The challenge:  how to spend the coming “dark of Winter” out of the European Union for at least 90 days and not be far from Italy?

Split!

Days and Dusks

Our first apartment view from the historic Varos neighborhood of Split, Croatia.

St. Domnius Cathedral and bell tower.  ©DianeHuntress 2013

“My sister spends 2 hours getting ready for a 30 minute date for coffee on the Riva!” said a young man working in a Palace shop.

Sunshine on the Riva means coffee on sidewalk cafes’  ©DianeHuntress 2013

There is a great coffee culture in Split, Croatia.  No instructions for preferences required to place my order.  Italian and even better, really.  From inside or on the outdoor steps to the Luxor Kavana, you can take in the view the imperial square of Diocletian’s Palace with your espresso.

Lovely cappuccino served with mini cookies at Luxor Kavana, Split, Croatia.  ©DianeHuntress 2013

David who is doing the shopping and cooking, considers what to make for dinner at the famous Split fish market.

David in the authentic Split Peskarija-Ribarnica fish market considering dinner.

A good walk above our Varos apartment was this view point of Split and the historic old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sun setting on the old town of Split, Croatia on the Adriatic.

A surprise gift of homemade cakes from Mime’ who regularly cared for our apartment as on site landlord.  And, they were as delicious as they look.

A plate of cakes made by Mime’ our apartment landlord.

The Winter sun sets on the Adriatic and popular Bacvice Beach which is a short walk outside the Split old town.  No Photoshop required to capture this dusk landscape…just be there.

Sunset Split, Croatia on Bacvice Beach with Dinaric Alps in background.

I was inspired to publish my taste of living in Split #1. Happy to say I have also worked with the Times If you didn’t read the Times 36 Hours Travel article on Sunday, here is a link to the article. 36 Hours Split, Croatia