The Pearl of the Adriatic…..Croatia’s picturesque medieval city, that is Dubrovnik.

On Sunday we went within the walls of the city. Stone is the primary material….streets, the town squares, houses, churches, etc. The walls are 1,940 meters long, 4-6 meters thick towards the land, 1-3 towards the sea and up to 25 meters high at some points. A city of stone, on stone, built for eternity.

I began my Sunday attending Mass at The Church of St. Blaise. The service began at 12:00 and it was over with at 12:40. Shortest Sunday Mass I have ever been to. It probably had a lot to do with the fact it was really hot in there, just a little small inconvenience in a beautiful church. It was built in 1715, in honor of St. Blaise the patron saint of the city since the 10th century. In the sanctuary is a statue of him holding the model of the city before the earthquake of 1667. In fact there are statues of him throughout the city. A festival is held every year in his honor on February 3rd.

The Dubrovnik Cathedral is a beautiful Baroque and Byzantine style building. It was founded by Richard the Lionhearted in gratitude for his life being saved during a violent storm. When I inquired about Mass times at both churches, I was told that a church around the corner had an English speaking one. I explained that I love attending services in the local language because I always feel something special. That made the young man smile.

We ended the day going up by cable car to the Panorama Restaurant where you get the best view of the city and to see the sunset. It is located on the top of the hill of Srd overlooking the old city and the Adriatic Riviera. The evening was clear, the sun drifted downward colorfully and the lights of the city came on slowly. Oh, and the food and atmosphere was great, also.

“Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come and see Dubrovnik.” (Bernard Shaw). I did, and we will be back. As always #twobrokekids

This is another place I never, ever thought I would visit, but here I am. Enjoying another adventure with the big guy.

We are staying at a great place a few miles from the city walls. Views of the Adriatic Sea can be seen everywhere. Our first night there we took a sunset dinner cruise. The sun did not disappoint. And we got to see the lights of the city come on and brighten up Dubrovnik.

We always enjoy seeing and experiencing different wine regions, and on Saturday we took a drive an hour north to experience 2 different wineries. But first we stopped at the town of Ston. Not only are they well known for their oysters, but also for having the 2nd biggest wall, next to the Great Wall of China.

The first winery we visited was Winery Milos. Ivan Milos was the winemaker, taking over from his father a few years ago. Their family have been in the region for over 500 years, and making wine that long. The only time they stopped was when the communists took over the city, and his dad did not want to give the Russians the satisfaction of having his wine. Their grapes are organically grown, and on the sunny side of the hill facing west. Plavac is a small grape that they use for their wines. They harvest in late August, and produce 50,000 bottles a year. Ivan poured us 3 tastings, including one from 2007. Aged 4 years in the barrel, 2 years in the bottle. To say it was unbelievable would be an understatement. Very smooth, and very light for a red wine. We bought 2 bottles.

The 2nd Winery was indeed a mom and pop place. Genevieve was our lovely hostess. Her family has been doing this for 150 years. Not only does she make wine, but brandy and olive oil as well. She also served us a great lunch of sea bream and home grown tomatoes. The fish had been caught by her husband that morning. So delicious, and prepared using her olive oil. I bought a bottle.

Another day and a half to explore. Always new things to see.