So good to have two nights in one place again - means a sleep in and much more relaxed day. Wandered down to Glam Cafe (one of Darko's recommendations) for breaky. Caught up with Darko again around 9ish back at the guesthouse and were grateful for some directions and advice. Realised we really do have a perfect location. Was a short climb to the top of the wall and along to an exit to get to the Cable Car up the 405m to Mt Srd. In less than 4 minutes you can witness the most stupendous vista over the terracotta rooftops of the old town as well as the island of Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands further in the distance. Just awesome!
On return to the base we continued wondering through the old town around the port area and the outside wall to an area where we could have a swim. Meant negotiating rocks, mossy stairs and diving in but the water was sensational. So refreshing. Too hot to lay around in the sun on the concrete and rocks - but doesn't seem to worry the multitude of Europeans soaking it in - no signs of rash shirts and hats !! Quite bizarre!
Back around to a cafe in the port area and shared a yummy plate for lunch - anchovies, fish pâté, cheese and octopus salad with bread.
After lunch our wanderings found the well known Buza bars - accessed through holes in the wall with stairs down to bars precariously positioned on the rock face. Many swimmers and sun bakers enjoying the unique location. Needless to say - had to have a pivo here and just watch the water activity - sea kayakers, jet skis, parasailing etc.
Then more wandering through several of the town's cathedrals and points of interest.
Croatia has experienced a very colourful and turbulent history and Dubrovnik - "the jewel of the Adriatic" - probably epitomises it all. With its story beginning in the 7th century Dubrovnik suffered immense damage as recently as 1991 and 1992 during the "Homeland war" as the former Yugoslavia, though all of the damaged buildings are apparently now restored. The Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik has a heartbreaking collection of photos of young people who lost their lives during this time.
We continued wandering enroute back to our guesthouse - though it can hardly be described as leisurely with the incredible volume of people. Evidently Dubrovnik has become such a tourist haven, particularly with the disgorging of masses from the cruise ships, that they are considering limiting visitor numbers to the old town! My advise would be to visit before things change too detrimentally.
A rest and refresh before a drink in the Placa then dinner at "Olivia" nearby - seafood spaghetti and tuna steak. All good! Lovely evening but certainly feels sad to think our time in Croatia has virtually come to an end!