Dubrovnik, Croasia

From the time we sailed out of Venice through the Grand Canal until we docked in Dubrovnik it rained. Then almost like one of the Gods smiling the clouds and wind and rain retreated and our day in this lovely place was perfect.
This medieval town boasts a walled city that has survived just about anything one can imagine. Richard the Lion Heart was here during the Crusades along with conquerors from almost ever other era of history and yet Dubrovnik not only survives but flourishes within its natural beauty. Beauty that is polished and clean and unassuming. We couldn’t get over the fact that unlike other ancient sites we have visited, this one is CLEAN!!! No litter anywhere. It was a bit eerie at first because it seemed almost too perfect.
Picture if you will the landscape of, The Sound of Music, and Heidi minus the snow. A walled city that defies the reality of the Serb war in the early 90’s. All the streets are cobbled stone. From one corner to the next are open air cafés, tiny stores tucked into niches in the walls, local vendors set up along outer walls, churches with quiet, cool, dark interiors that give shelter from the noise of the tourists who flock here. The main attraction in the walled city is to climb the many steps to the top of the wall and then walk the wall that encircles the town. We were with our dinner mates Trevor and Frieda thankfully, so we didn’t walk the wall but we did walk completely around the entire city and that was enough. My short little legs were very tired since I usually end up taking 3 steps to everyone else’s one in order to keep up. Ah such are the challenges of a short fluffy person.
We found a local craft and farmers market taking place in one of the courtyards in the center of town. As we came around the corner the smell of lavender engulfed us. Evidently the harvest had recently taken place because there was everything imaginable containing lavender. Offerings included lavender infused olive oil, lavender sachets, lavender wands, lavendersoaps, even lavender liqueurs. The last of these were a little off putting to me but others were buying them. Dubrovnik also offers embroidery and other handmade items such as crochet, and olive oil with different herbs and flowers to scent and season. I purchased a tiny bottle of cherry liqueur and a small pinwheel patterned doily that reminded me of one Grandma Recupero had made for me 40 years ago. That and a postcard were my only souvenirs of this little kingdom by the sea.
We were in this port until midnight and some of the other passengers were returning to town for a concert in the evening. Not us, our day was complete and it was time for the hot tub and a lounge chair to put ones feet up. And maybe a nap before dinner? Hmmm… why not.