We arrived in Dubrovnik after a roller coaster ride during the night. Good thing we had sea sickness meds ready for use. They offered a guided tour of the Old Town within the walls so we took it. Originally we would have been in Kotor Montenegro on a different guided tour of that city. Our guide was pretty funny poking fun at the tourist trade without making fun of us. He was chock full of history and boasted that after his tour we would know more about Dubrovnik that most of the inhabitants. The city was first settled in the 7th century the folks realized that everything they needed was in this one place; water, a sheltered bay and oak trees. The secret weapon that allowed Dubrovnik to remain unconquered all these centuries was it's extensive network of spies. At first we thought our guide was saying "spice" and we had to wonder what spice was that good. The spies had information that Venice was going to come into town and build a fort on the tall hill next to the town. This was mid 1300's and the wise Dubrovnikkers built a small church on this hill, had a painting made of the church and sent it to the Pope. This was a great power move because the Venetians could not afford to piss off the Pope. So the Venetioan did not go ahead with their plan. Since there was no method of speedy communication in those days, the Dubrovnikkers could actually build their own fort on this same high ground. It was this wise use of spies that kept the city safe right up to recent times. It helped that they paid tribute to both the Byzantines and the Ottomans at the same time.
The marina was full of smaller boats with the Azzura and the Sakara off in the distance
All the officers are up on deck inspecting the vessel
Our sister ship the Sakara is also in this nice protected port
Replica of a famous Croatian ship
Our first glimpse of the walls, 90 feet tall in places
Very massive
The seas are still very choppy
The winds are still with us
The "Look I Found a Sheep" statue
From the backside side
This fort is next to the walled town and was built by the locals not the Venetians.
The sea is all a froth
No swimming today
The lamp has a very "old world" feel
These walls are very extensive
The Pile gate where we entered
St Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik
He is said to have saved the city from destruction by the Venetians in the 10th century
Large stone balls need to be caged
Pigeon-holed
This sign shower the damage and destruction incurred in the 90's during the Bosnian war
The lighter colored stones are those that have been replaced due to damage during the Bosnian war
Bullet holes still visible
This is a whole series of buildings built in the 14th Century
This massive fountain from 1438 was the cornerstone of the community
Six heads of animals each pouring out fresh water
Six heads of people fresh water is life
Great details on this important structure
The dog was the best part of the fountain
Funneling into the oldest pharmacy
Tall ceilings
Very ornate gate
The interior was much more decorated than the outside
This was so the town could present an austere image for low taxes and tribute payments
But still enjoy the nicer things on the interior spaces
Fresco paintings
Colonnades
Ornately carved stone
Double columns
Two layers of luxury
Palm trees and a large bell tower
Out we go again
More reminders of the Bosnian War
The streets were organized by profession, this is the restaurant street
A fine coat of arms
The bell tower from the interior courtyard
The bell tower that we saw from the interior courtyard
Layers of streets inside the walls
Over 100 steps up to the gate through walls
Perhaps a grave marker
Little details everywhere
Woof!
Another marker
One of the few balconies to survive the earthquake
Ring my Bell!
Citrus trees
A clock?
Fountain
It is very peaceful in the garden
The main street leading to the clocktower
An orthodox church back in the maze
Some cafe's amongst the streets
these stairs are famous from the Game of Thrones as the Shame Stairs
Pigeon power
A fancy man with his pinky up
More spring water
Shame!
Helter skelter streets
The Rectors Palace. A man had to be 50 years and one day old. They added the day since he was likely to be very drunk on his 50th birthday. He could serve as the Rector for one month only because how much corruption could a person get completed in only one month
Some damn fancy pillars
Looking around the corner
Two bell bangers
The sea gate
Looking back inside
Big seas
These boats were rocking
The rest of Dubrovnik up the hill
St Blaise Church burned down completely except for the silver statue of St Blaise which survived the fire intact. It was a miracle!
Blowing in the wind
The yellow nosed Rector
Details on the St Blaise Church
The superb clock on the clock tower. It rings on the hour and again three minutes later in case you were unable to count the chimes
A newer building where they sell the Dubrovnik cards
St Blaise
A fine stone edifice anywhere you look
Lunch anyone?
Arghhhh
Kris trying to look mean
Dave is not looking so mean either
We leave our guide for now
How many stair steps up?
Fancy!
No actual strawberries were harmed in the making of these
The round tower
This is original as the black crust shows
Another amazing stone construction
Leslie picking up something nice
The doors by the drawbridge
Drawbridge workings
The guitar man kept us entertained
Smelling great
One tall wall
St Blaise again
They are very proud of the clean spring water
The taller fort to the north
Waves breaking all around
The waves have not died down any
We are back in port
Our last dinner on the ship with Phillip our favorite waiter
It has been 1 year and 136 days since we began our Migration
