Happy Birthday Gavin and a day trip to the Croatian coastal town of Zadar

Doesn't he look good in pink cashmere??

Sadly, it is a working day. Gavin checking his emails at 8.30 a.m. on his birthday. Well, that makes a change from 6 a.m. I suppose. Happy Birthday to Tony, too.

Don't know who these strange chaps were playing cards in the Service Station on the way to Zadar yesterday (a 3.5 hour drive...) but I think they had the best idea; stay indoors on such a foul day.

Just to prove that I am capable of appreciating culture, albeit in small doses, I ventured into the Archaeological Museum in Zadar. OK, I was just trying to stay out of the rain and it closed half-an-hour after I went in.

The Cathedral of St Anastasia in Zadar's Roman walled town

The circular St Donatus Church, built in the 8th Century, is sited on top of the Roman Forum. behind is a tower which I decided not to investigate as the rain was pouring down the slippery steps...

Is this the most amazing musical instrument in the world? It is called the Sea Organ. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a system of pipes and whistles that exude wistful notes when the movement of the sea pushes air through the pipes. It was designed by local architect Nikolai Basic and is the most haunting sound I have heard in a long time. I shall endeavour to upload a video of the organ 'playing'.

No, it isn't a swimming pool. Right next to the Sea Organ is the Sun Salutation, also designed by Basic. It is a 22 metre circle cut into the pavement of the 'promenade' area and filled with 300 multi-layered glass plates that collect the sun's energy during the day; powered by the same wave energy that makes the sound of the Sea Organ. It apparently produces a 'trippy' light show from sunset to sunrise, meant to simulate the solar system. Can't imagine it produced much of a show the day we were there as it rained the whole time. Witness the spectral cruise ship anchored in the misty harbour.

Yesterday we went on a 'Field Trip' to the coastal town of Zadar. Gavin, Victoria and the 'team' were looking at a new cadastral computer system at the Court, and were being feted by the Chief Justice guy there (another book and a small bottle of Cherry Brandy to add to the haul, and the groaning baggage allowance...). Sadly I was not invited (well, I could have gone, but it might have been a bit boring). So instead I traipsed around the beautiful Roman walled town of Zadar. The only downside was (and I know I shouldn't complain after 5 weeks' holiday in the sun and heat of the Balkans and its environs) it rained the whole day and I got soaked through and frozen, so just felt miserable for most of the day. The only highlight for me was the amazing Sea Organ. The Sun Salutation would have been great had there been any sun, so I'll just have to come back one day with G on a cruise!!