Day 13: Dubrovnik - pebble beach

I've mentioned that there were very few sand beaches in Dubrovnik.  Most beaches were rocks or pebbles. While they could be a little uncomfortable for walking, they were surprisingly comfortable to lie on. The rocks were smooth and then conformed to your body once you lay down. Bonus: You didn't get covered in sand or have to empty your suit after swimming.

Day 12: Dubrovnik - the rocks

One thing that was unusual about Dubrovnik is that it has very few sand beaches. The sea was fronted with cliffs, rocks/boulders or pebble beaches. While initially that doesn't sound very inviting, I really liked the everyone laid around on the various rocks lounging and sunning themselves. Reminded me a bit of the sea lions you might see on Animal Planet. And, the vibe was pretty similiar, everyone just hangin' out.

Day 12: Dubrovnik - the old city

For a price (around $20), you can take a walking tour along the top of the wall of the old city of Dubrovnik. As I've said, the old city is absolutely stunning and the views from atop the wall were gorgeous. I've given you a couple different vantage points but I still haven't done the city justice. The first picture is looking down into one of the main squares. The second is looking east toward the hills. The third is looking south along the seawall and cliffs.  The final photo is the view from the northeast tower, looking west to the sea.  Notice in the bottom right of the photo the corner of a basketball court.  One of several I saw on the tour.  Seemed a little out of place for a city that's on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites but, you know, the world loves basketball.  

Day 12: Dubrovnik - below Busa

On the rocks below the bar, there were spots to sunbathe and cliffdive. Of course, I had to partake in a little bit of both. It was me and a bunch of cool kids. How crazysexycool is this couple hanging out on the rocks? They couldn't have taken a better picture if I'd asked them to pose.

OHIO CONNECTION #1:  I was wearing my Homage Script Ohio shirt while climbing on the rocks when a guy yelled, "O-H!" and I promptly responded, "I-O!" So, I asked, "You're from Ohio?" "No, Wisconsin." A Badger giving a Buckeye a little love.  I guess they're not SO bad afterall.

Day 12: Dubrovnik - best seaside bar ever!

I have a couple places in the world that are my favorite spots for an adult beverage. The first is Ohio State tailgating. Whether Out-R-Inn, Riverwatch or in individual tailgate, there's no place better to be on a Saturday in the fall. The second is the patio of the student union at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  The massive expanse of concrete littered with tables and chairs has gorgeous views of Lake Mendoto and impecable people watching. At number three is Buza a bar that sits on the cliffs outside the old city walls of Dubrovnik. The picture says it all:  spectacular!

Day 11: Dubrovnik - the old city

In the evening, I took a walk down to the old city which was immaculate. As Justin said, it was so clean you could eat off the paving stones. The place was absolutely teeming with people and had a Spring-Break-for-adults sort of feel. There were outdoor cafes everywhere and they spilled into each other. So, you could sit in one and listen to live jazz and then move over a few tables and be in a dance party. Fantastico!

Day 11: Dubrovnik

Let's just get this out of the way:  Croatia is GORgeous!  Coming from Bosnia - Herzegovina, Croatia was all that much more a vision of sweetness and light.  And, the contrast was almost immediate.  Once across the border, it was as if someone had switched on a light on in previously shadowy room.  We knew right away that we were going to love this place. 

Day 11: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik - Mostar

Our trip from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik had two legs:  a train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar and a bus ride from Mostar to Dubrovnik. We had enough time in Mostar to grab lunch and a quick look around town. As is true in many cities, the Mostar bus station was in a seedy area of town leaving the impression that Dubrovnick may not be the most promising place for a walking tour.  However, my guide book claimed that one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Europe (no small claim) could be found in the city center.  Time was short but I knew I had to check it out.  Sure enough, the sketchy alleyways gave way to charming pedestrian streets and the bridge was really quite lovely.   BONUS:  There were guys jumping off the bridge for money.  In the bottom picture, the guy in the speedo perched on the edge of the bridge is moments away from plunging into the depths below.