The Amazing Race - Ground Hog
The human brain is amazing in that it manages to delete the memories of how it feels in the middle of a 17 hour flight, to the extent that you do it again. And again. A bit like childbirth in a way, you vow to never do it again, and then here we are.
Disclosure - I was lucky enough to fly business class which means a pod to yourself (downside is that nobody talks), you get silver service and can lie down to sleep. It's something I have always said I wouldn't do because it would be impossible to come back to economy...
So it was Auckland Dubai (four hours break - but business class has a lounge with a shower, and I'm not going to lie but I looked as though I had SLEPT in my clothes) Zagreb, two hours to spare while I watched the carousel going around and around without seeing my bag - (thanks Auckland Airport who told me I would need to grab my bag at Zagreb and check it back in for the flight to Split - not true - thank you Zagreb staff who smiled and pointed out that my bag would find me in Split), and then the 40 minutes flight to Split.
And here I am. The heat, the sound of the cicadas (deeper and more resonant than NZ cicadas and I love that sound, especially walking in the forest) and surrounded by tall people again.
I checked into Balatura (amazing accomodation!) and forced myself straight out the door to find a Hugo cocktail and a salad (caprese). At the end of this amazing (punishment of a..) race, you just have to keep going and get to bed at the normal time to get a full night's sleep. Food and drink have increased quite dramatically in price since the euro has replaced the kuna, as expensive as France. Gotta eat and drink though right?
Diocletian Palace never fails to wow me - here's a few shots - the plant is a caper berry plant and they are growing everywhere in the rock walls. It was 7 pm and the light was gorgeous. Heaving with tourists but I can't be offended, I am one. (The first shot is where my hotel is).
Large groups of German teenagers, Australian teenagers, NZ teenagers. Guess they are off to do Sail Croatia - I'll be watching out for good behaviour when I get to Makarska...
(Diana - I walked to the beach in Split before breakfast and thought about you RIP).
And this morning I take the 11am ferry to Otok Vis. I'll let you know how it goes.
(PS, let me know if you are reading my ramblings by leaving a message)
Reading and enjoying
ReplyDeleteBonjour Alison, j'ai vu que le Canal du Midi commence demain lundi 21/08 et que tu y participe encore une fois et peut être pour la dernière fois. Ca me rappelle d'agréable souvenirs de mes participations au Canal du Midi. Si tu as le temps n'oublie de diffuser des photos sur ton Blog que j'essaierai de suivre dans la semaine. Steve de 'L'Union Nautique de Lille)
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