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Sasha the Seagull Soars Over Split
High above the sparkling waters of
the Adriatic Sea flew Sasha the Seagull, her wings wide and proud, her
white feathers glowing in the morning sun. Sasha didn’t live just anywhere; she
lived in the beautiful seaside city of Split, Croatia, a place filled
with ancient stone streets, sunny beaches, and magical stories from long ago.
“I may be just a bird,” Sasha liked
to say, “but there’s no better place to fly than Split. Every rooftop, every
ruin, every ripple in the sea tells a tale!”
One sunny morning, a cruise ship
docked at the harbor, and off stepped a little boy named Leo, holding his big
sister’s hand and staring up at the blue sky.
“Whoa! Look at all the palm trees!”
Leo said.
“And those white stone buildings,”
his sister Mia added. “Where are we again?”
“Welcome to Split!” Sasha
called down, gliding overhead. She swooped low and landed gracefully on the red
tile roof of a nearby café. “I’m Sasha the Seagull, and you’re in one of the
most amazing cities in all of Europe!”
Leo blinked. “Did that seagull just
talk?”
“I did!” Sasha chirped. “Want me to
show you around?”
“Yes, please!” Mia said excitedly.
With a flap of her wings, Sasha took
off and soared above the palm-lined promenade known as the Riva. Below,
people were sipping espresso, eating fresh pastries, and watching the boats bob
gently in the harbor.
“This is the heart of Split,” Sasha
explained. “Locals and visitors come here every day to relax, meet friends, and
enjoy the sea breeze. But wait until you see what’s behind those buildings!”
She led the kids through a narrow
stone alleyway, and suddenly they found themselves surrounded by ancient walls,
towering columns, and marble walkways.
“Welcome to Diocletian’s Palace!”
Sasha cried. “This place is more than 1,700 years old! It was built by a Roman
emperor named Diocletian, who wanted to retire by the sea.”
Leo’s eyes grew wide. “A real
emperor lived here?”
“Sure did!” said Sasha. “He had his
own palace, temples, gardens, and even soldiers to guard him. And guess what?
People still live and shop here today. It’s like walking through a living
castle!”
They wandered through narrow
passages, past tiny shops and purring cats perched on windowsills.
“Everywhere you step,” Sasha said,
“you’re walking on history. Look, this is the Peristyle, the palace
courtyard. Sometimes musicians play violin here, and their music echoes off the
stone like magic.”
Leo spun in a circle. “It’s like
time travel!”
Next, Sasha led them to a tall tower
that rose above the city.
“That’s the Bell Tower of St.
Domnius,” she said. “Climb to the top, and you’ll see red rooftops, the
deep blue sea, and even the green mountains beyond.”
They didn’t climb it (too many
stairs!), but Leo promised he would one day when he was bigger.
“Split is full of surprises,” Sasha
continued as they strolled past fruit stands and market stalls. “There’s a
giant statue near the Golden Gate. Rub his big toe for good luck!”
“Really?” Mia laughed.
“Really!” Sasha nodded. “His name is
Gregory of Nin, and his toe has been rubbed by people from all over the world!”
Soon, they reached the water again.
Children were laughing and jumping off the pier into the warm Adriatic Sea.
Sasha landed on a rock beside them.
“This is what I love most about Split: the people. They’re joyful, friendly, and
always ready to share a story, a smile, or a scoop of ice cream.”
Leo licked his lips. “Can we get
some?”
“You must!” Sasha said. “Try the lavender
or fig flavors. Split has the best gelato in all of Croatia!”
As the sun began to dip behind the
mountains, casting golden light across the harbor, Sasha flapped her wings and
circled the children one last time.
“So, what do you think of my city?”
she asked.
“It’s amazing,” Mia said.
“It’s old and new at the same time,”
Leo added. “And it smells like the sea!”
Sasha smiled. “That’s Split, ancient
and alive, sunny and strong. I hope you come back one day, but until then,
remember what you saw, what you felt, and how it made you smile.”
With a final swoosh of feathers,
Sasha soared back into the sky as Leo and Mia waved from below.
Poem to the Story:
Sasha the Seagull shows you the skies.
Over Split’s rooftops where red tile lies.
Through Roman ruins and towers tall,
She shares her city's wonder with one and all.
From gelato stands to the ocean view,
Split is a treasure for both of us.
💬 Thoughtful Questions for Kids and Parents:
1.
What made Diocletian’s Palace
special, and why is it so important today?
2.
What part of Split would you like to
visit the most, the Riva, the palace, or the Bell Tower?
3.
How is Split different from other
cities you’ve visited or read about?
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