Split - where it all began

On our way to the ferry to Brac, Mattej took us on a tour of the remains of Diocletian's palace. Diocletian has the distinction as the only Roman emperor to actually retire from the job (the rest suffered from untimely deaths). What is remarkable about the old town of Split (of which the palace is at its center) is that it is used and enjoyed. Where Diocletian once held court, you find accapelo groups singing in the acoustically perfect room (albeit, with a large round opening in its ceiling) and in the courtyard entrance people sit on the steps and listen to musicians. Split grows on you. After being in Dubrovnik, it seemed a bit seedy. But with its wide promenade on the riva, its interesting old city streets, the beautiful Marjan Penninsula and great swimming, I grew to really like Split. Split is the transportation hub for the Dalmatian coast and you can get everywhere from here with its efficient system of buses, ferries and roads.