Stari grad is the oldest settlement in Croatia reaching back to Illyrian times. Linda has been anchored in a sheltered cove some miles away since before lunch.
In the late afternoon, the energetic Sergio ferries us to the old town. Standing at the wheel of the rubber dinghy smiling as he opens the throttle, the nose rises, the bottom bounces hard over the swell and water sprays over us, he says mischievously, “you will adventure with Sergio” (laugh, laugh, bump, bump, bones jangle), “we riding the waves”. (more laughs)
Edmundo cuts in saying “it’s more like training a horse”, with his head bowed and hanging on. Coming into the port, Sergio, still amused says “You see how feeling the man after my drive”, as Edmundo clambers up and over the front on all fours and on to the dock.
Smart yachts line the dockside but many more tiny boats give a more authentic feel to the place than Hvar old town we liked so much for different reasons yesterday. Centuries-old shuttered stone houses in narrow streets of cobblestones provide wonderful material for a selection of monochromatic-style photos. Again, the yellow-fruited Canary Island palms add a tropical touch.
| Centuries-old stone houses |
| Victor, and John (friends of 45 years from Brisbane days) and Dr Pat in one of the laneways of Starigrad |
We find Antika, the local restaurant recommended by Captain Tony and order roast chicken in advance. We see the cook leaving the butcher with chickens in a plastic bag swinging from the handlebars of his bicycle and know we are in for a treat. The octopus salad to start was as delicious.
Going home was easier, and gave new meaning to ‘starry, starry night’. The swell had subsided and Sergio kept closer to the shore where it was even calmer.
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