July 10 Dubrovnik

 July 10, Sunday - Dubrovnik 

Today marks our 3rd visit to this lovely city. The landmark highway bridge that neighbors the port remains unchanged except for a wealth of graffiti. It has been 9 years since our last visit. The focus of activity remains the Old City. We took the shuttle offered by the ship. The cost was $16 each for unlimited trips. The last time the shuttle was free. In 8 minutes we were at the gate to the Old City. Although we are walkers, the hills and distance would have taken their toll in time and energy. 

We walked around this familiar plaza before entering the information center.  The young lady who greeted us was very personable and helpful. When she learned that we had been here before, she told us about a beach just outside the old city where we could get good pictures of the harbor and the wall in addition to the beach. Armed with her map we set out. 

We passed through the gate to enter the old city.  After the obligatory stop at the fresh water fountain in the square we walked toward the harbor. Along the way we visited a church and with discipline walked past all of the shops. 

At the harbor we turned left and went up the hill to the gate. Upon exiting we followed the road ahead. Sure enough, after passing many restaurants and apartments, we arrived at a viewpoint overlooking the beach. Stairs led down to it, but they were steep and many. We stayed up top. The beach was very crowded. It was hot and a Sunday. 

Our vantage point was terrific. There was the beach, the harbor and the wall. We lingered a bit and took too many pictures before returning our the gate and the old city. We walked the rest of the main street visiting the historic sites again and stopping at the market. 

The last time we were here we took a tour that included a gondola ride to the top of the mountain overlooking the city. I had been trying to locate the gondola without success. Now as we were walking to the shuttle stop, I looked up and there it was. We were happy to see that it is still operational as the views are stunning from there and the museum provides good insight to the history of the area. 

We walked back to the shuttle stop. 15 minutes later we got aboard. Soon we were back onboard Oosterdam. After dinner we watched the sun set and enjoyed our sail away. 

Bridge on arrival 

Bridge on departure 

Those are just the outside stairs 

Traffic near us at the harbor entrance 

Church in the old city 

So many choices 

Octopus?

Overlooking the beach. No room for us. 

The Harbor

Harbor from the beach 

Someone is topless I’m told 

Just one more shot 

There is a gondola above the tower 

There It is. 

Moon as we depart