Split- Croatia

Monday September 8th,
  The last full day before we return to Vienna. We arrived in Split Saturday afternoon and had a brief tour of the main old city accompanied by a local guide. The key structure is the Palace of Dioclecian, a Roman Emperor from late 3rd-early 4th centuryA.D. Originally located with its main wall running along the ocean, it is now several yards inland due to reclamation. Occupying 190 X 160 meters it was the emperor's private residence containing private living quarters, a large forum, temple to Jupiter and various other structures. A large mausoleum housing his remains was later converted to a Church ( he had a great dislike of Christianity and often punished it's converts) Much of the palace has been converted over the years into private residences, restaurants and hotels.A large bell tower, adjacent to the mausoleum provides a very impressive panorama of the city, if one dares ascend the many steep stone stairs and later on a set of steel steps to the top.
 While the palace is reasonably preserved, the city that the Romans built, some 4 miles away is largely reduced to building foundations only. Salona was once the principal Roman city in the area, with the Palace, simply a summer residence. While much remains of the palace, the city has been left mostly untouched since it was destroyed by warring tribes in the 5th century.
An ampitheatre is the largest structure remaining at the far west of this extensive site.Other structures of interest are the foundations of various churches and a basilica. In one area several well preserved stone sarcophagi seem to have been randomly arranged around the foundations of what is described as an "Episcopal Centre" from the 4th and 5th centuries.
 Perhaps as interesting as the ruins was the ride there by city bus. By the time we paid our fare there ws little room to squeeze through the crowded bus. Three stops later the driver appeared to be attempting a Guiness world record. A small woman of perhaps 80's vintage was yelling and pushing her way onto the bus, presumably cussing in Croatian for people to let her through. Voices were raised in response but ultimately she found herself some space in the middle of the bus where she ranted for a minute or two longer. Interestingly no-one seemed willing to offer up their seats for her or anyone else. The bus remained packed until we reached the modern day town of Solin, where 90% of the passengers piled out, finally leaving us some elbow room for the remaining half mile to the ruins.
 Returning to town we stopped at a place claiming to be Billi's Fast Food where we waited over an hour for a small pizza and a small meat plate!
 With the temperature in the mid twenties, the humidy seems rather oppressive today,so this afternoon a beer and a siesta, before heading out for the evening with the remaining members of our group who are lingering in Spalato ( Split's original Roman name) for a few more days.
 Photos will be posted from Belgium, where, presumably internet will not be as slow as dial-up!!!