Our very friendly, knowledgeable taxi driver. I am sad to say I can't remember his name.
Yikes! This was where he decided to take us. We had either made a big mistake or he saw something we didn't.
He pointed out the flag way up on the mountain...
That someone had painted when they gained independence from Yugoslavia.
He was heading to the alley between the two buildings...would anyone ever find us if we disappeared?
The water was crystal clear, so if we ended up there at least we would be noticeable!
A prison window?
Wait a minute...this was really pretty.
OK...we like him! He was a good photographer...
It turns out that this was a paper mill that was bombed during the war in 1992. He told us his father served in the army and was gone for six years, so his mother moved away with him and his sister. We are fortunate to live in Canada.
Nature is resilient...
He took us to see some lovely views...the water was so clear.
This is the Franjo Tudman Bridge, the most expensive bridge ever built in Croatia at a cost of $31 million US. The bridge opening and dedication ceremony were delayed five times due to various permit requirements.
He was always ready for a photo op!
A view of the ship...
And the old city which we visited in 2012...
More photo ops...
Panoramic view...it was such a beautiful day. As in Tarquinia and Kotor, locals were commenting how hot it was for the end of October.
We stopped to read this sign and he apologized for showing us sad stories when we were on vacation. But that's how you learn about other cultures, and it made us appreciate what they have gone through.
Our two hour tour was coming to an end as he drove through one of the gates into the old city. One thing our driver mentioned was that younger people cannot afford to buy houses in Dubrovnik. Much of the real estate is being bought by outsiders, Russians in particular.
He left us in front of the ship, where there was a craft market set up. I spied this cute cat photo. She was so sweet to pose with it for me. And still smiled when I remembered our motto of "admire and move on."
It was a lovely return to Dubrovnik and we enjoyed the sunset as we sailed away...
Meanwhile on board, we listened to this duo in the piazza...
Before heading to Curtis Stone's restaurant for dinner...
It wasn't long before the restaurant filled up...
Jim is looking pretty happy!
My food photography left something to be desired. This was roasted asparagus with pesto, red bell pepper radish and sourdough croutons.
Followed by pork ravioli with green curry filling in lemongrass cream and topped with crunchy pork rinds.
Alaska king crab with "peewee potato salad" and confit egg yolk...
Ed was also looking pretty happy!
Charred New York steak on top of pomme purée and a jus of whole grain mustard...
This is what you do when you see a mirror on the ceiling. I guess Barb and Ed momentarily vanished!
Dessert was dark chocolate hazelnut custard with crispy mousse and burnt vanilla bean ice cream. The whole meal was absolutely delicious and I can't honestly say I felt stuffed.
Off to the show...looking pretty glowy. Did I mention we had a complimentary drinks package as part of a Sip 'n' Sale promotion? That was definitely adding to the glow. The expressions on the people behind us cracked me up.
The next day we enjoyed a relaxing sea day and puttered about the ship. Mary Poppins was playing on the Movies Under the Stars...or make that Under the Sun.
Considering there were 3,000 passengers on board, the ship was relatively deserted in many areas.
That night we went to the Salty Dog pub. It was a different experience, and we definitely left feeling stuffed.
Ice cream with popcorn? Sign me up!
This entertainer was on board for most of the cruise and was quite good. I might recall a Sing Along...
After a relaxing day, we will be in Piraeus tomorrow for a visit to Athens...
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