BLAKE

Day 1

We were catching the bus to Dubrovnik this morning but it wasn't without its delays. The bus didnt arrive until late and departed 30mins late sat 9.45am. We then caught some traffic going through one of the small towns which also held us up. You would think being behind schedule that the driver would show some haste but upon a supposed 15min break we saw the drivers ordering a 3 course meal. This took them around half an hour to finish before we were finally able to get on our way again. All in all we didnt get in until approx 1.45pm after expecting to be midday which had got the team a little frustrated. Side note do not go with Promet to Dubrovnik. Stick with Autotrans. Much more timely bus service.

Upon arrival our host to our accomodation 'Senko' greeted us to transport us to our accomodation. Senko was a very cliche Croatian wearing an orange tank top, sports shorts, thongs and a fanny pack. We piled into his tiny car with our bags and scotts kite bag on the backseat ontop of everyone.

The accomodation was in the middle of the 'Old Town' which he led us through. Our apartment was on the top floor so it was quite a trek up a little stair well with all the luggage.

After we had settled in and showered we had our first look of Dubrovnik walking around the old town. The were thousands of tourists as it was still the busy season plus a couple cruise ships had just arrived. It is a very picturesque town with the buildings looking like they are part of a movie set.

Once we had explored enough we went for a swim in the ocean. To do this you have to exit the old town where there are rocks you are able to swim in the water from. Its a pretty cool sight swimmimg in the ocean at the feet of the barrier walls enclosing the old town.

After a swim we headed back to the apartment to freshen up before heading to dinner. Lauren got her beloved mussels that she had been hanging out for and they didnt dissapoint.

We all got an ice cream afterwards and had another walk around the streets at night before retiring for the day.

Day 2

We decided to make use of our apartment kitchen so we made breakfast. This consisted of some eggs as well as yoghurt and cereal. This morning we went off to walk along the top of the wall that surrounds the old town. This was an great way to see all the town as well as some ocean views. Looking down at all orange roofs and architecture of the buildings was a different perspective of seeing the town.

The walk took over an hour so afterwards we were keen for a swim. Louise and I left the old town and walked to the nearby 'Banje Beach'. This was only a small pebble beach and was very crowded but we were able to find a spot for a cool off and laze in the sun.

We then headed back to the apartment grabbing a bite to eat for lunch where we met Scotts friend Joel who would be spending some time with us during the remainder of the trip. Once acquainted we headed up Mount Srd on the cable car.

The car was only a 5 min walk away and took us up to the top of the mountain. There were spectacular views at the top for kilometres along the coastline. It also gave a great perspective of how small and secure the old town was behind the walls.

Upon return to the town we freshened up before heading to dinner. We then visited the stairs and street of the famous 'walk of atonement' scene in Game Of Thrones. Back to the apartment for drinks and cards. I bought a little bottle of a local liquor called Pelinkovac almost made me spew. A bit of a bar hop followed. The most memorable was the bucket bar. It wasn't great as the drink was far to sweet - a whole bunch of sugary drinks mixed with vodka served in small buckets. We endedup at the Sky bar before hitting the bakery on the way back. Scott and Joel stayed out until almost 4am.

Day 3

We all slept in to about 10am after the late night out. Once we had had some breakfast and got organised we caught a ferry at midday over to the island Lokrum.

Lokrum is a small island which can easily be seen from shore as it is only a 10min ferry ride to get over too.

Upon arrival to the island we went to one of the close rock beaches to have a swim and cool off. The water was crystal clear but was a fair bit colder then previous waters so it was quite the refresher. After a dip we walked to the other side of the island which was only a 10min walk where there were rock cliffs to jump off. We found a decent size one which would have been about 7-8m high and we all jumped off except Lauren who chickened out.

We then walked to the Dead Sea which was a pool of sea water inland from the coast. The water gets in through a tunnel under the rock cliffs from the ocean. This replenishes the water keeping it clean and swimmable.

We spent another hour or so swimming at other beaches before getting ferry back to the mainland.

Once we returned to the old town it was well and truly past lunch time so we all had a pizza slice for lunch and had a little wander through the shops. Everyone was still a bit tired from the night before so we went back to the apartment to rest.

After a nap we headed out to dinner in one of the main squares of old town. The food was ok with Lauren getting her favourite meal mussels but these werent the best she had. After dinner we had another wander of the streets before getting a last ice cream from Dubrovnik.

We part ways tomorrow morning with Scott, Lauren and Joel who are heading to Water Donkey for kitesurfing and Lou and I are headed back to Makarska to greet one of Lou's friends from her summer camp in America, Rhi.

Senko was a legend and piled us all in his car the following morning and took us back to the bus port. He and his wife even gave us parting gifts. Little lavendar bags and chocolates. We loved Apartment Misel and would stay there again.