Balkan Tour: Croatia

Dubrovnik was the first stop in my multi-country tour. It was a bit rainy, but I did not let that stop me from exploring the winding streets and steep steps of the city. I took this trip alone, since Ben could not get the time off. I wanted to prove to myself that I could enjoy a holiday on my own. The town was nearly impossible to get lost in as the walled city took about 5 minutes to walk from one end to the other, and there were only two entrances. Well, a third if you count the harbour. The city was crawling with Texan cruise ship people, and as with most of my holidays, I avoid the Americans and try to blend in. The tour group I was with consisted of about 26, most of whom were well over the age of my parents. Our tour guide, Bozo (and no I am not kidding), lead us through the steps, working off our huge breakfast. Fresh fish is one of their more popular lunch items, so after trying to get myself lost in the maze of streets, I stopped for a lunch to people watch. Ben would have had a field day taking photos as I am sure I failed to capture the beauty as he does since I sort of run by and take photos, barely slowing down. I did not let the rain stop me in exploring, but it did stop my pitiful attempt to sit by the pool and get some sun. The thunder and lighting frightened me off to my nice, warm hotel room.

The following day, I branched out from the group and took a boat ride to see some of the Elaphiti islands. While on the boat the two girls next to me pulled out their Ireland water bottle, and next thing I knew I had two new friends for the day, sisters Jackie and Catherine. The first stop was Koločep a very small island which was beautiful with palm trees, on lazy pub and a tiny market. A distant hotel and a few housed dotted the hills around the small bay. We only stopped long enough for a drink and a bit of rest in the shade since there was not a whole lot to do.

The longest leg of the boat tour was to Sipan, a larger island that was dotted with ruins. There were two pubs as well as a larger harbour area. We went for a meandering walk up a path to get a bit of sunshine, and take in the laidback island life. We stopped for a cold drink and to use the loo, but with no electricity, it made for quite an interesting experience when I walked in on a man using the ladies room, and trying to use a toilet and sink in absolute pitch black. When we returned to the boat, we had fresh fish that was grilled right off the back of the boat with as much wine as we could drink, and did we take advantage of that.

The last island was Lopud was not necessarily the biggest, but it was the best, with the beaches nestled off the bay of Šunj. The boardwalk was right up against the sea, that lapped against the rock just a few feet below. We walked the entire boardwalk stopping at all the little shops, ending at the end of the pier. The sun was out in full force and I was ready for it. It was even warm enough to dip our feet into the water and sit with the water lapping over our legs as we sunned ourselves again a wall. Upon realizing that we were turning various shades of red, we decided to grab a cold drink at one of the many restaurants. Our table was right at the edge of the boardwalk, with the sea only a few feet below us, which was quite relaxing to listen to the sea as we enjoyed our drinks. After a few hours, we boarded the boat to head back to town, with all of us having a bit of a snooze on the boat before heading back to the hotel.