. And to be fair there are lots more people to house now than there were then. So I guess all is as it is. Hanging out at the bus depot is interesting - couple taxi van loads of attractive young women in fancy dresses and high heels arrive, get pizza across the street, and just mill about. At 5am. At a bus terminal. The fact that pizza place is open at this hour indicates this is a regular thing. Curious about this part of local culture, but I'm leaving. Bus is scheduled for 5:30am so I contemplate alternative plans in case it's late. Uber is a thing here. Bus shows up at 5:28. Cool. Ireland isn't a country I've been to yet, and the airport transfer doesn't count so it's still on the bucket list. The scenery out of the plane window is unique.
Upon arrival I am told the next flight is canceled, but they've rebooked me thru DC. Adds 5 hours to the trip but what can you do. Still beats months on a tall ship. Have to go outside security, walk to terminal 2, re-check-in, etc. What stands out in this airport is the dedicated and substantial US pre-clearance facility. If you're flying to America you have to go through several additional levels of security after the regular international departure screening. Once past, the gate areas are as dreary as the worst US airports - while the general Dublin airport is on par with its European peers. This is the only airport I've seen with this setup. Most other places US check is at the gate. Likely much political/social history behind this. Rest of the trip is long, but uneventful. The woman sitting next to me for DUB-IAD flight is an astronomer/cosmologist who designs and runs complex simulations of the universe. The conversation is stimulating :) Capturing the view out of the window in an exit row IAD-PDX. Guess they can't tell I'm really 5, forever :)
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