Day 42 - Dubrovnik

Day 42 – Dubrovnik – Tuesday 26/6/12

Weather – Fine and Sunny 23C - 34C

Sunrise – 5.11am

Sunset – 8.36pm

Time difference - minus 8 hours ex Sydney

Well, well , well, wasn't this place a surprise. Again expectations have been washed asunder by yet another city. I am either quite naive, or just ignorant about many cities in the world because either I have never been to them, or did not try hard enough to learn about them, maybe a bit of both.

I thought when we sailed out of Venice yesterday arvo, that we had just seen the top rung on the ladder as far memorable cities go, just because it was so unique, beautiful, historical and charming.

Well there is another city up there on that top rung. If you have been to Dubrovnik, you will know what I mean. If you have not seen it, please, please add it to your bucket list.

The sail into the port just floored me. We were up in the buffet, grabbing something quick and light for breakie, and saw the port a few building in the distance, so we wandered out to have a better look.

You know there are those times when your just spewing coz you dont have your camera with you. Well when we turned into the bay, and headed for the harbour I was in a dilemma – do I race down from level 14 to our cabin on level 6 to grab the camera, or do I just stand here and absorb what was before me. I chose the latter.

I am having difficulty describing just how picturesque the harbour approach is. The water colour, the white buildings with orange roofs that surround the harbour, the yachts, boats and ships of all types and sizes sailing or moored in the harbour, the mountainous backdrop, the gorgeous suspension bridge – this was a hamburger with the lot in terms of a beautiful stunning harbour.

There was a local shuttle from the ship into the Old City of Dubrovnik, which has as much history, and a similar one to Venice, and a beauty all its own. However we elected to hire a taxi with friends Ian and Mary and do a one hour tour of the area first, and then do the obligatory Old City later.

After a short drive over the suspension bridge, we stopped at a photo vantage point, that provided a repeat view of the harbour, as seen on the sail in, only this time with the Sun Princess berthed in port. It did look quite stunning. We were a bit lucky today as we were the only cruise ship in port today – usually there are 3 or 4 per day.

We were then taken on a ride up a very narrow, single lane gravel road that climbed up to the top ridge of the Srd which is a mountain that overlooks Dubrovnik. Breathtaking views across the length and breadth of the Dalmatian Coast, down onto the old and new cities of Dubrovnik, and across the ranges to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whilst we were salivating over what was before us, the taxi driver knew when to ask the question - would you like to do a second hour, there is more I can show you.

It took us all of a nanosecond to say YES PLEASE, and we were off on a wonderful tour of the countryside road that leads to Montenegro. We passed through lovely towns of Srebreno, Soline, Plat, Obod, Zvekovica before arriving at Cavtat. Cavtat is a Dalmatian Coast resort village by the sea that began its life as a Roman city, and has long been a favourite stop for the yachting set. Edward V111 and Wallace Simpson honeymooned there apparently.

We then returned back towards the Dubrovnik, where we said farewell to the driver at the Old City. We were starving and thirsty, so first stop was the Poklisar Restaurant for some lovely pasta and pizza washed down with a big mug of Ozujsko – a Croatian draught beer. The SHB photo was taken here.

We then strolled through the Old City of Dubrovnik. This is a lovely pedestrian only city fortified by the Dubrovnik Ramparts – city walls that were completed in the 13th century, encircle old Dubrovnik with a circumference of more than a mile and a half.

Reluctantly, we had to head back to the ship, we we had a rest up, a quick bite and settled into a movie under the stars. Donna went off to a second movie in the Vista Lounge. I am good for no more than one movie a week, certainly not two in one night, so it was blog time for me.

After leaving the berth, we chucked a 180 degree turn – it is just a seriously good trick they can do, turning a giant ship like this on a top. We retraced our courses out of the harbour and steered a south westerly course through the Adriatic Sea. Tomorrow we will pass through the Strait of Messina, which is a narrow passage between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria.

Tomorrow is a sea day, and we will be using it to recharge, as we then have 5 ports in 5 consecutive days, and some long ones Naples, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Cannes and Barcelona.

Emma – yes I agree, a truly remarkable city is Venice, so unique. And yes, I did have a Pasta la Pesci – bellismo

Joanne – you guys are in for a real treat in Venice next year, I hope you have a overnight stop there. If so, save the gondola ride until after dark, the city takes on a whole new persona at night, and the gondola ride under the moonlight is very special.

Photos – yes I have another batch loaded and ready to publish when I can get some wifi, and the time to load. I have Dardanelles, Istanbul, Anzac Cove, Athens, Venice and Dubrovnik in the can an waiting. Sorry I only do a few of each, it is hard to pick as I am averaging 100 – 150 a port, which I just have to be ruthless and cull back, and then pick a couple for the blog.