German and was rightly condemned to conversing with him thereafter in German. It actually proved beneficial later in the holiday in Montenegro as little English was spoken whilst German was fairly widely understood. Probably the main feature of this excellent Radisson Blu hotel is its Anne Semonin Spa which all guests – irrespective of price paid, I might add – receive within their room rates. There is a swimming pool, thermal area with Finnish sauna and, whilst it was low season when I went, the spa was popular with guests. The hotel isn’t that close to the historic centre but does have a terrific walk to it along the beach promenade. I was kept fit through regular walks along it and had the blisters as souvenirs.

The core of Split, as the information calls it, is a delightful area. The palace of Roman Emperor, Diocletian, has much still available and a walk up the main tower for tremendous views of Split was a pound or 10 kuna very well spent. The weather for November was pleasant and the palm-lined front bathed in sunshine was a memorable sight. I later enjoyed a meal overlooking the floodlit palace and I was sorry not to have longer in Split as there are plenty of day trips to nearby islands available but there is always another time.

I took a midday bus to Dubrovnik which started off on time but arrived late possibly because of a bus change, the odd pit-stop and a police presence as we went briefly through Bosnia Hercegovina. It can all be a bit confusing with the number of different countries now. The main bus station in Dubrovnik is in the port of Gruz about three kilometres from the historic city. I had booked to stay in one of the rooms offered by Renata Zijadic within the city walls and was looking forward to it immensely. One day in the Radisson Blu, the next in someone’s house... Both were wonderful in their very different ways. Yes, okay, I did get a tad lost but I defy anyone to find a private house that easily. I reckon I did pretty well, actually, and am grateful to Renata for giving me a room with the most fantastic view overlooking the harbour: a view to die for and three of her four rooms come with fantastic views. For 25 euros, it is a give away and a tremendous location.