Croatia -- The Last Stop

Since my return flight is from Split, I opt to take the local bus from Dubrovnik north along the coastal route -- a 4.5 hour trip that is both scenic, and a learning experience. Not only do I discover places like the "Makarska Riviera" which is gorgeous, but I also spend time in Bosnia. Seriously, I'd forgotten that Bosnia has a few kilometers of coastline that require a passport check  It's a scenic ride and my ultimate destination is just north of Split to the islands of Trogir and Ciovo. 

When I arrive at Hostel Marina Trogir, Rosa (a WorkAway volunteer from Germany!) is there to greet me, and I enjoy pasta and wine with a very friendly German family who are setting sail in the morning. Breakfast is social with Ollie & Angela, the owners (also German), a quiet gent from Slovenia, and a gal from Russia. When I return that day from a long walk and a quick swim in the sea, I'm the only guest for two nights, but I'm okay having my own apartment at the marina! I cross the bridge from Ciovo to Trogir and play tourist, eat fig gelato, shop for good food, discover fig brandy, and sleep well. Yes, I'm getting fig crazy. With a bit of a hangover the next morning, it's easy to spend a few hours on the backside of Ciovo lounging by the sea with a book, taking a short nap, and enjoying a swim. I've perfected my practice of "fjaca" just as I'm preparing to leave Croatia!

With the exception of a day trip north to Krka National Park, I'm moving slowly and enjoying my final few days here on the food I'll miss, the relaxing atmosphere by the sea, a little bit of tourism, and in the final 48 hours, much conversation. Two days before my departure, Romain arrives from France for a little R&R, and while we are an unlikely pair (in age, marital status, and who knows what), we hit it off and spend hours in conversation over coffee and wine. It's wonderful quality time (but we never take a photo!) and hopefully, we will meet again in the USA? in Europe? 

My last morning, I roll my luggage from the marina to the local bus station at 8 am and take the $2 local to the Split airport. As I step off, the driver smiles and wishes me safe travels. I guess it's time to go home.