A spot hover ahead, grows, until the butterfly smash into the visor with its bright yellow wings blocking the view. The landscape is rockier, with thorn bushes, and the strong scent of pine trees invades my nostrils. Ah, the Croatian coastal road is so much fun. Hot air and rapid gear shifts. Quick stops with a sip of water, then on again, and before I knew it the sign saying Zadar flashed by.A spot hover ahead, grows, until the butterfly smash into the visor with its bright yellow wings blocking the view. The landscape is rockier, with thorn bushes, and the strong scent of pine trees invades my nostrils. Ah, the Croatian coastal road is so much fun. Hot air and rapid gear shifts. Quick stops with a sip of water, then on again, and before I knew it the sign saying Zadar flashed by.
A Split second

Finding the hostel was not easy. The many and annoying one way roads made me go for an unauthorized shortcut through a narrow pedestrian alley. Bad idea. The side boxes were so wide that the bike got jammed between the walls, and it was a hassle getting it loose. It still annoys me that I didn’t take a picture, because the whole scenario was so ridiculous. Then I purchased a pile of small butter packages (great for camping), only to discover that it was yeast. Zadar was merely an overnight stop on the way to Split. It is an alright place to stay, but the further south you go the more interesting things become.

An evening drinking cheap wine and exchanging lies with Australian backpackers

Split has a great reputation, and maybe that is why I was a bit disappointed. I expected the city to be fantastic, but it was just OK. After half a day strolling around, I took the late ferry to Hvar Island. Hvar is said to be the sunniest place in Croatia, 2724 annual sun hours according to Lonely Planet. My hours there were of the remaining few. As I drove ashore the first drops of rain painted black spots on the asphalt. But the marvelous hospitality by Jagoda (which means “strawberry”) and Ante Bracanovic made up for the lack of sunshine.

The bridge across to Dubrovnik

The initial plan was to ooze by Dubrovnik, but everyone I met said I should not miss it. I’m glad I didn’t. It’s an attractive city, but if you stay for long it is better to do it with someone you fancy because the streets are filled with lovers and the atmosphere is laden with romance. Thus be warned, exploring Dubrovnik alone for a week or two might just be an unfulfilling experience where you eventually hang yourself in the hotel room before the vacation is over. Luckily I was out the next day.

Jazz from England is smiling although the ATM just ate his Visa card