MY ADVENTURE IN DUBROVNIK

by Tin Sujster

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Two years ago, I spent my summer holidays in Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Croatia and, I would dare to say, in the world. When exiting the crowded airport and sitting in the taxi, I thought this would be another casual, boring holiday. But I was totally wrong.

So, my holidays in Dubrovnik began like this. Leaving Ćilipi, an airport of Dubrovnik, takes you to the curvy coastal road towards Dubrovnik. High hills on the right side, and a steep fall towards the azure see on the left side made me wonder about the end destination. Suddenly, the view opens up: a beautiful, white-stone city floating on the azure see stood in front of us. The undiscovered paradise which some people can only dream about. The Mediterranean climate helped bougainvilleas, agave, and palm trees to decorate the city walls.

A big sea fortress, built on the sharp rocks, was contrasting a blue sea. I have never saw such a colourful, clear and bright sea.  Perhaps it was because of the sunny day, but it was magical. I was really excited. I couldn’t wait to finally leave the taxi and enter that big, medieval Mediterranean fortress.

(my first view of Dubrovnik - the big sea fortress), photo credit: GSTravel

Entering the hotel, I lost the sense of adventure for a moment, as I was tired. I needed to settle down a bit. After unpacking the stuff, my family decided to go for a walk around the city. I also wanted to briefly explore the old city centre.

We were walking through narrow, old streets covered by white stones. The streets were crowded and full of a good, and cheerful atmosphere. I could feel the mood of a classic medieval town. We passed through many little squares, open markets selling seafood, fruits, flowers, souvenir shops and restaurants. However, I remember one particular street - Stradun is its name. It is the longest street in the old city and is connecting the two parts of the old town - Ploče and Pile. On one side of it stands Orlando - a knight whose arm was used as a metric system. The Orlando's sculpture stands across the old customs office (Dogana) dating back to the history of the old Dubrovnik Republic that was famous for being a trading, naval, and diplomacy power during the 15th century. The other side of the Stradun street holds the Onuphrius' fountain, a beautiful artistic well bringing water to the city in the old medieval times.

(the longest street in the old city centre, Stradun), photo credit: Triprabbits

After the short walk around the city, we went back to the hotel Grand Villa Argentina for a dinner. the hotel is owned by the Croatian family that emigrated to Chile in 18th century to come back as investors in tourism a decade ago. While dining on a terrace, I could watch that medieval oasis the whole night. The atmosphere in the hotel was calm, with classical music being played on the piano, while the sea breeze brought along the smell of lavender, immortelle, and rosemary.

FIRST DAY

Next day, we went back to the city to visit museums. I thought that I would not find them interesting, but I was actually impressed by the city’s rich history. I found out that Dubrovnik was an independent republic. It was the first country to recognise the United States as an independent country, too. We went to the oldest European pharmacy, an old Franciscan monastery that made its own medicines. Dubrovnik was a centre of diplomacy in the 15th century and was never conquered by Ottoman Turks. It was famous of its trading skills and of giving a refuge to the King Richard the LionHeart on his way from Crusades.

Dubrovnik also had a dark side of its history. Twenty seven years ago Dubrovnik was almost destroyed in a war. I felt really sad, as I saw many pictures of burnt roofs, demolished walls, and injured people. Lunatics were aiming to destroy the city that survived centuries unaffected by any wars; they wanted to destroy its culture and kill its spirit. This reminded me of the destruction of Warsaw and many other cities heavily destroyed during the World War Two.

(a part of the oldest European pharmacy in the Franciscan monastery, built in 1357), photo credit: DubrovnikNet

We had a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants on the street called Preko ('across' would be a translation). The street was separating newcomers to the city from old inhabitants. While eating and drinking in Dubrovnik was pricy, the uniqueness of having a lunch in the history whirlpool was invaluable.

It was three in the afternoon, when we decided to take a tour around the old city walls. It took us approximately an hour to reach the finish point of the tour. However, the tour was great. I could see all buildings and squares we walked through a day before. Yet, it was hot as in the oven. When you go on the tour around the old city walls, never ever forget a hat, always bring a water bottle with you and never go on that tour during the hottest period of the summer day.

(beautiful view on the old city walls), photo credit: Radio Dux

While going for a dinner at the hotel, I saw a group of people watching the European Football Championship Cup which took place in France. I really don’t remember the match, but I remember how people were both happy and nervous, cheering for their country to win.

The sunset and the lightened city were breathtaking from the beautiful hotel terrace.

SECOND DAY

Next morning we went on a tour to Srđ - a hill above Dubrovnik. While going up with a cable car, I felt a bit dizzy. It was a bit windy, so the cable car was swinging. However, we reached the destination safely.

Up on the hill there is a small museum in a nearby fort Imperial. In that museum there are memorabilia of the Croatian soldiers and their weapons from the period of the Yugoslav war. It was really emotional to watch that, as those people sacrificed for the liberty and preservation of the city. The view from a big plateau on the same hill was epic. I could see the whole city of Dubrovnik and the shiny, bright sea leading to Italy. Behind my back there were mountainous chains bordering with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and further south, one could see the black mountains of Montenegro.

(the fort on the Srđ hill with a great view on Dubrovnik), photo credit: www.dubrovnikcablecar.com

If you ever plan to go to Dubrovnik, in my opinion, this is the ‘must see’ place. Instead of planning to go to the Mount Everest, go to that hill with a big plateau and enjoy the magical, breathtaking view of the landscape around Dubrovnik.

We had a fantastic lunch at konoba (sort of restaurant) Dubrava in Bosanka village nearby! Grilled lamb and potatoes with fresh vegetables and great freshly made juices are highly recommended.

We spent the afternoon swimming in the sea. It was relaxing and refreshing. The sand beach called Banje was full of young people, with great music. My sister and myself really enjoyed it.

(Banje beach next to the old city centre), photo credit: oddviser.com

THIRD DAY

On the third and the last day in Dubrovnik we went to the city port to take a boat to a nearby island called Lokrum. The island itself was beautiful and I highly recommend a visit there.

(the Benedictine monastery on the island Lokrum), photo credit: Rear View Mirror

The island was awesome! We were walking through the pine tree alley, where the trees were swinging on the wind, dancing their morning dance. The birds were singing their morning song too. I saw ruins of an old monastery and a church, surrounded by exotic plants and peacocks - ‘gorgeous creatures with thousand eyes’.

(a cute peacock walking), photo credit: mapio.net

We discovered a lake on the island where we swam and jumped into the water from a hanging rope. Later, we laid down on a pebble beach looking at the open sea. Swimming and diving in a bright, underwater oasis was unforgettable. Unfortunately, the time was ticking, and we had to leave the exotic island of Lokrum.

RETURNING HOME

While leaving the city, I waved to the big sea fortress, the amazing hill and the exotic island. We passed again through the narrow curvy road and reached the crowded, noisy airport. Maybe my time in Dubrovnik was over, but I will never forget those beautiful three days.

I saw many amazing buildings, found out many interesting facts which surprised me about Dubrovnik, walked on the city’s walls, went up on the hill above Dubrovnik, swam in the bright, blue sea, inspected exotic creatures, watched a football match with friendly random people… I could go on forever! But there is one thing that you need to understand.

(Dubrovnik during night), photo credit: Trip101

You all probably have similar sayings: ‘There is no place like home.’ I totally agree with that. However, being on a holiday is not just about visiting the attractions, going to restaurants for dinner and having fun with your family or friends. It is about the appreciation of the place and its culture that you visited. It is about cherishing the history and culture, leaving it for next generations, just like the deceased Croatian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Dubrovnik. It is also about making memories from the trip you appreciated and later sharing them with other people.

So, next time when you are going somewhere for a holiday, spend your time as best as you can, appreciate the culture of the place you visited and make memories which you will always remember.