Zadar

A stop in Zadar along the Adriatic Sea was filled with wonderful surprises. My hostel, Mr. Charles, was a welcoming and friendly place. The hostlier, Maria, introduced me to the other guests and I had great conversations with Frederico, the Italien; Gabe, from Washington DC; and four lovely ladies from Germany, Netherlands, UK and Korea. 

The ladies and I went into Old Town for swimming, sunset and dinner. There were so many ruins from Roman occupation, including foundations of an amphitheater. The city wall from Venetian rule was still dominating the entire inslet of Old Town, as well as buildings from the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. 

Zadar has been under rule by many before being "returned" to the Croatians. It's location in the Adriatic across from Italy made it very valuable on trade routes and as a fortress. It's beauty and ambience make it a great tourist stop.