Split. Nothing like you would expect. Yet, it is all that you would imagine it to be. Confusing? Yes. The people are really friendly and helpful. It is old - the old city dates back to at least the 4th century. The influences of different cultures can be seen everywhere - Italian, Venetian, Greek, Turkish. It's difficult to grasp just what it is to be Croatian. There doesn't appear to be a distinctly Croatian cuisine - pizza places are everywhere, restaurant menus are dominated by pasta dishes, even the seafood dishes have a distinctly Greek flavor.

A visit to the Ethnographic Museum doesn't shed much light on the cultural identity . The exhibits of traditional dress have distinctly Turkish overtones. As well, many of the traditions of weapon use were imported via the interaction with the Turks and Greeks in the mountainous regions. However, talking to the hotel staff, it is clear that Croats are fiercely proud of their identity and culture.

So, Split. A wonderful place. Even apart from the "official" attractions (Diocletian's Palace,Cathedral of St Dominus, Ethnographic Museum, Temple of Jupiter), walking the lane ways and squares in the inner city, you realize you are treading the path of history. Everything in the city is integrated as part of modern Split life. Old walls and ruins are used as places to rest tired legs, cafes are built into the city walls, apartments are built crumbling walls.

A few of things to note about Split, and Croatia in general: