Thursday and Friday afternoon

Both Thursday afternoon and Friday morning/afternoon were spent traveling between cities.

Thursday morning, we joined Doris as she ran errands in the city of Hvar to buy supplies for the restaurant. We walked around the harbor and took photos and browsed thru the local vendors that lined the sidewalks with olive oil, lavender oil, embroidered linens, and a variety of typical knick knacks; magnets, jewelry, coasters, and all the other stuff you can write "Hvar" on and sell to tourists.

Our plan was to catch the 1:00 car ferry back to the mainland, but that sold out quickly, so we spent a few more hours in Milna, then headed to the Stari Grad port to catch the 4:00pm ferry instead. The blue sky and dry air made for yet another lovely ride back to Split. We headed to the next hotel to check in then went back over to the Meridien for more cash. We stayed for dinner (which was awesome; I had veal wrapped in prosciutto with polenta and stuff onion) then called it a day.

Friday morning, we overslept and missed out on free breakfast. We made a pit stop at the grocery store, picked up some pastries and drinks then started the trek to Medjugorje.

Wow.

WOW.

What a beautiful drive. For the first 40-50 miles, the road wrapped around the side of the mountain and overlooked the sea and neighboring islands. Every town that we came upon was built up from the beach and the houses were stacked up the hill to the highway. One bad move off the road, and any car could fall off the cliff and thru the roof of some random house. With my dad's need-for-speed driving skills, I didn't think we were far from doing just that. Some time after we passed by the town of Igrane, the road curved away from the shore and in between the mountains. The valley was just as picturesque. Forests, lakes, farmland, and the occasional house. My finger was permanently glued to my camera the whole time.

Photos:

Outside of the hotel Friday morning.


Driving along the coast on the way to Medjugorje.


Passing by the city of Igrane.


An example of the distance from the highway above the cities.


More scenery as we head away from the coast into the mountain valleys.


Leaving regular civilization.


In the valley.


At the border. Leaving Croatia, entering Bosnia & Herzegovina.


Welcome to Herzegovina!


Approaching intersection to Medjugorje.


Grafitti


First glimpse of the church in Medjugorje. We've finally made it!