August 10- Delightful Dubrovnik

No matter how beautiful every corner of Dubrovnik seems to be, you can't beat the location where we had our breakfast today-right on the main pedestrian zone in town, the Stradum. I love eating breakfast at an outdoor cafe where you can see the city waking up.

Walking back up the steep steps to our sobe, we ran into Pero, the owner, who offered to drive us up to an old fort high above Dubrovnik dating back to Napoleon, but most recently used during the Homeland War 1991-1995. As we passed donkeys by the side of the road in this now peaceful setting, Pero told us about the siege. He said that the people at the fort felt it was always important for the people of Dubrovnik to see the cross on the hill (the original was destroyed) and the Croatian flag. If the flag was destroyed, another was promptly put back up. During the siege, 180 people in Dubrovnik were killed and 600 injured.

In the fort museum we saw photographs and moving video footage with no narration necessary of missiles destroying parts of the historic old town. This was a solemn moment for many. When one missile hit the historic old town and started a fire, people shook their heads in disbelief. A child standing with his father pointed to a display of mortars, shells, and grenades. "Awesome," he said using the English word although this was not his native language. His father promptly shook his head no.

We took a gondola back down to the old town and toured a monastery which has one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Today in the museum you can see porcelain canisters, cast iron pots, and tiny weights all dating back to the 18th century. We also toured Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Dominican Monastery. Both were a cool refuge from the heat.

Feeling the need to rest, we sat on the seawall under the old walls of the city and dangled our feet in the water. We weren't alone. Others did the same or swam, parasailed, or played water polo. All sorts of interesting boats sailed by including glass bottom, ferries, catamarans, and even an old sailing ship. Fancy yachts are anchored off the islands.

At sunset we stopped at Buza. It's set in several levels on cliffs rising up from the sea. Buza in Croatian means hole in the wall. It was nothing fancy, but the views were spectacular views of the Adriadic Sea.

Dinner was at Oliva, an outdoor cafe. I love how alleys are tucked into alleys here. After eating, we strolled around just enjoying the sights and sounds of thiis amazing place.