First Stop-Dubrovnik, Croatia

Our first stop on the cruise was Dubrovnik, Croatia. We have heard nothing but fabulous things about the Dalmation Coast and the Adriatic Sea so we made a point of finding a cruise that took us to Croatia. It did not disappoint.
Dubrovnik is this small seaside town that has managed to keep its medieval charm all while being sub-tropical. We toured the old city that was within medieval fortress walls and then decided to make the climb up to the top of the ramparts and walk around looking out over the entire old city from the top of the fortress walls as well. Much of this town, especially the roofs, had to be rebuilt after the Bosnian-Serbian War in 1991. The Serbs bombed the heck out of this place and the resilient people here built it back up to look the way it had. Much of that war is lost on me as I was in 8th grade at the time and knew nothing about this region of the world so to actually see signs of what damage the war had caused was pretty shocking and moving.


We entered the medieval gates to the old city and immediately Rand and McNally (Justin and Mary Ann), as I affectionately call them, whipped out their maps to figure out where we were to go. They were so engrossed they didn't even know the pic was being taken by me.


At the top of the medieval ramparts around the city. This was Olivia before the bribe of a lollipop was given.


A view of the city from the rampart.


Justin on sentry duty. All clear!


In the main plaza of the old city of Dubrovnik. This does not show how hot it was this day. Ice cream just had to be consumed!


The main thoroughfare through the old city. As you can see, a lot of cruise ships tendered that day. The old city was packed.


A stop along the rampart. It was a tough climb up there. That wall I have my arm on got progressively lower on both sides and the outsides of it got steeper as we climbed. Not my idea of fun.


A view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea from the ramparts.


Just had to post a picture of some of the clearest and most beautiful water! That small speck down there is a man snorkeling.


Walking down the main thoroughfare of the old city.


And now up a side street. This place was so clean!


O's favorite part? The tenders to and from the ports. Our ship was too big to dock in two places so we had to take the small boats in.


Back on the cruise ship headed to Greece. O's enjoying the sunset.


The Boyd family on the deck enjoying the ocean breeze after dinner.


And look at what Olivia found in our stateroom! An elephant! She loved the little towel animals left by our room steward.