The wind was just right for us to sail to the island of Brac and we arrived at the fishing village of Milna just as the wind was really building up.  We got a spot on the town broadwalk right in front of the Amfora Restaurant and Bar.  The is a quiet fishing village with church steeples everywhere and yes the bells ring all day and all night and the town is famous for it.  Luckily I am a good sleeper but the others complained of being woken up every hour right thru the night.

The bay filled up with boats as the sun went down and folk singers were out singing in the church square.  A huge 120footer motor boat called just Joe berthed at the end of the jetty and overpowered all the other boats but fortunately these motor launches are not party boats so are no trouble to anyone.

We just walked off the back of Affinity and went to the Amfora which was serving Lamb under the Bell.  Jan was the only one to order it and it was not the best one we have had and when we went for a bus ride around the island the next day befor e we left we realised that it is very barren and the poor lamb probably didnt have time to get fat!

However the white stone from the quarry on this island was used to build many famous buildings around the world the most famous being the White House in Washington DC.

During our bus trip to Supatar we went to and internet point and were able to finally print off a copy in English of the Watermaker which the men have not been able to get working. Hopefully within a short time we will be making our own water which makes it a lot easier when you are at anchor and with the high summer season coming up in August this will be very useful.

11th July, 2005 Milna to Split

With the instructions to the water maker in English now we felt confident we could get it making fresh water.  Peter and Leo worked for ages following the instructions faithfully but still salt water.  We were able to fill up with fresh water from the marina so we are not desperate for water and our next stop in Split should be alright as Split is on the mainland and water is readily available.

From the ocean Split looks like just another big city.  However to our delight as we walked along the palm lined broadwalk from the very modern, busy marina the arched entrance to Diaclescean's Palace becones for you to step inside and investigate.

You enter the Palace by way of the high vaulted arched entrance not unlike the famous Grand Bazaar in Istambul.  There are many stalls selling artistic wares, food, clothes and lots of marble statues.  From here you climb up the ancient stone steps to the narrow streets of the old Palace.  We spotted Ida and Leo leaning over the balcony (see photos) but lost track of them through the maze of streets and courtytards. 

The main courtyard was being prepared for an evening concert which started at 1l p.m. much too late for us.  The old Cathederal stands high above this courtyard and was visited by Pope John Paul during his visit to Croatia after the end of the War of Independence, he celebrated a  thanksgiving Mass.

We found a great Jazz bar and restaurant for dinner and then joined the others back at Affinity for a nightcap and exchange impressions of Split.