Adventure Day 9 & 10- Šibenik - Split

Day 9 & 10 — From Šibenik to Split (Featuring Yara’s Architectural Critiques)

All packed up and ready to go this morning, I learned a valuable FlixBus lesson:
Don’t reserve a seat. Don’t block the seat next to it. Someone will sit there anyway.
It’s a law of nature at this point.

The ride from Šibenik to Split was only about 40‑something kilometers, but it took over an hour and a half. The bus stopped in what felt like eight different little towns — each one charming, each one making Yara more annoyed. Every time we slowed down, she muttered something in Croatian that I’m fairly certain translated to “Why are we stopping? I have a schedule.”

Still, the scenery was great — hills, sea views, and clusters of stone houses that looked like they’d been there forever.

A quick 20‑minute walk from the bus station brought us to my apartment in the old part of Split. And the best part? It’s less than a minute from Regina del Formaggio, a wine bar that already feels like it’s going to be a problem in the best way.

After dropping our bags, we headed out to explore.

The Waterfront — The Riva

Split’s waterfront, the Riva, is a long, palm‑lined promenade that feels like the city’s front porch. Cafés spill out onto the walkway, people stroll with gelato, and the Adriatic sparkles like it’s been polished. Boats come and go, music drifts through the air, and the whole place feels warm and alive.

Yara’s critiques began immediately:

• “Too many palm trees. They distract from me.”

• “The benches should be velvet.”

• “Why is no one applauding as I pass?”

So, you know — normal Yara behavior.

The Silver Gate — Diocletian’s Eastern Entrance

We wandered through the Silver Gate, one of the four ancient entrances to Diocletian’s Palace, built in the early 4th century. This was the emperor’s formal eastern entrance — the one used for processions and important guests.

Yara stood beneath the massive Roman stones, looked up, and delivered her critiques like a tiny, porcelain architectural consultant:

• “The symmetry is good, but it needs more gold.”

• “These stones are impressive, but they should be taller.”

• “Diocletian clearly had potential, but he lacked vision.”

A tourist overheard her and laughed. Yara pretended it was applause.

Split already feels different from Šibenik — bigger, louder, more energetic. And with the Riva, the palace, and a wine bar practically next door, I think the next few days are going to be great.

Yara, of course, is already scouting for thrones.