Zadar/Croatia

23.6.2024 Zadar

I left the ship at around 9:00 a.m. To get from the port to the city would have taken an hour and it was already starting to get really hot. Tickets for the shuttle bus were sold out, so I looked around for a taxi. The eight-minute ride would cost 20.00 euros, so I looked around for people to share it. Shortly afterwards I saw Anish Kumar with his wife and a companion and we greeted each other warmly. They also wanted to go to the old town, so we shared a taxi.

When we arrived at our destination, we discussed where we wanted to go. Anish looked for ways to go to the next town, while I preferred to explore Zadar. One unknown town was as dear to me as the next.

Just then, the violinist Maria, who was traveling with another crew member, the Mexican Oktavio, greeted me. So I changed groups and the three of us went into the old town. In front of an ancient building stood a "Roman" with a sword, probably as a photo opportunity. We initially started talking to him in English, then it turned out that the "Roman" was actually Ukrainian like Maria, and the two of them had a brief conversation in Ukrainian. Then we said our friendly goodbyes.

Oktavio suggested going to a sight that was also on my wish list: the Sea Organ. This instrument is built into the quay and produces quite pleasant sounds from waves and air. We listened for a while, then decided it was time for a beer.

We ordered local beers, dark ones for Oktavio and me, and a light one for Maria, who also paid the bill. I, in turn, offered to take Maria on a trip in a "semi-submarine" that I had found on the Internet. I got three tickets at the ticket counter (Oktavio paid me his ticket) and at 12 noon we were on board and setting off.

The semi-submarine is a non-submersible ship with a passenger compartment with windows below the waterline. We could stay there or on deck. We watched the fish for a while and then climbed on deck to admire one of the largest sailing ships in the world, the five-masted "Royal Clipper". After that, Maria was allowed to take over the steering of our ship. We spent the return journey below deck again because it was now hot outside.

After we disembarked, we looked for a restaurant to eat and drink. Then we made our way to the ship. Oktavio ordered an Uber taxi for just 8.00 euros. Before it arrived, two elderly fellow travelers who could hardly walk anymore joined us. Luckily, the taxi was big enough for five passengers and the old folks paid the taxi fare out of gratitude.

From 4 p.m. the String Reverie Trio was back in action with me as a listener.

This time my dinner consisted of only one course because I was still quite full from my "Pizza Tartuffo".

In the theater today, Amy Jo Slater sang songs by Adele, including the James Bond theme song "Skyfall."

At 9.45pm, comedian Tyrone Hawkins made his second appearance, this time with a program for adults. He was happy that I, "George Lucas", was back in the audience.