Day 6 - Sunday - 29 November - Dubrovnik, Croatia

Patte, Phil and I are on the bus to tour Dubrovnick by 8:30 am.  Phil and I forgot our voice boxes so will have to stay close to our guide, Vlaho -- he tells us his name translates to Blaise --- the patron saint and protector of Dubrovnik.

Jester a the Entrance to Walled City

 Blaise is very proud of being from Dubrovnik -- and being a guide.  He tells us that tourism is  the main industry in Dubrovnik since 1897 with the building of the Imperial Hotel (now a Hilton).  This hotel is well located to explore the old walled city and a short walk to Banje Beach.  The city has always been involved in trading becoming quite wealthy in the 15th and 16th centuries.  Dubrovnik was also savy in politics -- knowing the importance of being neutral when conflicts arose so their trading routes were not disrupted.

Phil Finds a Teddy Bear in Dubrovnik!

I'm learning that Dubrovnik has a storied history of governance -- even self-ruling for almost 500 years  -- until the  early 1800's.    Most recently from 1918 to 1991 -- the city was part of Yugoslavia  -- with that break up they became part of Croatia.

 As we enter the walled city -- a Jester greets us selling trinkets for charity.  The city is compact with small alleys and streets  looking very much like other medieval cities -- although Dubrovnik is very well preserved.

Boats at the Ready in Dubrovnik!

 Blaise walks us around pointing out various oddities in the building walls -- and entertaining us with his witticisms which he enjoys more than anyone else.   We end the tour at the Dominican Monastery Museum which holds paintings and antiquities dating to the middle ages.

I didn't notice the woman climbing when I took the photo ---

 We are left on our own -- Phil goes back to the ship, Patte goes in search of the  Jesuit Church and I wander around the small Christmas Market.   I come across a Church where the 11:00 Mass is about to begin so I go in, find a seat and try to pay attention.  After hearing the sermon in Croatian -- I've had enough. 

Off I go to get the shuttle back to the ship for lunch -- but not before seeking out a small area which Blaise told us about where the views are spectacular. 

What a Pretty View!

 After lunch Phil and I peruse the neighborhood near the ship including the grocery store -- where we spend the last of the little Croatian money we have left.

Tonight dinner is in Manfredi's on the ship -- which is always excellent. We turn our clocks ahead one hour tonight.

Another good day on the Viking Star.

Thanks for Reading,

Pat