DUBROVNIK
Wednesday, September 24th, At Sea
With its door bedecked (a little cruise humor) with balloons, a festive mood permeated stateroom D724. Happy Birthday, Alan!
Topside, the festive mood spread as passengers gathered for the Sailaway from Venice. While we all had ventured forth separately, Darrell and Jo quickly ran into Terri and Tom on the Lido Deck. Shortly thereafter, Lisa recognized Jo by her distinguishing profile (Pebble’s hairdo).
Once we were on our way, everyone headed out on their own to breakfast, explore, and/or rest, meeting back up after the lifeboat drill. Wanting a little exercise, the jogging track on the Sun Deck beckoned. MJ, Darrell, and Jo walked; Tom and Terri ran. Alan’s attempt to “hydrate” us by holding out a pina colada as we passed was met with much laughter.
The rest of the day was spent poolside. Jo did laundry, as did 90% of the occupants of C deck. Made a lot of friends - most in the laundry room - others in the hot tub, where two sisters named Jo seemed to amuse people.
Formal night. Met in the atrium for the Captain’s Welcome then had pictures taken - several times.
Changed artists and ate in the DaVinci Room - another delicious meal - then checked out the karaoke competition in the Explorer’s Lounge. Sonja and Byron were obviously ringers. Byron was obviously handy.
Parted ways. MJ, Alan, Darrell, and Jo did a little dancing. Off to bed.
Thursday, September 25th, Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Met in the DaVinci Room for breakfast, then headed to the Michelangelo Room to meet up with the rest of the “Taste of Croatia and Dubrovnik” tour group. Lisa ran back to the room to drop off her purse and left her ticket. Unable to board without it, the tour bus videographer quickly directed us to the man-in-charge and saved the day.
Nice tour overall. However, while the tour guide had tons of information, she wasn’t much of a storyteller, and everyone was fighting to stay awake. Jo didn’t win the fight. At that point, she had a sore throat and generally wasn’t feeling too great.
After a scenic drive through Croatia’s countryside, our first stop was at the Konovoski Dvori Restaurant deep in the Konavle Valley. There we were greeted by women in traditional dress, offering us dried figs and grapa, the first sample of which tasted very much like slivovice. After strolling through the courtyard and enjoying the pristine stream and water wheel, we strolled down the hill where we discovered the samples were much more to our liking - cherry and walnut brandies.
Our next stop was Cavtat, a seaside resort since the days of the Romans. There we sat on a wall and stuck our feet in the Adriatic, beginning a rite that continued throughout the vacation. By the trip’s end, Jo, accompanied by MJ and Lisa, had fulfilled her goal of sticking her feet in every different body of water. Nothing like aiming high. Departing Cavtat, the tour bus nearly left without MJ, Alan, and Lisa, which the tour guide made known later on.
Our last stop was the old city of Dubrovnik, where we parted ways with the tour group. On our own we walked the city walls, stopping high atop the city for a cold refreshing pivo. Descending the city walls, we strolled the stradum until a light rain began to head in. Running to catch the Grand Princess shuttle back to the ship, Terri saw Enrique. Darrell got a picture, but only from the back. Terri assured us that he looked as good coming as going.
Back on ship we went to “tea” in the DaVinci Room. Yummy tuna sandwiches. Split up to do our own thing - most napped.
Met back up at 7:30, in the Michelangelo Room tonight, for dinner. Had a long wait during which we enjoyed cocktails in the atrium lounge. Another wonderful meal ensued, with some really great veal chops. Darrell spied the limoncello sorbet. “Special Agent” 007 strikes again.
Checked out our photos in the gallery but were unable to make any decisions. Lots of good shots.
Off to bed, reminding each other to set our clocks ahead one hour.
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Church of St. Blasius | |
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Old City of Dubrovnik | |
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St. Blasius | |
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Old City Wall | |
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Fort Lovrijenac | |
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Konavoski Dvion Restuarant drank walnut brandy |
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Last Updated: 01/15/2010