September 13, 2024

Zadar, Croatia

 

Awakened to a very pretty day.  The storm passed to the east and the sun came up behind the spire of Saint Anastasia.

 

 

 

First day of shore excursions for this trip.  And so Guest Services are fully in motion. The busses to take the tourists to various parts of the countryside are queued up.  Unfortunately we had wanted to hike in the National Park, but the rains yesterday made the trails dangerous and the safety of the passengers is the priority so they canceled that tour.  The other tours were booked up and so we scheduled the included tour – a walk through Zadar at 9:30.

 

 

Zadar has a few noteworthy items on the Waterfront or Riva as it is called.  The Sea Organ is unique. They inserted acoustic tubes of different lengths and sizes embedded beneath the marble steps of the pier so that the waves generate hoots and whistles of differing pitches.  It is rather soothing and not discordant as one might expect. 

 

The Greeting to the Sun is a model of our solar system. Not ethe large sun an then the 4 inner planets and then the larger gas planets in the picture spaced in proportion.  Alas – no Pluto.

 

 

At night the sun has an LED array that pulses like the northern lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 After a nice breakfast at the World Café (6^th straight day of having Salmon, Bob) we set out for our included tour of the port of Zadar

 

 

(Shirley took notes on our tour so this bit is by her)

 

Nina, our guide, was delightful and informative.  The Greeting to the Sun was installed in 2008.  The circles made of solar panels absorb the sunlight and create a disco of light in the dark.  Check it out on YouTube. While that is fascinating, I really like the Sea Organ (also may be viewed and heard on YouTube). It was installed in 2005 and includes 70 meters of walkway and steps under which are 35 tubes and pipes. The steps go down into the sea and the wind and waves create sounds much like those of a whale, but like a pipe organ. Holes in the steps are for music, while holes in the top are to release air.  The pipes must be cleaned every two to three months because of algae and other sea creatures.  I listened to the pipes when I was awake in the night.  The entire concept is incredible.  On the other side of the Promenade is a stone bench which resembles the keys to a piano, but it makes no noise! 

 

We continued our walk to the Roman Forum.  On the way we found Nemo in a Yellow Submarine!!!

 

Zadar is a town of 80,000 people.  The architecture of the Old Town reflects 3 historical periods: The Roman Empire, The Venetian Empire of the 16^th Century, and the Austrian Empire of the 19^th Century. 

 

Zadar is widely known for 3 creations:  Soccer player Luka Modric, who was born here; Maraschino liqueur and cherries which were created by the Benedictines; and the necktie or cravat. The most popular sport is Basketball.

 

We visited a fabulous exhibition of gold and silver art in a Benedictine convent.  One floor was devoted to Medieval frescoes and reliquaries. There was an incredibly beautiful icon of the Madonna and Child with baby Jesus sucking his thumb! The 2^nd floor was devoted to Renaissance art and included a magnificent group of 6 panels by Carpaccio featuring saints.  The tour ended with a beautiful painting of the Birth of Mary, appropriate because this was St. Mary’s Convent. (Pictures were not allowed.) We only have these works of art because they were hidden in the bell tower during WWII. 

 

The Church of St. Donatus, the symbol of Zadar, is a round church built of the remains of Roman ruins.  It was used as a church until the 15^th century.  Then it was used as a bar for sailors.  Later, Napoleon used it as a stable for his horses.  It is now used as a theater for classical concerts.

 

We then visited the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the largest in Dalmatia—another beautiful church. Interestingly, it was built with dried egg whites used as mortar.

 

 

And, yes, Dalmatian dogs came from here.  They were originally used a herding dogs.

 

In Croatia, children begin learning English in school at the age of 8 or 9.  They later also learn Italian because they are so close to Italy.

 

The tour ended and we strolled around town a while before heading back to the ship for lunch and a nap. (Old people need naps  ).

 

We looked out the window and saw this super yacht – Paul looked it up on superyachtfan.com and found out it belongs to Jimmy John Liautaud the founder and former CEO of Jimmy John’s sandwich shop. A $60,000,000 boat – why not?

 

The 4:30 Port talk was all about Dubrovnik, and the guest lecture series touched on the history and significance of Dubrovnik.

 

At 7:30 we went to the Chef’s Table restaurant (the upscale one) for Shirley’s Birthday Dinner.  Peking duck was quite good.

 

Another wonderful day complete!  Lake’ Noc! (good night in Croatian)

 

Oh – and 9306 steps Anna -