We have a walking guide today in the old town of Dubrovnik. What a stunning place surrounded by 3kms of fortification wall built in the renaissance period. At that time is was an independent state but aligned with Venice. Our first impression when arriving by sea is that this was a very powerful maritime port. It's history starts in the 7th Century A.D., when the Slavs wipe out the Roman city of Cavtat. By the 12th century Dubrovnik had become an important trading centre between east and west. It managed to maintain its independence as a city state although many other nations dominated surrounding states.
Centuries of prosperity allowed art science and literature to flourish however, not much of this remains after the earthquake in 1667 which killed 5000 people.
The city was then rebuilt in the Baroque style which largely remains today. Napoleon controlled the town in the early 19th century and it was badly bombed in the civil war of the 1990's.
It is a very well planned city with parallel streets and 3 and 4 story buildings, constructed with off white local stone and terracottad roofs. Palaces and churches ( mainly catholic ), are grand with lots of sculpture adorning. The walk around the town walls takes about an hour and shows of the town perfectly. We have a great lunch at 'Moby d*** ', then visit the tie shop. The use of ties we learn, started in Croatia when girls tied a 'Cravat' around the neck of their men going to war. The French took this idea and made it into a world wide fashion. They make beautiful ties and scarves in Croatia. MB buys Bernie a very interesting tie and forces him to buy a grey shirt to go with it. He will now set a new fashion for accountants.
Back on board Michael and Bernie go for an evening walk around 'Lokrum Island'. This is a very well forested and protected island with fire fighting equipment everywhere. There is a substantial fort on top of the hill where you can see the Benedictine monastery close to the nudist beach.
After dinner we have an introductory 6 handed game of Canasta, before the real tournament starts.
JB and Mick