Posted on 12.07.2015. at 09:47

http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Dalmacija/Split/tabid/72/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/309142/Default.aspx

The center of Split was flooded by the young soldiers from the American aircraft carrier nuclear-powered "USS Harry S. Truman," which boards five thousand crew members and will until the December 9, be anchored in front of the city port.

- Basically we visit the city and enter the small shops. In Diocletian's cellars, we bought tickets and toured the Palace. We explore the world, especially we who first boarded the ship. Saturday night we spent at the Peristyle. This is more fun visit because we have no military duties.

With Croatian we are in a very good relationship and you invited us to visit. It's just wonderful here. In the army I came when I was 18 years old after I graduated from high school. This is the first month I am on an aircraft carrier. I love my job - said 19-year-old soldier, who pointed out that he was not allowed to reveal his name.

- Due the size of the ship, it is necessary a lot of people. Among us was a lot of young people who are trained. They usually have 19 or 20 years - we are told by soldiers.

- Every day is organized. Since coming to Split I climbed up on the rock. I will go on a tour of the national park. In the meantime, I drive the bike and ride around town - says firefighter Michael. Others say they are looking for a gift for their wife.

- Coupe cards, magnet or mug, nothing expensive. They spend 30 to a maximum of 60 kuna (10 $). But then, on Sunday we got traffic up - reveals a saleswoman at one booth in the Diocletian cellars, while the other adds to spend a little now and are very polite, but we should wait a little bit because they get wild before departure.

Ivanka Domazet, a cook at the restaurant "Corto Maltese" in the city center, says that the most ordered are charm and lamb chops and steaks. They drink Coke or bottled water.

- Speaking with local people I discover what foods I should try and what I shell see. So I ate cabbage for lunch. It is very tasty. The food is fresh and I believe that the ingredients are purchased on local market. I was looking for a restaurant where you can eat local specialties, because it is part of the local culture that I want to know. I am also delighted with architecture, as streets in the center are paved with stone, and the people are nice, tall, handsome, and from what I've seen, devoted to family - gives his impressions the 33-year-old Derren.

- Arriving in Split, first we were taken by bus to the mall "City". But there was nothing we have purchased. We thought that in Croatia, we will find lower prices, but that is not so, they are the same as in America. On Saturday night we went to the city center where I met many people from Split. On the waterfront, we had fun, we drank and danced. On Sunday, about ten of us went to play golf at the club "Split 1700". There we had lunch, and our guide returned us to the waterfront.

Now we continue to explore your city and get to know people. We have the opportunity to be visited by our family in Split, but in a personal arrangement. We are young Americans. A large number of crew members is in their 20s. Therefore, it makes it easier to work together. We all have the same goals and ambitions - said 29-year-old soldier, who was not allowed to reveal even how many months he was on the mighty aircraft carrier.

Tanja Gattin Zebić
Photo: EPH

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IZAKOVIC