Zadar
is an old city. Not 18th century old, not Roman old, but Stone Age
old. For a couple of Antipodeans we watch in wonder as a local family allow
their toddlers to climb and play amongst the ruins of a wall that is older than
the Christian era. The old city with its narrow streets, marble pavement and
stone buildings is no theme park. People are going about their business,
markets are busy, coffee is the order of the morning and the sun is sparkling
on the Adriatic.
It’s
hard to believe then that the big attraction in Zadar is actually something very
new- less than ten years old. An organ. Not an electric organ, or a wind organ,
or a pipe organ or even a ‘pipeless pipe organ” (like the one purchased by the 8.30am congregation at
Macquarie Chapel).
No…a
sea organ!
A
sea organ? Yes, a musical instrument built into the marble promenade beside the
sea. As the waves splash and crash into side of the promenade air is pushed up
through pipes and vents in the marble and a sound is heard. Surprisingly the
sounds are pleasant, rhythmic and quite harmonic. Rather like a maritime wind
chime. One can only wonder what sort of Fortissimo
might ensure in Sea State 5.
Nothing
short of a modern marvel, in an ancient treasure.
PS
Not quite swimming weather today- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJWldNdG4Lo
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