Diocletian's Palace
Last thoughts on Rovinj and the Istrian Peninsula. I see parallels between Panama/Costa Rica and Slovenia/Croatia, when it comes to the Istrian coast shared bz Slovenia and Croatia. Like Panama, Slovenia's economy does not rely on tourism - it is an economic after-thought. Therefore, the tourist businesses in Slovenia seemed laid back, friendlier, less hard sell. Croatia, so far, seems similar to Costa Rica. Tourism is big business, and the vendors seem intent on milking every euro/kuna out of the visitor. Prices are inflated, tourist spots are tackier (think mini golf and go-carts). Piran, Slovenia seemed quainter, quieter, and more charming than the larger Rovinj, Croatia, a bit further south on the Istrian Peninsula. Of course, my judgment is partially colored by an unscrupulous shop keeper and the creepy conspiracy-theorist of a hotel operator (he was not a big fan of Jewish bankers, particularly the Rothschilds and their supposed control of oil and the economy - he thought we should buy gold and wait to have children because the end was nigh).
We will head into Split's Old Town tomorrow to see Diocletian's Palace. More Roman ruins await!
A few poolside/oceanside notes from Split, Croatia. This hotel, Le Meridien, is a dream (thank you Starwood points!). Private pool and beach area that look across turqoise seas to Split. Breakfast buffet with outdoor tables overlooking the ocean. Million-dollar yachts and sail boats moored outside our room's window. Pretty sunsets over Split, with views from the pool or our balcony. The hotel is so luxurious and relaxing that we might spend three or four days out of five just sun worshipping by the water.
So you don't think we have gone too hifalutin, the bellhop looked a little unsure how to carry two stinky, dust-covered backpacks from the lobby to our room - he said our luggage was "not very typical" for the hotel 
Then we paraded through the lobby with bread, cheese, and salami for dinner instead of opting for the five-star restaurant
One week
One week in the small town of Brela in Croatia, 60 kms south of Spalato. Brela is really a nice place where you can relax yourself...rent a small boat every day for 50€, and go where you want! in particular you can go to the islands in front of the town...they are 2-3kms far, but no problem with calm sea. I suggest you to rent these boat because it's the only way to arrive in some of the most beautiful beaches.
Well, we took the bus to Budva, Montenegro the other day and it was a rough ride. We had to change in Montenegro after a long wait at the Croatia border. The bus had no AC and every seat was taken. Not fun. The city was sort of chaotic when we got there. Had to find a place to stay and the place we got was nice, but it did not seem like a location for us. Reminded me of the crowded Italian beaches and there was a lot of congestion for a small city packed in a little mountain valley. The scenery in Montenegro is very dramatic, though, and it is a beautiful country from what we saw. The Bay of Kotor is especially beautiful. We only ended up staying a night, though, and went back to Dubrovnik and stayed 2 more nights in the house we were in before. The people were very glad to see us.
Anyway, we enjoyed another big meal cooked at the house and then yesterday spent the day kayaking 10 kilometers to another island (Lokrum) and back and biking 10 kilometers on the 2nd island (Sipan). Great day out in the sun and we hit the town a bit at night for a long day, but a good last day in Dubrovnik while we head off to the airport soon and a few nights in Prague.