Gondola, Bosnia & Split

Today we moved up country to Split for the last couple of days in Croatia.

We started the day by saying goodbye to our fabulous hosts, Niko and Antoni. After packing the car we headed up the gondola to the top of the mountain overlooking Dubrovnik. Even with some cloud about there was a fantastic view.

The ride takes you up 415m. At the top is Fort Imperial which had its construction started in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte. As with most things in Croatia it was taken over by a range of invaders of the country until falling into disrepair. It came alive again in 1991 when it was a key part of the defence of Dubrovnik during the homeland war. There were a series of battles which the fort paid a key part as the theory was if it fell the city would fall.

They have developed a museum in the fort telling the story of the homeland war from the locals perspective. Certainly makes you reflect when standing there

and you can remember it happening. There are a range of damaged walls where they were hit by planes and guns.

Back down the hill and we headed off to Split where we are spending the next couple of days. The start of the trip is very scenic winding around the Adriatic coast. Mike did a great job driving on the wrong side of the road.

One of the surprises of this trip was changing countries. As part of the post war settlement Bosnia has 10 miles of coastline. We therefore entered Bosnia and stopped for a coffee and a stamp in the passport. Another country ticked off.

After changing back into Croatia the road morphed into an autobahn and we were away at 130km/hr. Quite a change from the last couple of days.

We arrived in Split and located our AirBnB which is right in the middle of town and is ideal. Our host is lovely and we all settled in well. Dinner was in the old town at a recommended pizzeria. Lots of fun and excellent food and wine.

Home for a good sleep interrupted only by the bells from the convent over the road.