Split, the adventure track

Split, Croatia

One of the programs RY has recently implemented is local “tracks”. The tracks are created by the local experience team in each city, and they’re an opportunity to step outside the traditional tourist sites, and get a feel for the real people and culture of the region. I think this is a great idea, because I can honestly say that I’ve been living in a bit of a bubble for my first couple weeks here. I’ve explored both the old town and the region around the workspace and apartments, but the truth is, I’ve barely met or talked to any locals. With a group of 50 friends, there is always something happening, and I’m always running into my fellow mangos, even when I don’t plan or expect to. So the tracks are an opportunity for us to meet the people and experience this place as if we weren’t in a RY bubble.

When I first received the email with the list of tracks, I read through and very quickly focused in on track 4, which included biking and river rafting. It seemed like the clear winner, even without reading far enough to see that there was also cliff jumping. Perfect, sign me up.

But as it approached, I was feeling pretty exhausted, and not really looking forward to it. The first two weeks in Split had been non-stop, and I was truly ready for a break. The idea of a nice, quiet weekend of relaxing, sleeping, beaching and just chilling sounded much more appealing. And knowing the tracks were fairly new, I didn’t have high expectations. Wow, was I wrong. And wow, am I glad I decided not to skip out. Tracks weekend was an instant classic – an incredible experience I will remember for a long time. Kudos to Remote Year and the local staff – Mate, Tamara, Helena and Katja as well as our program leaders Jolanda and Laura for showing us another side of Croatia, and for creating some truly amazing experiences.

Our track started Tuesday evening when we met with Milena Šijan, a member of the first all-female team to climb Mt. Everest. She is a Split local, and gave a talk and showed a couple videos of their adventure. It was both inspiring and exciting, and definitely got us in the mood for some adventure.

Saturday, our group met in old town where we picked up bikes and started a ride up Marjan Hill, which is just on the edge of old town. We stopped at a few spots along the way up to check out the scenery and learn about the history and culture. Next, we stopped at the Meštrović Museum where we learned about Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most famous artist. Next stop was Sustipan, a spot where we got to sit back, enjoy a scenic view of the Adriatic and do some cliff jumping to cool off. We finished off by riding the rest of the way up the hill – a great workout, cruising down and wrapping up with ice cream in town.

Sunday was an all-day rafting trip along the Cetina river through some gorgeous landscapes and scenery. The rafting was a blast, the river water was refreshingly cold and perhaps even clearer than the waters of the Adriatic. We had a couple stops along the way to fall in and swim around, as well as a spot where we could dry off in the sun… or as some of us chose to do, jump back in and keep playing. After a good half day of rafting, with sore arms and shoulders, we were met by a local family who welcomed us into their home and served us a traditional Croatian meal of soparnik and peka. They also provided home made wine and dessert, then proceeded to show us how the soparnik is made. Their home was beautiful, sitting up on a ledge with breathtaking views out over the river valley to the mountains in the distance.

It was an amazing weekend, and an awesome way to experience more of this beautiful country and it’s generous people. Now for some pictures!