Monday April 5, 2010

Before leaving the Kastel area we walked around in search of the sites that were recommended by Donna. The little towns surrounding our villa were all within walking distance. The area is noted for a 1500 olive tree so while Bob and Greg sat and had a beverage, Teresa and I went on a mission to find the giant olive tree. After walking for some time this charming little lady came out of her house and we asked her for directions. She spoke no english so we tryed to show her the picture on our map and she took our arms and led us down the street. We were headed for the bus stop best as we could figure when she opened a yellow gate and motioned for us to come in. Reluctantly we did so and there was the large tree. Teresa I are were surprised to say the least and there was no way we would have found it.

Our next stop on this route is to get to the ferry in Split so we can transport our car over to Hvar where we will stay for 2 nights. Everything goes without a hitch the ferry takes close to 2 hours, but is very comfortable and dry as it is still raining. We arrive at a port called Stari Gaze and then follow the road to Hvar town. In the summer this town occupies about 30,000 people I can't imagine what it is like. There are no street signs and hotels are very expensive according to the book we have. After going through streets that were barely big enough for our small car we found the bus station where we could get information on hotels. Teresa went to get information and was greeted by an old lady who said she had a rooms for rent. We read in the book if the aprtment did not have a blue sign Sobe don't go there as they were renting without permission. The lady hopped in the car and gave us directions to the rooms for rent. Upon arrival there was a big metal gate and she just kept telling us she was a nice lady, after seeing the rooms that were marginal we made the decision to look elsewhere. Teresa called a guesthouse that was recommended in the book and they came and escorted us to our new place for the next 2 nights. Intially the owner only had 1 night but after she met us charming Americans she said we could have 2 nights.

We ate at a place called Junior in the harbor recommended by our host I can't spell her name, the dinner was good and I had to take a picture of my dinner (small fish) just like smelt.