Dubrovnik - day 2

Sunday 6 October

They say you can easily "do" Dubrovnik in a day - even maybe a few hours. Having "done" the wall yesterday, this left today free, essentially.

So we took our time getting up initially. Then about 8.30 a.m. - and with the anticipated rain not appearing, thankfully (although it was overcast) - we set off to "beat" the tourist hordes which are overwhelming when en masse around these parts, and walked along the Stradun (the main thoroughfare of the Old Town), visited a few churches (one of which had 4 young female singers of very good voice).

And had breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit and icecream at Dolce Vita. Yum!

We wandered on, exiting via the Pile Gate and the Old Town, and meandered upwards through a maze of streets and along the harbour edge eventually finding more good views and a park and some pleasant gardens before arriving back at the Pile Gate and into the Old Town again.

We sought out a photographic exhibition I had read about - a New Zealander who had captured images of the Bosnian conflict. Excellent black & white shots. It was stunning but depressing at the same time. Isn't war always? - depressing, I mean!? Such a dismal, hopeless, desolate business which reminds one of how we never learn!

However, it was 2 hours well spent as I had wanted to get "into" what this conflict must have meant for the locals. Stijepo yesterday had said "no electricity, no water, no food, no money for 6 to 8 months"..

Needed a drink afterwards though!

So we found a pizzeria and shared a pizza and a nice fresh salad plus a wine.

We wandered on and found a concert taking place in the main square with great singing and dancing - in traditional costume. Lots of photos - again! My Friend had lots of fun but had to sit down as his arms (from holding the camera) and legs got tired!!

Found a wine bar with expensive wine by the glass.

Running out of "funny money" - kunas. Wish they used euros here. Travel card emptied out on the beach where we had cocktails. Now using credit card.

I am writing this on our terrace with the sun setting. Every time I look up, the sky has gone pinker and pinker. Just stunning.

Tomorrow we have to get up very early (ugh!) for bus to airport and flight to Frankfurt where we will spend 24 hours. Looking forward to seeing Kathryn who will arrive from Vienna.

So this may well be the last of the blog. Cancel that - more to come...