Having survived the overnight bus here, Zadar greets me with soaring double figure (!) temperatures. What a relief. I’m a bit fan of the cold but when out and about all day, the tepid is far more appealing.
Anyway, Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited ‘city’ in Croatia, with a wealth of history. Most of which was bombed out of existence in WW2. But the small walled old town has the ruins of a Roman forum as well as 11th and 12th century churches (still intact). But I won’t bore you with a history lesson. Besides being gorgeous, what sets Zadar apart for me is… it’s Sea Organ. Yep. Sea Organ.
And to be honest, it’s a fairly hard thing to describe, but think Poseidon’s Harmonica.
Yeah, that weird sound is the Sea Organ. Those steps in the video have a series of holes both above and below the water. Presumably attached via some chambers and pipes (you know autistics and the like). But the waves create this sort of oceanic organ. That was pretty cool, but also carried healthy doses of unsettling and mystifying vibes (it was surprisingly loud).
The other highlight of the stay was Telašćica – a long snakey island off the coast. I was researching boat trips around / to the island which all costed c40 – 70 euro which I didn’t much fancy. However, the 8am ferry was a mere 4 euro (at the premium non-islander price). So without much of a plan I booked a ticket and (just about) made the early start and caught the ferry. Immediately I was concerned when the ferry had c300 seats (a total guess there) and I was the only passenger. Eventually 3 other passengers joined me, but I was the only tourist.
After 45 mins of rather choppy sailing, I spent the day hiking the island. And by far it was my favorite day of the trip so far. On my considerable hike I crossed paths with one other person. So it was a tad busier than I would have liked it… But just beautiful, stunning cliffs, crystal clear water and endless olive trees – endless. The photos will do far more justice than I can. I’ve included one snap of a small architectural house on the clifftop which I took from its (not quite so) private Helipad…
Finally, I also stopped for the night in Zagreb (Croatia’s capital), which while nice was less notable. I can attest to the pool bar (which was very swanky) and to the Himalayan hostel (although less swanky).
In both places I made short term travel friends. Firstly in Zadar, a nomadic Yorkshireite with a burning passionate hatred for the south and the government… But we had some lovely chats about travel, and very much not about work. Then in Zagreb, I thought I had the dorm to myself until I returned and a very funny Croatian lady scared me shitless (innocently sitting on her bed). She found it hilarious and out of the embers of my pride a friendship was born.
For the first time on this trip I actually have a bit of a plan for the next two weeks. However, for now all I’ll say is next stop Slovenia.
Croatia is so gorgeous! Please can I have permission to put the last one as my laptop screensaver?
P.S. I haven’t seen your Sutton T-shirt, really looking forward to that!
ahaha I simply couldn’t risk bringing something that valuable and close to my heart on such a trip – I’m saving it for my wedding day, of course.
But yeah also, you have my permission (you probs want one of the ones with me in it though #dailyinspiration).
Hugo, Great notes and comments and love rhe pickies. Just missing one thing in them….me!
We loved Zadar and that sea organ is an interesting feature. Xx
Yeah, we’ll have to install one down south somewhere x
Looking forward to the continuation of this organ odyssey. Loving the pics and notes dude
The GOAT and the Croat can be the title of your next ballad. Looking incredible already bro, how much did you pay to book the entire ferry? Glad to see you’re keeping the layering game strong 😘
Looking absolutely great man, the walk around the island seems incredible!
I’m looking forward to more updates, will be so good to be able to look through them all once the journey is finished!
Loving hearing about your trip so far Hugs. Absolutely love the sea organ. I may have to visit for that alone! Stay safe xx