Day 30 (Sibenik Spa)

Today is 68 degrees and sunny. We decided to start the day with a little spa treatment on our first level. Sauna and hot tub was a nice way to get those leg muscles and hips ready for all of the stairs in this town.

We made some eggs with bread and Parmesan cheese slices and prepped for the climb ahead. It started out easy as we walked DOWN the steps to the second alley way. Our landlord told us that it was the easiest way into to the city via St Michael’s Fortress. Our hips and legs quickly stiffened up and the climb was coming into question. Did we make a wrong turn? Should it be this difficult? As Lori trailed behind she asked what I wanted to see exactly? I said that I wanted to see St. John’s Fortress which is the highest point in Sibenik. Lori did not seem excited about the walk and suggested that we split up today so that she could shop without making me stand guard. Very considerate I thought it was she ditching me?

I started the trek for the fortress. There were 2 spots on the map that said St.Johns fortress so I plugged one into Apple Maps and started walking. About 5 min into the trip Lori sent me a text saying that she did not have any cash. I had the cash and she had the Passports. She would be safe and broke and I would be flushed and exposed without a passport. We decided to risk it and continued on our individual paths.

There are not many sidewalks here so walking in the road can be a little treacherous. I continued my trek thinking there is no way that I would have made it to the top with Lori before night time. It was a steep climb. I could see the Fortress above but came to a dead end in the street and Apple Maps saying that “I arrived at my location”. I was not even close. I did see a dirt path leading to the structure. My thought was maybe it will lead me to the back entrance where I might see some things that the normal tourist might not see.

I arrived at the top realizing that I forgot my anti-perspirant. Soaking wet and thirsty I found an area that said Campus with an arrow. It lead to a structure that was under ground. I wandered in where there was a pretty blonde receptionist. I thought maybe it was a Croatian Oasis. I was still panting from the climb and possibly nasally offensive. She started showing me around this teaching facility, which I blindly followed. She lead me around as if I was going to rent this facility someday. I finally said that I really just wanted to see the fortress. She lead me outside and directed me to the other side of the fortress where the entrance was. I am still wondering and how and why that all transpired?

I took a few pictures of the city and walked into the fortress to find an overgrown area that resembled a field inside the castle walls with a guy charging to view it. I could see across it. I walked back out and headed home. I came across what looked like a like a WWII pill box, took a picture and continued. Next came Barone Fortress. You can pay $11 Euro per fortress to tour it or $13 Euro for all three fortresses. Personally just seeing them from the outside was enough even at $13 Euro.

I located Lori on my “Find My” app and plotted a route. I weaved my way down the various stairways, ignoring Apple Maps. Apple Maps was wrong on her location anyway because I happen to come across her sitting at a coffee cafe. Go figure.

We decided to get some calamari and fries for a snack. Since Lori had already toured most of the city at this point, we decided to go cafe hopping. We ended up at a small cafe in a narrow alley for some Compari Spritz and wine. The calamari and wine were not satisfying so I ordered some grilled squid. It was ok. Lori did not like it at all!

We walked around looking for some snacks and found the good Gelato with the stainless steel covers. We ordered a couple cones for the walk home and headed back. We are planning on a spa night tonight and heading to Trogir and Split tomorrow at 10am