After a long, but beautiful, bus ride along the Adriatic Coast on Monday we are back in Split. It is quite different from Dubrovnik, not as many iconic tourist sights other than the Diocletian Palace, which is well worth the trip. Yet there is a lot I like about it here, specifically the Riva Promenade.

The harbor is active with ferries, fishing boats, and pleasure craft. There is an eclectic parade of people to watch – tourists dressed in their holiday best, or bottom of the closet casual, others dressed to attract attention one way or another, locals on their way to work, and locals just sitting on a bench. The promenade is lined with some great cafes and restaurants – what could be better than that? Here are a few sketches so far, I am sure more to come.

Yesterday morning I sat to sketch the activity and realized I had no paper towel for watercolor, so I used the water soluble ink in my Pilot Retractible pen and a water-brush to create grays.

The coffee I ordered came with a serviette so watercolor was back in action.

Last evening at sunset we sat at a cafe on the Promenade. On the other side of the harbor is a sailboat marina. The silhouette of the masts against the sky makes for an interesting design, a bit like painting a forest of straight birch trees.

The food here is some of the best.

Of course people watching is part of the journey – tourists and locals.

As with most of the cities in Europe the narrow streets of the old town always inspire. This street is right behind our hotel.

Croatia is easily one of le meilleur countries we have visited. Next week we will be on a small boat cruising the islands; I can’t wait.

Thanks for allowing us to share this journey, we constantly send warm thoughts back your way.