Dubrovnik, Croatia

We are off to Dubrovnik. It took us a little bit longer to get there but the journey was certainly worthwhile. Scenery was out of this world, nature at its best. Beautiful mountains dissapearing in the azure depths of the Adriatic sea. Aquatic immenisty and sky blue horizons coming together in the distance. One really has to do his best to keep his eyes on the narrow roads above the indigo ambyss. Just like the bus driver that decided to take both lanes in a sharp turn, without even paying attention to us. Whoa, that was close. Nontheless, we are finally entering the old city and beauty is within reach. We got an apartment right above the walls and 163 stairs later we are in the hearth of Dubrovnik. I have been to many places but this one ranks at the top. Cobblestone streets worned down from the centuries of footsteps take you through the city. As you go up and down, you feel like a mice in the middle of a remarkable maze. Narrow streets cut in between buildings with little balconies adorned with purple and red flowers. It seems like time stands still in this city resting on the edge of the Adriatic sea. A perfect place to relax and take time out from the world. We paid a hefty fee to enter the beach below the hotel Excelisor, only to realize that 5 meters to our left there was public access. Ice cold water qucikly diminshes the heat of the day. At least for a moment. We swim to the floats, and as we are floating on our back, we admire a magnificent view of the city above us. Apartments and houses carved into the mountain embrace this little cove and people in it. I wish i could float in this moment in time for a while longer. As night slowly falls on the fort, we find a nice seafood restaurant to enjoy the local catch of the day and of course some octopus salad. Walk around the city brings this beautiful day to an end. Only 163 stairs left between us and la la land. Next morning we meet up with Mario's friend Prka and after a quick swim we are on his speed boat gliding over the tranquil waves. Open sea and sun entice us to keep on, as we are leaving Dubrovnik behind us. Prka took us to a wonderful little restaurant, nested in a cove surrounded by untouched nature (being that the only way to it is by sea.) With few hundred shells and oysters and a very entertaining owner time flies by. That was some of the best seafood i ever had. On the way back we stop at another bay with an amazing beach. Prka's hospitality really made this a day to remember and this was one of the higlights of our trip. We dive in the water as the sun slowly starts descending together with us.