Day 8 -- Town of Hvar and Ferry to Island of Korcula

We had a relaxing Pentecost Sunday in the town of Hvar, with lots of opportunities for picture taking and shopping. After a leisurely breakfast and getting the luggage off on the van which would proceed us to the Island of Korcula, we met at 11 for a guided tour of the old town. The plaza in front of the Cathedral is the second largest "open plaza" (one side facing the water) in all of Europe, second only to St. Mark's in Venice. (Hope I got all that right.)

We stopped at the exterior of a Benedictine Convent here the nuns have taken a vow never to appear out of doors. They support themselves by weaving an exquisite lace from the fibers of the agave cactus. Unfortunately, we did not get to see their work because it was Sunday

We continued to climb to the fort -- also very old -- which dominates the horizon above the town. After an informative overview, we enjoyed a picnic lunch which Silvija had carted up. After that we were on our own until our 5pm ferry to Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo. (Our hotel is the Marko Polo, and we will be here for two nights.)

Last evening, I joined Peter and Mary, George and Laura for a very pleasant dinner overlooking the water at  sunset. We made a family style event of it, sharing a tuna salad, tomato salad, greek salad, octopus salad, lasagna and ad "Chuck Norris" pizza.  It was too late to do the blog, so I am catching up this morning. Due to time constraints, I am lumping all the pictures together at the end.

Fortress at Hvar

Cistern from 1475

Silvija prepares our picnic

our ferry to Korcula

Hotel Marko Polo

View from the fortress at Hvar