Dubrovnik!

I have no idea how to greet people in Croatian, so hello will have to do! Today we docked and got up early for our excursion to Dubrovnik. We started out on a coach and traveled along the coastline (beautiful – rocky cliffs and views of the sea and mountains) to a little town called Cavtat. Here we had some free time to wander and check out the churches and local stores, and then boarded a little boat for a “cruise” to see the Dalmatian coastline. It was gorgeous, except for the sea was very rough that day and so we did more rocking, clinging to our seats, and lifting bags clear of splashing water than taking pictures. I did manage a couple good shots, and miraculously no one fell overboard or got sick in the 45 minute adventure. Then we docked in old town Dubrovnik, which is a walled city fortress that used to be great and powerful trading and commerce city, back when Eastern European countries were not all socialist and scared of Russians. We visited the old Franciscan Monastery, where Monks still live in poverty and carry out their good works, and then wandered the main street of the walled city to see the old homes and shops along the way. Then we were treated to a traditional Croatian lunch at a local restaurant by the sea – The Nautika. We had delicious veggie risotto, which again even a veggie hater like me just loved, and some kind of grilled turkey steak in delicious mushroom sauce with yummy gnocchi-like potato cakes, followed by refreshing ice cream dessert. Splendid! During lunch, we got to chat with a fellow from Australia who sings on another of Royal Carribean’s ships – he was on 6 months vacation, and it was cheaper for him to cruise than fly home! We learned a lot about the goings-on on all the ships and the way things operate; it’s really quite fascinating! Following lunch we did a bit more exploring of the town and the walled city, and then made our way back to the ship for much needed naps.
We skipped the headliner show, and dinner was a little quiet tonight, as one of our ladies wasn’t feeling up to joining the table. The seas were a bit rough for the first time yesterday and the ship was doing a lot of rocking and rolling! Luckily, the DiMantova’s escaped sea-sickness, and I only felt a little dizzy at times with all the swaying. It gave me the sensation of being rocked to sleep as a baby, and I do believe we all slept wonderfully that night!
Tomorrow is another day at sea as we travel back south to our last port, Naples! Very excited. Stay classy, America!