Split Old Town
Find our Airbnb, no thanks to the confused instructions from the home owner. Why can’t women write simple directions. At least parking is easy – breathes a major sigh of relief. The Airbnb is lovely; well equipped; comfortable; she’s left plenty of essential foods, beer and wine etc., a real nice touch.
Settle in for the obligatory afternoon cup of tea – yes, even in 3rd World EU countries we still have standards.
Then take a stroll to a very local supermarket for tea and breakfast essentials.
Let’s get it right they’re not French fries they’re Belgium fries.
The origin of fries is debated, but Belgium is widely credited as their birthplace. According to Belgian lore, villagers in the Meuse Valley were frying small fish as early as the 1600s. During harsh winters when the river froze, they cut potatoes into thin strips and fried them as a substitute.
However, the French also claim credit, arguing that fried potatoes (“pommes frites”) were popularized by Parisian street vendors in the late 18th century. The term “French fries” became more widespread due to American soldiers in World War I, who encountered them in Belgium but mistakenly associated them with the French-speaking locals.
Meanwhile the British are credited with inventing chips (thicker-cut fried potatoes) in the mid-19th century, not those emaciated Belgium fries. The first recorded mention of chips comes from 1860, when a shop run by Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, in the East End of London began serving fish and chips. Malin is often credited with combining fried fish with fried potatoes, thus creating the iconic British dish, fish and chips.
5 million voters denied their vote.
Despite the forecast of rain all day the weather turns out mainly dry with scattered sunny outbursts. After the journey from hell we decide to have a lazy day and just do the major shop for essentials for the next week.
Set off to go for dinner at a local Konoba. Never realised that Apple Maps promoted routes that need climbing gear. What a disaster the route was up muddy paths and steep inclines. We finally make it in one piece although I don’t think it’s done Wendy’s back any good. Routes like this should carry a health warning and advise you that a Sherpa is needed.
Finally get to this highly recommended restaurant that is famous for local dishes. The fish stew I wanted is not on the menu, do these foreigners not realise we have scrambled through hell to get here. Food not as good as Dundo Maroje. Catch an Uber back.
What is it with fresh fruit and vegetables in Croatia, along with a lot of other produce. It all seems poor quality, very limited in choice, as if the rest of the World dumps all its substandard produce and vitals to Croatia. We’re spoilt by American supermarkets.
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Rain all day so we just hunker down
Coffee on the steps. I told you they’re poor, can’t even afford tables and chairs.
Then it stops so we decide to for a walk around Split Old Town, but as we walk outside the heavens open up again. Shit happens, suck it up.
Never mind Wendy settles down to watch “Greys Anatomy”, it’s not yet 1700 so thankfully I get to pass on it.
Finally 1700, wine time.
An old rant from Pat Condell – Europe is Killing Itself – but oh so true today in both the Evil Union and now in the UK. Will we ever learn?
It’s banned in Germany, the home of that failed lunatic Angela Merkle who encouraged them to come.
Although our Airbnb is very modern and pretty well organised, like all such places there is such rank stupidity:
1” postage stamp sized bedside tables!
Shower head does not fit in bracket – fixed with a piece of cardboard.
Bathroom heater doesn’t work.
Patio door requires the skill of a Sumo wrestler to shut it.
No microwave yet they have a kettle. How can anyone survive without a microwave.
Considering that toast is the main breakfast item in Croatia, how come neither Airbnb had a toaster? But they seem to think a toastie sandwich grill is for making toast.
How do we survive these 3rd world countries?
Popular Croatian Red Wines
Babić
Babić is a full-bodied red wine that is made from the dark blue/red wine grapes that are grown in the region of Šibenik in Dalmatia. The fruity wine is characterised with a strong density and taste, and has traces of rich berries, plums, figs, and spices.
Dingač
Dingač is a robust red wine from the Pelješac Peninsula. Made from the plavac mali grape variety, the flavoursome wine has an attractive dark red to purple colour. Dingač is a premium quality Croatian wine that is often reserved for special occasions.
Plavac
Plavac Mali is one of the most popular red wine types produced in Croatia. The grape variety that is used to make this wine is the most planted in Dalmatia and Pelješac. Plavac Mali boasts the distinct flavour of ripe cherries and has notes of spices and pepper. The wine has a high percentage of alcohol and rich tannins, and ages well.
A gorgeous sunny day and it’s even warm, not quite shorts weather but cargo pants weather. Up and Uber into Split Old Town to catch a guided walking tour. One of Guru walks guided tours. They’re free you just tip for what you think it’s worth – and yes I do tip them.
A pretty good tour around the Diocletians Palace (apparently some ancient geezers Roman palace built in 305) Split in the gorgeous sunshine. The palace is really a walled town. Not quite as impressive as Dubrovnik.
Go to Konoba Varos for lunch. We decide to have a lunch then just a snack in the evening. I settle for the Školjke na buzaru, a selection of shellfish in a garlic, white wine and parsley sauce – the sauce is amazing and fortunately I have some bread to mop it all up with. Wendy goes for the Pasticada, tender beef in a tasty sauce.
We have a stroll around and then an Uber back home.
Afternoon tea, Assam of course, sat out on the sunny deck.
Then in the evening we watch some more BBC, with wine of course. Raining harder than a cow pissing on a flat rock, complete with lightning and a crack of thunder that makes us think Putin’s kicked off.
Some of Croatia’s famous dishes I managed to scoff:
Crni rižot is a black risotto made with cuttlefish or squid, this famous food gets its black color from the ink, and is a must-eat food in Dubrovnik for seafood lovers.
Pašticada is a slow-cooked beef stew marinated in red wine, garlic, and spices. The hearty dish, served with gnocchi or homemade pasta, is among the best food in Dubrovnik for those who love rich, flavorful meals.
Fritule (Never got to try it) are cinnamon donuts, these fluffy dough balls are infused with citrus and sometimes raisins, then lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally a festive food, they’re enjoyed year-round as a delicious street snack.
Peka (Never got to try it) is Croatia’s take on the classic roast, and is as much about the cooking as it is about the flavor.
Dalmatian brodet is a hearty fish stew that brings the flavors of the Adriatic Sea to the table. Packed with fish, shellfish, and aromatic spices, this popular food is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and occasionally vinegar, typically served alongside polenta.
Šporki makaruli despite its name meaning dirty macaroni, this is a very popular food in Dubrovnik. A comforting dish that features pasta generously coated in a rich meat sauce, making it a beloved option among locals and tourists.
Buzara (seafood stew) blends shellfish, such as mussels or scampi, in a luxurious broth of white wine, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
Rožata is a decadent custard, infused with rose liquor, it is Croatia’s twist on crème caramel.
More woke stupidity. Get rid of the Sentencing Council, just another useless Quango.
“The justice secretary is considering rushing through an emergency law to overrule the Sentencing Council after it refused to back down over its “two-tier” guidelines.
The quango rejected a plea by Shabana Mahmood to ditch new guidelines that advise judges to consider an offender’s racial, cultural and religious background when deciding whether to impose a custodial or community sentence.
The council, an independent body, also rejected her request to delay implementing the new guidance, which is planned to come into effect on Tuesday, while a fresh consultation is carried out.
The guidance has sparked a row within government amid claims that it would introduce two-tier justice by giving preferential treatment to some minority groups. The Sentencing Council had agreed to consider Mahmood’s arguments following a meeting between her and its chairman, Lord Justice William Davis, a Court of Appeal judge. However, it rejected her proposal after a meeting of its board on Wednesday evening.
Mahmood said she would now consider emergency legislation to overrule the council, although it is unlikely a new law would delay or halt the implementation of the guidelines.
The justice secretary said: “I have been clear in my view that these guidelines represent differential”
Another sunny stroll around Split Old Town.
What’s the Difference Between Gnocchi and Spaetzle
Gnocchi are soft Italian-style dumplings made with a dough that traditionally contains potato and flour and may or may not include eggs. Spaetzle are German-style dumplings made with a batter that contains eggs, flour, and milk or water.
Have no doubt the Labour government is a complete shit show and is out to screw us.
In February 2020, Starmer said:
“I think we’ve got to have the courage to say the economic system, the free market economic system is busted and need to be replaced with a new economic system, or model, where government sets the direction and sets the framework.”
Sounds like communism to me.
Trogir
Then we drive over to Trogir, it’s only 30 minutes away. It’s a historic town and harbour on the Adriatic coast in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, with a population of 10,923 (2011). The historic city of Trogir is situated on a small island between the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo. It lies 27 kilometres (17 miles) west of the city of Split.
Since 1997, the historic centre of Trogir has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for its Venetian architecture. One of the highlights of the Dalmatian coast. Pity the greed of the Catholic Church has imposed a surcharge on prayer in the cathedral, or free if you come to one of their masses. I never really realised God had a strict time table for prayer.
It’s a tad windy but at least the sun keeps coming out. We have a saunter around and then stop for lunch – at last I get some Sardines, but to be honest I think tinned ones would have been better.
So what’s for tea on our last night in an Airbnb. Trying not to waste any food, very eco conscious, so looks like we’re going to have to risk those tins of baked Beans we bought, along with some leftover eggs and a Croatian sausage (living dangerously).
With the current clowns sat in the chattering house:
What is it with women? Dress up to the 9’s, dead fashionable, and then they wear them awful doc Martin’s all way up the legs – oh my God fancy waking up with one of them on your pillow.
Our hotel for the night.
Finally get to see a lot of the Dalmation coast as it’s just sun and cloud. Wow, there’s a lot of Islands.
Arrive at our hotel and today is the first day they’re open after being closed all winter, we’re the very first customers – wot no Champaign! Hotel is awesome, sat on balcony overlooking the sea drinking beer, whats not to like. Have a stroll down the road, not really very much in this village.
View from the balcony.
On the dinner menu is Dalmatian brodet, a hearty fish stew that brings the flavors of the Adriatic Sea to the table. Packed with fish, shellfish, and aromatic spices, this popular food is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and occasionally vinegar, typically served alongside polenta. I’ve been trying to eat this for the past 2 weeks, but most restaurants want 3 hours notice and a minimum of 4 persons, I’m told it is available for one person no notice.
Then at dinner they tell me it’s not available. Totally pissed off. Food is great, but service is very slow and they screw up Wendy’s cocktail. Considering there’s only us in the restaurant, god help them if they ever get busy. Finally get to try some Dingac wine, wow it’s very good, fruity, smooth and expensive.
Back to the room to finish off my Babic wine, fruity, smooth and cheap. Needless to say I’m soon in the land of nod.
If Muslims stopped killing other Muslims because they belong to a different sect; stopped forcing their chosen practices on other Muslims; tolerated less pious Muslims; did not feel enraged if other Muslims did not abstain froom alcohol or pork, or did not attend the mosque; did not kill men, women and children because they adhered to other faiths; did not blame rape on the length of a woman’s skirt; did not murder their own wives because they spoke to strangers, or their daughters because they flirted with boys or because they were raped by rascals; did not treat women as half a second class citizen; did not wish to start the World War III because some maverick cartoonist drew blasphemous caricatures; did not issue death fatwas because an author wrote a blasphemous book; or did not aim to spread their religion to the entire world, by the sword if necessary, then fighting Islamophobia would be much easier
Every day is marked by the stupidity I encounter. Usually it’s in the form of a web site or program – designed by that mythical 10 year old who needs his mummy to tie his shoelaces – but today’s highlight was a toilet roll holder. It’s the shit design. Yes, we’ve probably all encountered one, if there’s no paper hanging down how do you ever find the loose end, without lying on the floor and looking up as you spin the toilet roll. If there’s was any justice in the world then the stupid arsehole – appropriate – who designed it should be sentenced to spend the rest of his life seeking the loose end on an endless row of toilet roll holders, just like the torment of Tantalus.
Lazy start to a great breakfast, despite only a handful of guests in the hotel. We’ve been told we can have a late checkout – 1800, how’s that for late. The manager comes to see us over breakfast to apologise for the slow service last night. Lunch today is on the house as an apology. I relate the Brodet saga and he goes away to the kitchen, comes back and apologizes and tells me that there will be Brodet for my lunch. Very professional.
The lounge in Dubrovnik airport is ok, but the choice of food is the shits.
Flight home is ok. 2 hours 40 minutes, hardly worth getting on the plane!
So what did we think of Croatia? Well it seems I should really listen to my own advice and ignore EU countries below 43 degrees North – Dubrovnik just meets those criteria. We both thought Split was particularly depressing, a lot of high rise ghettoes and judging by the amount of graffiti spray paint must be very cheap.
Wendy’s conclusion, “to never come to anywhere in Europe again, with the exception of our caravan in France”.
It’s not quite a 3rd World Country and to be fair Dubrovnik Old Town is lovely, as is Split Old Town.
The average monthly salary in Croatia stands at 1,630 EUR. After deductions such as income tax and social security contributions, the net average salary in Croatia hovers around the mark of 1,180 EUR.
They fight a war for independence in the 1990’s and then in 2013 surrender their independence to the EU – only 28% of the population voted for EU membership – the main problem being the apathy of the NO votes who just didn’t bother to vote.
Most of the people I speak to seem to resent the EU.
Croatia “Financially Raped” by the EU, especially Germany?
Exploitation Argument: The EU’s economic rules, austerity demands, and foreign control over key sectors have weakened Croatia’s sovereignty and made it dependent on Western European interests.
Croatia had its own economic struggles, but EU policies (led by Germany) have largely benefited the wealthy and powerful while making life harder for many ordinary Croatians.
Now for the acid test. Would we come again? No. Glad we’ve seen Dubrovnik but no.
So I suppose this means we’re going to have to watch Game of Thrones yet again!
