London got to us.
It was the noise, the claustrophobia inducing traffic and crowds. It was too much time spent on the Underground with all the suits.
We became a bit reclusive, sluggish, and desperately craved something new.
The night before we were set to fly for Croatia, I was sleepless. I felt giddy, moreso than I have about a new destination for a really long time. Was it that I was anxious to leave London behind, or was I excited about the adventure of Croatia laid out before us? I guess it doesn’t really matter the reason, it just felt good to be overcome with excitement again.
We landed in Dubrovnik in the evening, and as we rode the bus from the airport into town, only a faint outline of the rocky shore could be seen, with bright lights speckling the sides of the cliffs above the water. I gripped Pete’s hand and wished out-loud that we had landed in daylight. “You just have to use your imagination,” he said.
That wasn’t good enough. After a day of ports and planes, we normally would crash at our rest stop or spend the evening catching up. Instead, we dumped our bags, grabbed our camera, and hit the streets of the old city. We dashed around each glossy limestone path, as if it were somehow possible that it would all be gone in the morning.
It felt completely different and new. The fresh Adriatic air and the shininess of Dubrovnik breathed new life into us.
The following day, we wound around the same streets with a new set of eyes, and then took to a route above. We walked along he ancient city walls, constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, they encircle buildings of bright orange roofs and cover the edge of the rocky coastline. We took to all two and a half kilometers quite slowly, playfully fighting over who-got-to-hold-the-camera-when – just in case the other happened to miss that angle with that patch of blue sky.
It should be without wonder why/how Dubrovnik brought us new and riveting energy. We can’t wait to see what the rest of Croatia will bring.
**********
Big thanks to Peter, Ivana, and the crew from Adriatic Travel Inc. for helping make our stay in Dubrovnik so wonderful with a sublimely comfortable apartment and many tips on how to enjoy the area.
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Wow, love your photos! I was only in Dubrovnik for a short stay, but I remember how beautiful, clear and blue the water was. I found the old town really charming (and especially more laid-back and charming than London ;)). I can understand that it’s refreshing to be there. Enjoy your stay!
– Lily
Lily Leung recently posted..Ancient Egypt Temples in Luxor (@GetYourGuide)
The water is so blue it almost calls to you to jump in. In fact, there were people swimming in the sea in November. Crazy.
This is so beautiful! Wow!
Thanks so much Lisa! 🙂
LOVE the pics. Man, I miss Dubrovnik. It’s a little place of magic and I’m so glad I got to “see” it again through the lens of your camera. I’m in the Toronto airport, heading for Vancouver and wishing I was back in sunny Dubrovnik sipping wine at a cliffside buza. Hope you’re well wherever you are in the world tonight.
Thanks Terri – enjoy your trip back, and pretty soon you’ll be off discovering brand new places of your own! 🙂
WOW !!!!! I can’t wait for more.
Enjoy you two. xoxo
My life changed forever when I was in Croatia. There is something entirely magical about the Adriatic Sea, the slick limestone roads, the ancient walls, the gorgeous cafes … it does awaken something inside of people. I am so glad you are able to experience it. Croatia is truly the first place I fell in love — with my life. 🙂 Enjoy!!!
dtravelsround recently posted..I’m not full of it, I’m shoveling it
Thanks D! You are so right, it is completely magical, and was exactly what we needed!
PDA notwithstanding, great post and photos! 🙂
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..The Agony in the Air Con
Hey, last “romantico” post I wrote, people asked for smoochin’ pictures. I’m just giving the peeps what they want! 🙂
They’re just lonely voyeurs. You’re really doing them more harm than good. 🙂
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..The Agony in the Air Con
I wish I’ve had more time here in Eastern Europe and also discover Croatia, unfortunately I don’t and it will have to wait a little bit. Your pictures look great!
Sebastian recently posted..Hiking Mt. Musala in Bulgaria
Thanks Sebastian! You really need to get to Croatia – the scenery is breathtaking!
OMG! That place looks FABULOUS! That 3rd pic alone is utterly divine! Leave it to you two, to find heaven on earth.
Oh Dyanne – it is quite heavenly! Also heavily touristy in summer months (for OBVIOUS reasons!), but breathtaking all the same. I’d go anytime! 🙂
Looks like a photographer’s dream!
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Steak Extravaganza: Restaurant Review – El Obrero vs El Trapiche vs Manolo’s
A photographer’s dream until you get back to the room and sort the bazillion pictures we took – haha!! We luckily also had some great weather while we were there!
How peaceful! And the photos are absolutely breathtaking! This is much deserved after the London trip.
Rachael Sena recently posted..How NOT to Smuggle Cuban Cigars into the United States
Thanks Rachael! We really needed this *boost*, and I think Dubrovnik was the perfect place for it!
LOVE those photos! That is not at all what I pictured when I thought about Croatia!
Emily Sims recently posted..How NOT to Smuggle Cuban Cigars into the United States
The country is actually very diverse in scenery, but the entire coastal region has that one thing in common – gorgeous blue/green water!
I’m a big fan of London, but I understand the need to get a change of venue when you’ve been in a city a long time. Dubrovnik looks like it was a great choice! I know that feeling of wanting to get out and about right away to try to take in as much as possible — it can be so exciting. Great photos.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..The Lone Sailor’s View
Truthfully Cathy, it had been a LONG time since I felt that way. Like, almost back to when we started our travels. I was due! 🙂
Oh wow that looks amazing. I have always wanted to go to Croatia and thought it was a cheap country but I heard that’s no longer true.
ayngelina recently posted..Jordan surprises a food snob
Dubrovnik is definitely expensive, but there are other places that are still pretty reasonable.
BEAUTIFUL photos! Seeing things like this makes it really difficult to think about skipping Croatia during my trip around Eastern Europe next summer… But I feel like Croatia deserves its own trip!
Amanda recently posted..Photo of the Day: Big Skies of Texas
There are SO MANY tough decisions to make when visiting Europe, and from what we’ve seen since coming here in June, Croatia ranks very high on our list!
Croatia was already on my list of must sees when we get to that part of the world but you make me want to get there sooner. LOVE the night pics.
Erica recently posted..Photo Essay: Hangin’ in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Thanks Erica! Croatia is a photographer’s dream.
Interesting note: when my parents visited Dubrovnik in the early 1970s, they said that, although it was beautiful, it was uncomfortable because of the presence of KGB everywhere. How times have changed!
NLM recently posted..And You Don’t Have to Go to the Mall
Oh wow, no kidding. It’s hard to believe how much that little city has been through, with it being so heavily under attack in the early 90s as well.
I love the photo with the sea and the castle it looks really cool!
That last picture is adorableeeeee…
and Croatia looks pretty awesome!
Hogga recently posted..Awesome Events in London 2012
The pictures are just beatiful. Thank you for mentioning Adriatic Travel.
Adriatic Travel was a generous supporter of our time there, and we loved every minute of it!
Love these photos, guys!
Thanks, gal! 🙂
What a great change from London. Enjoy Croatia and please keep taking beautiful photographs!
Lauren recently posted..Accidental Mad Libs
Dubrovnik was a very welcome and refreshing change.
Dubrovnik looks like such a lovely place. I love all that history and old architecture. Great photos.
Dean recently posted..In the rainy season on Koh Lanta, Thailand…It rains
I’m so glad that Croatia could refresh you after getting down in London. I cannot wait to get to Croatia and your photos make it seems more beautiful than I imagine.
I’m excited to follow along your train journey, what a cool itinerary!
Thanks Annie! We’re excited that Eurail allowed us to pick our journey – this was immediately what came into our mind!
Adding Croatia to my list of places perfect for fighting travel funk! Gorgeous shots!
Angie Orth recently posted..In a Travel Funk? Time for a Pilgrimage.
wow Croatia is beautiful! Looking forward to reading and looking at more. I may have to add Croatia to my Travel List
We have already added it to our “we have to go back” list 🙂
OK, I feel exactly the same way about London. I’ve always wanted to LOVE it, and yet…I just don’t.
Dubrovnik, on the other hand, looks like my kind of place. My husband spent three years in Sicily when he was in the Navy, and it reminds me a lot of the photos he has from his time there.
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Siem Reap by Night, Angkor Wat by Sunrise
Exactly, everything on paper says we should love it, but we just didn’t. I’m sure we’ll be through again and will give it another shot, but I am unsure whether our opinion will change.
We’re going to have to bug your husband for some Sicily tips as we have a rough itinerary drawn out, but haven’t put too much research into it yet. I’m afraid already we haven’t devoted enough time to it (approx 10 days)
Yes, for sure! Just email me and I’ll have him write you back with suggestions =)
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Siem Reap by Night, Angkor Wat by Sunrise
Great photos! I was supposed to go to Croatia two years ago but it fell through….. I really hope i get there next time I am in Europe
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..How We Almost Lost Our Entire Website
Gorgeous photos! I’m just dying to visit Croatia 🙂
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Faces of Asia | Part 13 | Travel Video
So beautiful. Croatia wasn’t even on my radar until a year or two ago when a friend visited. It looks lovely, your photos are fantastic.
Kim recently posted..25 Things I’m Thankful For
Thanks Kim! It is really lovely, the coastal scenery is fantastic.
Such stunning photos! I really like London, but I am just dying to go to Croatia, especially after seeing these beautiful pics!
Emily @ Maiden Voyage recently posted..Five Ways to Stay Fit When You Travel
I have always wanted to visit Croatia! (and not it wasn’t because of Dr Kovach on ER…) haha
Glad its made you happy again 🙂
Cailin recently posted..Wales was a pleasant surprise
I have no idea who this Dr Kovach is but he sounds interesting if he made you want to go to Croatia… 🙂
I’ve been wondering if I should add Crotia to my list of must sees! You’re pictures makes it look stunning! Looks a good mix of nature and architecture! How’s the hiking?
Shani recently posted..Weekly Photo – Iguazu Falls in Brazil & Argentina
I wish we had more time to do hiking in Croatia. There are plenty of places to do it, we just never had a chance. Next time!
As always, a great post! I try and get to Croatia in the summer as often as I can. Makes a change from Slovenia and I find the people warm, friendly and very helpful. Try speaking a little Croatian and they’re friends for life :0)
It is a beautiful country, all around! 🙂
Great Photos. The water and rooftops come through so vivid.
Croatia was the first solo trip I ever did, and I have wonderful memories. If and when you get to split, there’s a great bar right on a little cove. I never did find out the name of it, but you have to walk part the port and around to the cove. And if you can get to Hvar, you won’t regret it. The most gorgeous sunsets and cheap cocktails I could find in the country!! Have fun!
Great photos as always! We’ve been to parts of Croatia but not Dubrovnik yet. We’re thinking of going in August because we are in desperate need of a beach vacation. And since The Road Forks have told us just how dog friendly Croatia is, we’ll be bringing out globe trotting pup along with us!
Jennifer Dombrowski recently posted..L’Alcova: the Most Exclusive Restaurant on the Grand Canal
Dubrovnik supposedly explodes with tourists in July-Aug…but then, where doesn’t? It is so beautiful, it’ll be worth elbowing a few others in the face. 🙂