Mediterranean - 5 - May 17 2023 Sibenik Croatia

 Today is Norwegian Constitution Day. On this day in 1814 the signing of the Norwegian Constitution was an important milestone to Norway's road to independence, and today is the country's most important national holiday.  This culinary treat was displayed at Mamsen's this morning.

In the last day and a half we took a winding route to get to Sibenik, probably because we had an extra day.

Last evening we attended the 9:15pm show, called Stage Door, a collection of music from Broadway and The West End.  Songs from Rent, Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Les Miserables, etc. 

This morning we arrived at 8am (per schedule) at the port in Sibenik.  The weather forecast showed: rain, light rain, then showers with temps of 61-63. Viking's  morning announcement suggested anyone touring today should carry their red Viking umbrellas.

Look closely and  you'll see groups of red umbrellas along the road, just north of the parking lot.  These are the Viking tour groups!

We did laundry this morning, and read waiting for the rain to lighten up and turn into showers.  After waiting 3 hours opted to venture out own our own self guided tour armed with the map provided by guest services and the Viking red umbrella.  The umbrellas were everywhere and easy to spot.

Here is the Cathedral of St. James, a top attraction in white with sculptures on outer facade.

Phil chose the less traveled path up to the Fortress of St. Michael which appeared to be half way up the hillside. It was recommended for the stunning views and well as the important history of the area. The city's narrow walkways were used to film the Game of Thrones.

The fortress delivered as promised the lovely views, so worth the climb and 10 euro entrance fee.

There were two large water cisterns inside the fortress.  A clever display was set up allowing us to walk through the cisterns - filled with water (simulated with projectors).

The top level of the Fortress was retrofitted into an amphitheater with turquoise chairs.

Overlooking a cemetary adjacent to the Fortress.

Unusual art work???

Selfie at the top with ship in the background.

Walk back to the ship was still wet...Game of Thrones style again.

This is an artistic wall map of Sibenik.  The blue river is at the bottom, our ship would be at bottom right.  The fortress is the upper mid to left surrounded by dark green.

Phil just reported that northern Italy,  south of Venice, is suffering from torrential rains - 10 dead.  The rains did stop for us mid afternoon.  But my shoes and hat were still wet after lunch.  We stayed in and read, I finished my 1st book of the cruise "Lady in Waiting". I'd highly recommend it.  We enjoyed tea time today (as well as yesterday).  Its a nice way to meet fellow passengers.  Here is Bill and Linda, a brother/sister pair from Iowa.

 Tonight we have a late 8pm dinner at Manfredi's at a share table for 6.  I guess we'll miss the evening 9:15 show.  Tomorrow is Bari Italy, where we are booked on a tour of Alberobello, the Trulli Village. The forecast is more rain.