Today we visited Dubrovnik, Croatia - the "Pearl of the Adriatic" - so described because of the limestone cliffs surrounding the city. For many on this Viking cruise, visiting this place was a highlight since some scenes from the "Game of Thrones" series were filmed here. While it also was dominated by the Venetians for some 500 years, it remains proudly its own domain with a healthy dislike of Italians.
Its ancient walls, built and extended over the centuries for protection against enemies both from the sea and from the surrounding mountains, totally enclose the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Agile tourists like to climb to the top of the walls and walk the perimeter (several miles); we took part in the walking tour which stayed on level ground for the most part. The place was crowded, although our guide, Ivanna, a native of Dubrovnik, assured us that it was not nearly as crowded as in the summer months.
Highlights of the walking tour included the fortifications, a fountain still fed by an ancient aqueduct (in front of which Jan is standing in the photo), the cathedral and a Benedictine monastery museum. The patron saint of Dubrovnik is St. Blaise, known among other things as the healer of throats, and the city's guides have their throats blessed each year on February 3, his feast day.
We returned to the ship for lunch and in the afternoon went swimming in the ship's pool, after which we spent time with our Kindles. The weather continues to be warm and the sky is cloudless; the roof over the pool was open and our deck chairs faced the beautiful hillside. It was a glorious afternoon.
In the evening we dined at one of the specialty restaurants on board, an Italian-themed place called Manfredi's. The food was good - antipasti, veal in marsala sauce, tortellini, and gelato and cappuccino for dessert.
Tomorrow we visit Kotar, Montenegro, a city in an even newer country than Slovenia. Montenegro was established as a country in 2005. More to come...
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Its ancient walls, built and extended over the centuries for protection against enemies both from the sea and from the surrounding mountains, totally enclose the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Agile tourists like to climb to the top of the walls and walk the perimeter (several miles); we took part in the walking tour which stayed on level ground for the most part. The place was crowded, although our guide, Ivanna, a native of Dubrovnik, assured us that it was not nearly as crowded as in the summer months.
Highlights of the walking tour included the fortifications, a fountain still fed by an ancient aqueduct (in front of which Jan is standing in the photo), the cathedral and a Benedictine monastery museum. The patron saint of Dubrovnik is St. Blaise, known among other things as the healer of throats, and the city's guides have their throats blessed each year on February 3, his feast day.
We returned to the ship for lunch and in the afternoon went swimming in the ship's pool, after which we spent time with our Kindles. The weather continues to be warm and the sky is cloudless; the roof over the pool was open and our deck chairs faced the beautiful hillside. It was a glorious afternoon.
In the evening we dined at one of the specialty restaurants on board, an Italian-themed place called Manfredi's. The food was good - antipasti, veal in marsala sauce, tortellini, and gelato and cappuccino for dessert.
Tomorrow we visit Kotar, Montenegro, a city in an even newer country than Slovenia. Montenegro was established as a country in 2005. More to come...
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