Our last night spent on the boat was a sleepless affair – nothing like sleeping at one of the busiest ports in town, night ferries leaving at irregular intervals, and drunken revellers coming home from the party in town. We were sad though to be leaving the group in which we had met so many interesting and friendly people. We would highly recommend a cruise in southern Croatia.
Having purchased some early morning bus tickets north to Zadar we got our bus at 830, for a 3 hour trip. Very efficient way of travelling to be honest. Our hostel was booked in about 2 minutes after spending 10 minutes on the port finding an unlocked wifi network (thank you apple for making the iPad great at finding free Internet)
Zadar is an interesting place, dominated by an old town again in a small peninsula that juts out from the coast. Having and university and port (which serves a large number of islands) it would exist despite the massive tourist area that has developed. This is different to split which seems to be a Croatian tourist Mecca servicing the southern Dalmatian islands. Hostel (The drunken monkey) was found easily enough in a sleepy neighbour 15 min walk from the old town.

The centre off town is dotted with roman ruins, and old 2nd century church. This is unfortunately juxtaposed next to neon signs and cafes; however it gives you a sense of how things have been preserved and the rest of the town having undergone rapid gentrification. A climb up the local bell tower happened to coincide with the hourly ringing, which was insanely loud and a little dangerous when perched on a ladder that OSH would have had a fit over. The view of the old town peninsula and port were amazing though.
Having been on a boat we had used a lot of our sunscreen supply. Purchasing Nivea sensitive skin 50+,is like purchasing a massive tube if PVA glue as the smell instantly reminded me of the times spent finger deep in the stuff at kindy.
We had privilege of watching a Croatian wedding; lots of car horns and waving of flags. A fantastic coffee in a shelter garden was a nice way spend the afternoon. I’m beginning to get use to the macchiato style coffee for $1.40 nz.
The sunset was amazing looking out over the ‘Sun Salutation’ , a massive contemporary art piece made of solar panels which reflects the sunset. Some time lapse photography was attempted (results to follow). The promenade also has a sea organ which comes alive when the waves get up. Chilled by the sea air, we took a 30 minute walk home to our hostel. Yay warm bed (not sure about these European pillows though). An early morning ferry awaits!