Dubrovnic- the Wall and the Wine
We threw caution to the wind, ignored our GPS, and took the coastal route leaving Split and driving to Dubrovnik. At times, I felt like we were on the Amalfi Coast, and at other moments I felt like I was driving through small Florida beach communities on A1A. We were told to park at the cruise port and take a 15-minute taxi ride into the Old Town. Easy-peasy until we entered through the Ploce gate and began walking, with luggage, toward our Rick Steves inspired apartment. It turns out that our apartment is at the top of the Jesuit stairs. If you’ve ever visited Italy, these are reminiscent of the Spanish steps. Ok, I’m exaggerating but there were lots of steps. Our room was hidden behind a wall of ivy. A couple happened to be sitting on the wall and ask me if I was looking for the Rick Steves apartment. Thank goodness for these small miracles. The most notable thing about our apartment is that there is a Singer sewing machine table .Who would expect to find a Singer sewing machine in Croatia? After a short rest, we wandered to a nearby restaurant to meet, not only Jim and Julie, but Callie and Maggie!!!
Day 2 in Dubrovnik was the wall day! We spent 4 hours wandering atop the wall. I had imagined steps up, a flat walkway all the way around, and steps down. Nope! There were lots of steps. Let me say it again, there were LOTS of steps. Again, I was thankful for the trekking poles that George had carried in his backpack with me unaware. We watched the sunset over the Adriatic Sea from the Buza bar, and had dinner with the entire group in our private little garden. The restaurant next door, open, brought the food to us, fancy dishes and all, just as though we were in the restaurant. Awesome!!
Day 3 was a wine tour of the Peljesac Peninsula. Our tour guide, Sasha, was a character – – a good character. He shared stories about his family, his country, the history of the region and his take on life as a half Croatian and half Australian resident. (Most of the Balkan countries we are visiting were a part of Yugoslavia until the war in 1991.) He prepared a tray of wild boar sausage, cheese, capers, and homemade bread that he had baked the night before. As a special treat, he prepared two desserts for us to enjoy with the wine. I’ve never had Dubai chocolate, but I will, because this was a Dubai-like chocolate. It may just have been the best dessert I’ve ever had. One was peppery with raspberry and the other was chocolate with peanut butter and pistachios. At the end of the day, he invited us to his wine bar for a complimentary glass, but we never made the journey up and down all the steps to get there. Maybe next time.
