No Title (which in itself is a title, I guess)

I'm losing track of what I have been up to, I've been busy.

I went to 'Mimi' to have my hair coloured - it's one of my Travelling Treats because (Big Reveal) I'm grey and usually colour my hair myself to disguise that fact. I'm able to say very nicely the colour cocktail in Croatian and then I sit and relax. The girls remembered me from others years so there were some funny conversations as I attempt my  Croatian, even though their English is fabulous. And its fun reading the glamour magazines and trying to translate.

Busy keeping up with the ironing in the morning (after a few stretches) - I know that my personality loves routine, and I make nice piles with the towels and the pillow cases - is that weird? Disclaimer is that I didn't do the ironing yesterday because Srd was heading to Split at 7 am to pick up some Italian guests and I hitched a ride with him.

Now - Here's the Thing - I have amused myself for a few years with the thought that I could possibly take people on tours here - there are enough people who have asked me 'where to', 'how to' and 'what to' and said that they would love to come and travel with me. So this year, my brother Chris and his  partner Nikky and my dear friends Jack and Jenny volunteered to be my guinea pigs. (GPs) The deal is that they meet me in Ljubljana and I entertain them visually, historically, physically and gastronimcally for 10 days. Trogir has been recommended to me, along with a vineyard in the hills above the old city. This stunning Unesco World Heritage Site is only a few kilometres from the Split airport (Zracna Luka), and Srd very kindly dropped me there (saved me some perspiration, it is over 30 at the moment).

And it was as described - small, beautifully intact complete with remains of the city walls. It is on a small island, replete with churches and a monastery, narrow streets which wind in and around and lead back to the main square. It's a living city (not just tourist accomodation) with a bustling green market on the other side of the bridge. It is known for its mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque buildings. The Venetians, the Romans and the Greeks have left their mark on the town.

(The lions, always the lions, the symbol of the power of the Venetians).

One one side of the square is the 13th century Cathedral of St Lawrence which is (apparently) stunning inside with incredible views from the bell tower - it took 4 centuries to complete and is a mixture of different architectural styles.

I say apparently because for this first time this holiday I was forbidden to enter without covering my shoulders. I'll know  for next time. The legend says St. Lawrence during his martyrdom said to his torturers “I’m well done, turn me over” and because of this he is the patron saint of the chefs and comedians. 

Opposite the cathedral is the Loggia, pure Renaissance, displaying the symbol of the lion, it was used as a public speaking place - political speeches were delivered from there, it was used as a court, and sometimes criminals were held there temporarily. Women (of course) were forbidden in the Loggia (what if they were criminals??).

Kairos is the god of the happy moment and one of the main sights/symbols in Trogir. Since its discovery in an abandoned house, it has been kept in the Benedictine monastery next to the church of St Nikola.

I visited the monastery for 25 kuna (about $6.50) and it was two rooms of art etc with very little explanation. Whatever. Highlight was when I noticed that the ticket lady was reading the paper and I asked "what's new? What are they saying about the ambassador in Berlin?". (In a nutshell, a Croatian Ambassador said that Croatians were very lucky 'because we only have white tourists'. WHAT?  and then she said that she was fine to say what she thought - and then she retracted the comment by saying that someone had hacked her account and it wasn't really her....) The ticket lady said she should be in prison - I think she has lost her job.

Anyway - the legend says that Kairos is faster than the wind (the wings on his feet) and it is hard to catch him unless you grab him by the tuft on his head. If you succeed in doing so, you will find happiness.  If you miss him, he will continue to flow along the steam of happiness and you will miss your lucky moment. The allegory of course is about seizing opportunities when they present  – if you miss an opportunity it is unlikely you will have the same chance again, and happiness might slip through your hands. A Living Motto.

Trogir, was also the town which had first pharmacy in the Europe. The pharmacy was opened on October 29. 1271. close to the main city square.

So - that's Trogir. I liked it - I'm glad that I'm taking my GPs there. I think we will pay for a local guide who may fill in the gaps in my brief knowledge here. Always good to fill in the gaps.