Croatia

"Dubrovnik was the only major European port that refused to recognise slavery or to allow slave ships to use it's facilities. "

This is just one of the interesting facts revealed as we explored the historical town of Dubrovnik.
Pulling back our stateroom curtains early morning revealed two story houses built in what appeared to be sandstone blocks with terra-cotta roofs perched on the hillside right outside our deck. I'm sure if any of the locals had been observing our docking they'd have got a similar kind of shock from my revelation!

Sailing into Dubrovnik as the sun rises

We'd signed up for a half day "Croatian Riviera" tour,  negotiating the narrow winding road hugging the coastline and sheer cliff face to the port village of Cavtat.
There is a saying in Dubrovnik that if you are fearful of the narrow passage throughout the townships you should do what the coach drivers do, close your eyes.

Dubrovnik has been independent since 1997 but it took another couple of years before it was fully unoccupied. Which gave the opposing armies the opportunity to destroy almost the entire region.  Which is why almost all the homes are new in appearance.  There is still evidence along the coastline of homes that have not been rebuilt, their owners long fled to freedom.  Nothing can be done to rebuild these empty shells until their owners return.

Cavtat is a pretty little village tucked into the Adriatic coastline, harboring massive yachts from around the world.

The village of Cavtat

The old city is rich in cultural and historical monuments, with the protective walls still standing since work begun in the 12th century.  In some places the wall is 20 foot deep, with the entire circumference more than 6000 feet.

The bougainvillea adds beautiful colour to the sameness of the homes and the swallows circling, swooping and diving through the old town square add their songs to the tourist crowds.

Dubrovnik is on the top of the "must do" list for Croatians, many of whom have never had the chance to experience their very own "Croatian Riviera".  We left Dubrovnik hoping that some day we can return to explore this magnificent coastline more fully.

Looking back on the city

Titbits: Croatians are taught English in primary school. All speak fluently.
The neck tie was first worn in Croatia by the army and later adopted by the French
Bosnia is just 10 mins from Dubrovnik, just over the mountains.
The name Dubrovnik is derived from the Turkish phrase Dubrovnik-Venedik, meaning "the good Venice".
The average income for a teacher is approx $600 per month

We were treated to traditional dancing

Swallows circle the old town square

Narrow passageways in the old town