Zadar
Trip Start
May 16, 2006
1
9
41
Trip End
Aug 15, 2006
Zadar, Croatia
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
I am writing from the town of Zadar. It is a smallish community on the Adriatic coast. At the midway point on the coast. Originally i planned to begin in the north and work my way down the coast to Dubrovnik. Once i arrived in Zagreb i was advised by the locals to start my journey here as the Dalmation coast is the prettiest part of the coast. So here i am.
The journey from Zagreb to Plitsvice Lakes to Zadar: It was quite interesting riding the bus. The scenery was beautiful. I was surprised how much to topography changes from Zagreb to Zadar. Zagreb to Plitsvice ranged from flat to hilly to mountainous and very little rock outcroppings. The vegetation very lush. From Plitsvice to to Zadar the topography began to change almost immediately after we left Plitsvice. In the beginning I started to see a few rocks here and there the further we drove the more rocks. About an hour or so out of Plitsvice I began to see some pretty large mountains. Some still have snow in the valleys. The mountains pretty much spill into the ocean near Zadar. The view from Zadar(pics coming in a day or two) is awesome. From Borik you can see the ocean with the mountains in the background.
Another aspect of the trip was the evidence of the Serbian conflict(1991-1995). After leaving Plitsvice the scars of war became quickly evident. Many house still bear damage from gunshots and bombs. A number of houses seemed to be abandoned. From the bus you could see the international signs of a skull "do not enter, land mines". Here in Zadar they have been invaded for centuries. The most damage came during WWII followed by the Serbian conflict. I read there were 72 direct bombings. Zadar has rebuilt itself again and it still has its mideaval character. The streets are literally paved with marble.
Tomorrow i am off to Sibenik about 1.5 hrs from here. So until then.
Dober Dan (good day)
Chuck
Comments
Zadar Pics
Looks like a cool place.
June 5
Hey, Chuck! Just got back from a week off, but, unlike you, it wasn't to see the world. The world of the back and front yards on Barrett Lane does look quite good, though. Wish you could see it before it gets all weedy again. I'm loving reading about your travels. Savor every moment.
Love,
Barbara