DUBROVNIK, CROATIA // JUNE 2023
- TRAVEL DIARY -
This trip was our first trip in years. First trip to Europe since cancer and covid. First stamp on the page of a brand new passport. I was incredibly ready to go when friends of ours sent out an invite, and then incredibly nervous as flights approached. This golden place, so stunning and full of beauty, was a perfect spot to land.
Located on the southern coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik sits on a peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea. The old town, surrounded by medieval walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through the streets of old town, I couldn’t help but admire the polished stones underfoot, worn tender and smooth by ages of footsteps. I couldn’t help but touch the walls and think of all the life lived within. I took a breath of wild herbs growing wild street-side, every chance I could get, which was rounding the bend of each streetcorner.
This place invites daydream, both forward and back in time, with the flicker of sun dancing off the vivid blue waters and the climb of ancient steps there keeping you grounded.
The orange glow of an ancient sun. Walls. Thoughts of safety against invaders. The scent of warm smoke. Slow burn of wood ember. Long roasted meats, melted. A hot but soft potato. Olives, oil. Free flowing local spirit, nearly clear white wine. Polished and textured khaki and white limestone. Medieval towers, and bastions. Laundry lines. Leisure. Bluest blue seas and skies. Calf muscles. Sun hats. Resin of rosemary plants gone wild. Lavender. Smooth stones on shores. Soap. Gentle tides. This is how I remember Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic Sea, walls wrapping round like an oyster shell, like welcoming arms.
LINKS
FARM DINNER: AWAY FROM CENTER, ancient slow-cooking techniques at a picturesque farm
SECLUDED SWIM // QUIET CORNER TO HANG ALL DAY, or cliff-jump
PANTARUL // MODERN SEASONAL LOCAL, still feels like home
MORE:
D’VINO WELL LOVED WINE BAR WITH NICE SELECTION
GUNDULICEVA POLJANA MARKET LOCATED IN OLD TOWN
BOTA SARE LOCAL OYSTERS
MOSKAR STREET FOOD CASUAL SPOT IN OLD TOWN FOR LUNCH OR DINNER
WINE BAR ŠKAR WINE BAR AND SMALL PLATES
KUCA PRSUTA, SIRA, VINA I MASLINA WINE, MEATS AND CHEESE!
CAVE BAR MORE UNIQUE MULTI LEVEL BAR INSIDE A CAVE
FISH BAR EL PULPO NATURAL CASUAL SEAFOOD SPOT