This was magical! HiveFest is over, but when I close my eyes I see your smiles... Lots of amazing, beautiful, friendly people who all together are one big family that comes every year from all over the world to meet and feel this incredible vibe. And if you have a picture of me please tag me so I don't miss your post!
I can't remember the last time I had so many good emotions and so many happy days in a row.😄😇🥰 When I arrived in 2022 for my first HiveFest in Amsterdam, I was incredibly nervous about my first-ever public speech in front of a large audience. On top of that, my mind was constantly focused on the war. In 2023, I attended HiveBeeCon in Kraków, and it was a very cozy and homey gathering. This kept reminding me of my family in Ukraine. Finally, this year, my HiveFest felt like a real vacation. I was able to switch off and fully relax. Maybe I relaxed a bit too much because I forgot my passport in the apartment, and who knows when and where I would have realized it (they didn’t ask for my passport at the airport for the Split-Warsaw flight) if the host hadn’t found it and messaged me. 😅
Anyway, I am apparently in Krakow. My excitement about this city constantly blends with memories of Split. My recipe of how to extend the journey is to share memories about it on blockchain.
This will be a kaleidoscope of my stories and observations, seen through the lens of my smartphone. The joy that fills me and asks to be shared with you while it is vivid and alive.
Galerija Meštrović. Despite of its ancient appearance, it was built in early 1939 as a summer house, art studio and an exhibition of croation sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The villa stands on the Marjan hill overlooking Adriatic sea. Later, Ivan Meštrović donated this villa to the state, and now it is an art museum of his works.
This is a statue of Cyclop. Ancient Greeks depicted cyclopes as giant humans with closed eyes and opened third eye on the forehead. Their idea of the appearance of cyclops came from the skulls they found, which they believed belonged to giant humans. In reality, these were the skulls of dwarf elephants that once lived in the area and became extinct long ago.
Local fauna.
Splitska Riva
This is the most crowded part of Split – the picturesque waterfront. There is something so peaceful about watching where the deep clear blue of the sea meets shiny white limestone of the streets.
On a sunny or cloudy day, during the day or at night.
Snowpea and Mary enjoying the conference day 2 in Diocletian Palace. They came with @livinguktaiwan and I was so sorry that I didn't take my red Sonia. Next time, girls, I promise!
After the conference Day 2, I and @tmw decided to climb the Diocletian's palace tower. The weather was quite windy but it only added charm (and quite a bit of adrenaline) to the ascend.
And then to have a relaxing walk along these narrow ancient streets. This white stone, which the streets are paved with, drives me crazy.😍😍😍
In the evenings, we usually met with @Delishtreats, @Livinguktaiwan and their hubbies at a bar or restaurant for dinner or just drinks. Frankly speaking, the food and drinks were merely a backdrop for great conversations about everything under the sun. It was unforgettable. I feel so comfortable with them, as if we've known each other forever.
The other day we met a Ukrainian girl from Kyiv who worked as a bartender. We ordered lots of pink mochito, and when we were about to pay we found out that the number of drinks in the bill is less than we expected. It was very unusual, and the bartender was also surprised that we pointed out her mistake. Typically, customers are happy when they can underpay.🤑 But not us! We left her the missing amount as a tip.
Friday 13th, DIY city trip
That day, there was supposed to be a storm, which led to the cancellation of our boat trip. We watched the dark blue stormy clouds, followed by a veil of rain, obscuring the islands and mountains on the horizon.
Twice, the storm nearly caught up with us. The first time was on the beach, and the second when we were at the top of Marjan Hill. It was incredible.
Mistress of Rain 😅
As we descended from the hill, we came across a recipe written on the wall. Genius! This way, you definitely won't lose it.
That's all folks.
If you never been to Split - I recommend it.❤️
If you never attended HiveFest - I highly recommend it! 🤩
Thank you for walking with me today. Hope you enjoyed it!
The End
P. S. All pictures are taken with my smartphone. You might have noticed that. I will share puctures from my camera when I get home.
Stay tuned 😉