Sibenik experience

Šibenik is an easy day trip from Trogir, and a scenic drive up the coast. It’s a perfect if you are looking for a day trip by car in Croatia. I think I was lucky that day.. I was in the right places at the right time, just like in Trogir, another city of happy surprises.

First, I stumbled upon a wedding party. Full blast, with singing. I love to watch Dalmatians sing, I admit. I seem to have good luck with it.. Klapa music, singing on boats, and now this…

I felt a little bad because I took some video footage and then realized.. do the residents want to feel like they are a zoo exhibit? What does it mean to be a tourist? Sometimes it is about discovering something new, like a child, in a good way. Other times it’s more about blending in and being respectful. I had to find that middle ground.
I could not resist a video of the band, although the bride did make a cameo appearance. With singing.

Then there is St. James Cathedral. Again, I was truly in awe of the place. It is a testament to both Croatian and European architecture, and of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture.

It was built entirely of stone, with no binding material. It was affected by the recent war, but repaired.
I say this because I’m fascinated by the engineering it took to build such structures, but also how they are repaired and kept intact. (Like the bridge in Mostar)

You could say that much has happened in this square, and still does. And then there is just the energy, in my opinion, that you really do find in certain sacred places.

That’s a lot to take in, and why I lingered so long.
I decided to attend a short mass the next morning. I’m not Catholic, but all are invited to mass. I sat in the back row and watched others take communion.  Note.. don’t take photos during the mass. It’s only 20 kn to gain entrance and linger to your heart’s content, and it’s worth every lipa.

When I take pictures, even just on my iPhone, I tend to look at every detail. I took photos of this cathedral in the evening light, during the wedding, at night, walking in the square, and the interior.

Photography in Croatia is easy.. almost anyone can be a great photographer here, with the right mindset. 

Sibenik and Trogir are teaching me that taking photos is a highly personal process. It’s worth it to take the time to do more than just pose for or take cursory shots. It’s an art, I know. Being a tourist is about taking it slow and allowing yourself to take delight in things that locals may miss. Enjoy that, and also weave in your own experiences.

That cathedral and the square at night had meaning to me, and I hope that this is reflected in my photos. I think the locals may be ok with that. (Just don’t feature them in your photos without permission)

Afterwards, it’s worth it to walk up the stairs to see more. Like Trogir, Šibenik a great city to get lost in. Above the cathedral, you will find monastaries and fortresses and more, but fair warning: there are quite a few stairs. This didn’t deter me.. in my mind, it’s a bonus: a great workout, which I love

You can also check out a world famous restaurant called Pelegrini, which is where I took this photo. And if you are lucky, there may be an unreserved table with a view of the Cathedral.

I decided not to investigate this time, but ended up at a small Konoba called Dalmatino. There, I sampled one of the most well known Dalmatian wines.. Babić.

The region around Primošten and Šibenik is famous for its Babić wines. This was a perfect spot to just be.
As it grew dark, I enjoyed getting lost again, in this city, as I do in Trogir. I like those moments, when the streets are empty. At one point, I found a fork in the road. One side looked bright, with the promise of other people. The other, was darker and empty, but intriguing. I chose that path.

And found a favorite bar, with the perfect ambience. I get that these are just everyday places, but I love those moments when you feel as if you discovered something.. that you are in exactly the right place at the right time. Turned out, I was close to the hostel where I stayed for the night.

This is what Trogir and Sibenik, and to an extent, Split, are like for me. 

Post autor : Julie Odler | T&W marketing