Home Exchange - Christmas in Dubrovnik - Part 2

 December 2021

Outside the Walls, looking up the street to Minceta Tower

Stradun Street today...

Stradun Street damage from the war (1991)

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm VERY analytical....I analyze everything to death!  Here's some observations of my Dubrovnik experience:

• The Christmas trees I saw were all REAL Fir trees!!  Been a long time since I've seen that!!
• Not only was most everything closed on Christmas day, December 26th is also a holiday (St Stephens).
• Given the war just 30 years ago and the hoardes of tourists that can grate on anyones nerves, everyone I encountered was super kind and helpful.
• There was no problem finding people who spoke English.
• Very few buildings within the Walls are painted....just natural stone.
• At the Panorama restaurant, all the window tables were taken, so I sat one 'row' back but I could still see very well.  When a couple vacated their window table, my server invited me to move to that spot.  A very kind gesture given they probably get a ton of whiners who want front row.
• I discovered I really couldn't rely on internet information (ie; hours of operation, events, etc) even if it was on the citys' website.  It's not always kept up to date, especially during low season.
• Graffiti was almost non-existent.
• Scads of restaurant seating outdoors with music piped outside and lap blankets provided.
• Speaking of scads....lots of adorable cats hanging out wherever they want.
• Many European countries are tipping-free.  However, in Croatia, they recommend 10%.
• The currency in Croatia is the 'Kuna'.  100 Kuna is the equivalent of approximately $15 dollars.
• Almost no one wore masks outdoors.
• No annoying hawkers.

Here's Part 2 of my 3-part series showcasing the delights of Dubrovnik:

Or, click here:  https://youtu.be/YoEeJdeuc44

Next up...

The Final Chapter...

I'll take you through some Churches, a Monastery, visit the Cats, and a Museum or two before heading home.

Dano

By the way, if you're interested in viewing any of my past entries about travelling around Europe and where I live in Mallorca, simply scroll down past my signature to the end.  There, you'll see 'Blog History'.  You can click on any Month/Year to see the titles I published at that time.  Simply click on the title you're interested in and it will take you to that page.

Home Exchange - Christmas in Dubrovnik - Part 1

December 2021

Croatia?  Where/what is that?  Well, in a nutshell, the country used to be part of Yugoslavia but in the 1990's and early 2000's, the country split apart into Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Looking at the map below, the yellow arrow points at Croatia....a long, narrow country hugging the Adriatic coast.  The green arrow points to Dubrovnik.  For reference sake, the orange arrow points to where I live in Mallorca.

As recent as the early 1990's, Croatia was engulfed in war due to its desire to secede Yugslavia and be an independent, sovereign nation. 

How did I hear of Dubrovnik?  Oddly enough, it was due to a song Liza (with a 'Z') performed which tells the story of a woman living in New York who couldn't find love no matter what she tried.  On a suggestion, she went to Dubrovnik where she ended up meeting a man.  The twist:  the man was from New York who SO HAPPENED to live in the same building, in the next door apartment, as the woman!!!  She travelled half way around the world to end up meeting a man who lived right under her nose.

You gotta check out Liza's performance of 'Ring Them Bells'....very fun (and exhausting!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtJSLZnKCv0

Dubrovnik's popularity (known as the Pearl of the Adriatic) has soared in recent years due to the exposure it received from the filming of 'Game of Thrones' (as well as many other movies/series) as well visitations by those of notoriety such as Oprah and Gail !!

With a population of about 28,000, approximately 1,500 reside within the walled area, referred to as 'Old Town'.  Life is quite different within the 239 acres comprising Old Town.  There are no large supermarkets, no vehicles (other than services), no stores like building supplies/plumbing/hardware, no gyms, etc.  It's amazing to think of what it must've taken to modernize structures, hundreds of years old, with electricity, plumbing, sewage, etc.  The carless streets make it challenging to bring in goods such as furniture and appliances, cabinetry, etc….then transport them down narrow lanes and up stairs, then into structures and more stairs.  Imagine buying a new sofa!!

The airport is 18 miles away on a high-top plain, primarily because of the lack of sufficient flat space to accommodate one anywhere closer.

Dubrovnik had to be rebuilt more than once.  First, a devastating earthquake in 1667 nearly destroyed everything, then again after all the destruction incurred from the war in the early 1990's.

I'll tell you more about my experience and observations of Dubrovnik in the next chapter.  Meanwhile, enjoy this 12 minute video (with still photos inserted). 

Or, click here:  https://youtu.be/qtTs5nLnvnM

Keep an eye out for the next chapter where I'll take you on a dazzling ride up the mountainside on an aerial tram overlooking Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea!!

Next up...

More Dubrovnik...

Aerial tram, Cats, & a Concert!!

Dano

By the way, if you're interested in viewing any of my past entries about travelling around Europe and where I live in Mallorca, simply scroll down past my signature to the end.  There, you'll see 'Blog History'.  You can click on any Month/Year to see the titles I published at that time.  Simply click on the title you're interested in and it will take you to that page.