Another 4am rouse from slumber at home in Jelsa, and preparations for another long day in Split. Yesterday was different, however. Given the poor winter ferry schedule on Hvar in winter, the Split working days are normally very long indeed - up at 4am and home at 11pm after the last ferry. I don't mind it too much, as I am passionate about what I do and I can work anywhere, but it was really nice to receive an email from Paula from Riva Apartments , inviting me to spend the night at one of their luxury waterfront apartments in the heart of Diocletian's Palace, so I could have an evening in Split without worrying about that last ferry.
It was the second nice email related to the day, as the Sinj Tourist Board had invited me to visit them and see the treasures of their town, in my capacity of official blogger for the Central Dalmatian Tourist Board.
After a couple of early meetings, it was time for the first pleasant event of the day, morning coffee with Expats in Split , a new idea started by a French lady called Helene, and a chance for people to come together and exchange ideas and experiences in a relaxed environment. The group is quite young, but the Facebook page is very active, and already has more than 70 members, with many expressing surprise at how many expats seem to be living in the region. Very nice group of people and chat, in one of my favourite cafes, the imperious Bajamonti.
As luck would have it, one of the people having a coffee was heading to Riva Apartments for a meeting, so I tagged along, met Paula and got my key as part of a very impressive tour. I did not realise such luxury with such stunning views existed in the palace - separate blog coming shortly. We were keen to get to Sinj for our 2pm meeting, but there was one quick diversion to the Art of Wine to meet some American bloggers, who were about to depart on a wine tour. Time too for a glass of excellent red and a brief exchange with Srdjan and Igor, both fans of Total Hvar, and I was asked to tell the story of their favourite Hvar article to the American bloggers, about how ugly Hvar prostitutes are - you can read Sex on Hvar - Local Prostitutes Disappoint Tourists here.
A fun, but all too brief visit, as we had an appointment in Sinj. Sinj, a historic town about 30 minutes north of Split, is a perfect day trip and another world.
