Dubrovnik, Croatia September 4 - 8, 2019
Wednesday September 4 - Today was an early morning once again as we had to catch a Jadrolinija 7:00 ferry to Milna and then the Krilo catamaran from Milna to Dubrovnik. The Krilo catamatan was really nice. It made the 4 hour trip go by pretty fast. Jeri and I played a couple of games of cribbage, helped entertain the kids, and snoozed a bit.
When we got to Dubrovnik, Evan was able to talk a private van driver into allowing us to catch a ride with another couple who had booked transportation from the terminal. The other couple was kind enough to agree. it was a good thing too, because the line for the taxis were really long.
We got to Hotel Kompas within about 10 minutes. It is outside the walls of the city., which is great because we have been told it gets really crowded inside the walls. I thought the other Airbnb accommodations we have had thus far have been fabulous, however, I have to say Hotel Kompas outdoes them all. It sits on a cliff overlooking a bay. Jeri and I have a room overlooking the bay, with a balcony. There is also an infinity pool overlooking the bay. Talk about being spoiled!!! We deserve it though right!!!
Evan, Jude and I went down to the beach and swam in the Adriatic Sea. Jeri went up to stay with Lila while she took a nap (Lila, not Jeri). Jess came down and joined us at the beach. After about 2 hours I decided to check out the infinity pool. Evan Jess and Jude joined me a bit later.
After a quick shower, Jeri and I headed down the promenade toward the main street in search of a supermarket. On the way we saw Mamma Mia restaurant and stopped in for a bite. We decided to split a pizza so Jeri ordered the Mexican pizza which was cheese and hot peppers. I gave Jeri my hot peppers and she was completely satisfied having gotten her fill of spicy. We found the supermarket and bought some beer, wine, water and yogurt for the kids. Back at the hotel room, Evan joined us on the balcony as we sat and enjoyed the view and the sound of the waves. Jess was going to join us, but she fell asleep putting Jude down.
Thursday September 5 - The breakfast buffer is included with our room and you definitely won’t go hungry. Lila made a huge mess, but she enjoyed everything put in front of her! We all decided to head to Old Town Dubrovnik, so off to the bus stop. It’s a good thing we got on when we did because by the time we got to our destination you could hardly move. People just kept getting on and even though it was not that hot outside yet, it was pretty stuffy and hot in the bus.
Old Town Dubrovnik is an amazing sight. The walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city. With numerous additions and modifications throughout their history, they have been considered to be amongst the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages, as they were never breached by a hostile army during this time period. In 1979, the old city of Dubrovnik, which includes a substantial portion of the old walls of Dubrovnik, joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
We decided to take a glass bottom boat to see the walls from the water. The boat also took us over to a small island just off the mainland. Some of the people on the boat had paid to get off and explore the island, so on the return trip it was just the 6 of us. Once we got back on land, we headed back toward the Pile Gate where we had entered. The crowds had increased tremendously in the 45 minutes that we spent on the boat. It was a good thing we got there early!!! Evan ordered an Uber and we went back to the hotel. The Uber ride back was a lot more comfortable!!
Jeri and I headed down to the pool while the kids stopped to get something to eat. After the kids got to the pool, Jeri offered to put Lila down for her nap so she headed to Evan and Jess room. Evan and I alternated between playing cribbage and cooling of in the pool, while Jess worked on her tan. The hotel has a spa, so I went in and walked around. I found an indoor pool and sauna that was available for no charge. After Jeri returned, we spent time at the indoor pool, which reminded me of the spa at Aventura Palace. There was soft relaxing music and a nice fragrance in the air.
Prior to heading to bed, we sat and listened to some live music on the patio of Hotel Kompas. The young woman singing had a beautiful voice and they played lots of classic soft rock.
Friday September 6 - After another filling buffett breakfast, Jeri and I headed to Sunset Beach to frolic in the warm Adriatic Sea. Can you believe Jeri actually got in the water? Jess and Jude joined us on the beach while Evan put Lila down for her nap. Jude was quite busy re-arranging the rocks on the beach.
Evan and Jess wanted to explore the Old City sans kids. They were able to walk the wall and visit the Buza Bar, a literal hole in the wall on the side of the cliff. Evan swam in the sea, while Jess enjoyed the quiet and read her book. Jeri and I enjoyed some quality grandparent time. We took the kids to lunch at Tuttobene cafe. Jude refers to this restaurant as Red Man. After lunch we went to the indoor pool where Jude and Lila had a splash fight. Thankfully we were the only ones there!
Jeri put Lila to bed and read to Jude until Jess got back. Jeri, Evan and I went to the downstairs bar and listened to some live music once again, and Jess joined us after Jude fell asleep. A nice end to a great day.
Saturday September 7 - We awoke to a huge thunder and lightning storm. Blaine went out onto the patio to record some of it. After breakfast we walked along the cliffside path to the More Cave Bar. Stunningly beautiful, it is a cave in the side of the mountain. More thunder and lightning in the afternoon kept us indoors for part of the afternoon. Of course indoors meant the indoor pool!! Dinner that night was at the Hotel Kompas restaurant where we enjoyed their fabulous buffet. Jeri insisted on paying with her new crefit card! I love having a rich wife!! After dinner more live music and then off to bed.
Sunday September 8 - Travel day. Took an Uber to the airport, which is about 35 minutes away, and $65 dollars! Nothing has been really inexpensive in Croatia. Not complaining though because it has been a fabulous vacation thus far. . Off to Athens to continue our journey.
