Split, Croatia and the Necktie

Who knew that the Croats originated the necktie?  It seems that girlfriends and wives sent their young men and husbands off to war with a kerchief as a sign of love and mutual fidelity.  When the cavalry arrived outside Paris, the soldiers had these beautiful kerchiefs of silk and cotton tied on their chests, worn “a la Croate” (in the Croatian manner).   From this, the French made a new word “cravate” which, of course, became cravat and the rest is history.

From the port of Split we traveled to the town of Trogir where we were treated to a men’s a cappella group which is a tradition that is being resurrected.  They were very talented! And, of course, there was the obligatory cathedral tour.  It was all good though.

We next made a stop at an old mill where we were for the second day, treated to a prosciutto and cheese sandwich and a local wine (we opted to bottled water....it was still morning).  This sandwich stop was again accompanied by the entertainment of local musicians.  Like Kotor, Croatia prides itself on their prosciutto, olive oil and wine.
We did meet a mother and daughter couple from Florida.  They are a hoot.  They asked if I had done any shopping and I said I really hadn’t seen anything I was compelled to buy yet.  The mom, straight faced, said, “We buy shit”.  I thought I would fall off the wooden bench I was perched on!  The daughter said she brought an empty suitcase with her so she could bring home their purchases.  You know Dom would never allow that!

Back to the port city of Split where we entered the stone arch and were treated to the history of their ancient architecture.  This walled city is now a UNESCO site which is great for their economy and, of course, adds to the marketing for tourism.  Unfortunately, prior to this designation, a couple of modern buildings were erected along side the ruins making for a very incongruous site.  What I found even more offensive, however, was the laundry hanging outside of the windows, etc. of what looks like what is probably a totally uninhabitable top floor of a surrounding square.  Of course, I asked our tour guide how this was allowed...how someone could still be living there and how the laundry exhibition can be okay.  She responded that the UNESCO people are slowly coming in with their regulations and these things will have to be cleaned up or they will lose their designation.

Americans say to grab the brass ring, aka grab your opportunity when it's before you.  Here is the way they say it here:

This was the first time on our trip that I really felt the heat.  You will see a photo of me under my umbrella which I had handy since we had some rain in the morning.  Works rain or shine!

Not only was it Sunday, the day most people come in to town for a coffee and to people watch we were told;  a huge soccer match was taking place, so the port was teeming with people.  Many were coming back home off the ferry from surrounding islands where they go for the weekend or holiday.

As is the situation in Kotor, these people are working very hard to build up their economy since gaining their independence from the Soviets.  Tourism is the #1 industry and more cruise ships are coming every year for which they are grateful.