2016 CROATIA and then some ..... ( having just toured Montenegro.)

DUBROVNIC

We're very fortunate to have GREAT friends in Dubrovnik and cannot thank them enough for making our stop-over here immensely gratifying. The last time we saw Kieth Harvey was many years ago at our regular sailing club in Boksburg SA. He was at the time about 16 years of age and not a keen sailor, to put it nicely. Dad was the one trying to instil the sailing spirit but without much success. 

The next we hear  Kieth was accepted into the SA navy based on his kinship with water and the like, Lol. Well needless to say he excelled in the navy, and under the umbrella of SA Navy, even skippered in International sailing regatta's . Way to go my man!!!!

More of that a little later.......

 Not being able to contact Keith on our arrival, and after driving around a little to familiarise ourselves with the area, we choose to park the van a little ways out of the hustle and bustle of the maddening crowds mulling around the old city and harbour. After a nice cup of Tea &Coffee the bikes were offloaded and away we went, investigating the local area in search of a safe and unassuming location to sleep the night in case of need.

 It didn't take us long to fall in love with this part of the world for sure!. What's not to love about boats, boating , water and sunny skies???? . To a sailor, and with that gentle breeze blowing, it  allowed for the boat rigging to make wonderful calming noises. The sound can surely be associated with having one's own "comfy blankey"

 At around the time the sun went down (approx 10 pm)  and after many unsuccessful attempts to contact Keith throughout the day, we had established many suitable sleep-over camp spots but decided that where we had parked was absolutely perfect anyway.

Contacting Keith and family the following day was a breeze so off we went to meet them at Kieth's place of work. Yep you guessed it, by now he had worked himself up within the Sun-Sail group and is running the CROATIAN fleet of sailing yachts In fact he is seen within the group as one of their shinning lights in the business.. !!  Cool hey.

After having now finally met Kieth's wife Annette and son Dario, it was time for morning coffee. Having now also been given clear "Dubrovnic" instructions we boarded a bus and we were off to the Old City for walk-abouts. 

What an exceptionally well maintained Old City it is. Even after suffering through both both World Wars plus the most recent being the 3rd Balkan War between 1991 - 2001, it was pretty much still intact. Well after a full day walking around and soaking up this tremendous old city, we were hard pressed to finally bid it farewell and with reluctance made our way back to the bus station.

By the time we got back to the Van it became apparent that we had still not finalised our sleeping arrangements for the night.  Fortunately it was quickly decided that with us being sailors and loving just being around boats, permissions given for us to sleep-over within the Yacht basin that night.  Another perfect end to a perfect day!

The following day was spent exploring the coast plus venturing across to Korcula Island. The Ferry-Men saw us coming though, charging us 2x extra tickets for the pleasure of having our bikes along.... The buggers!!. Anyway you live and learn I guess. The following pic's are just a jumble taken on the day .

With all the "FREE wine tasting" being advertised along the way, we finally succumbed to the pressure.....

Our 1st stop was to partake within the confines of an official Wine Tasting establishment which was a treat for sure,  and expensive if one was to indulge in a purchase or two.  The real stories however lie with the less formal wine tasting experiences.

Before finalising deciding to "move on" we had stopped off at 3 local brewers, tasting some vile concoctions at Euro 10 p/bottle. Our final stop truly damaging the taste buds.

No sooner had we stopped at a competing local "winery" when a little old lady beckoned us from across the road, all the while explaining that our intended winery was closed. So fierce and eager were the gestures that before comprehension,we were deep within her underground den of pleasures. Its amazing that when motivated, one can hobble at such amazing speed so secure a sale. Within and from the roof of this dingy, dust baked basement were dried out mielie cobs, sausage and other and delicacies enjoyed by the owner.

Much pointing and body language suggested the promise of wonderful flavours to behold us. In anticipation we suffered though what was proudly offered. The best one being a Port which was to die for. As for the rest, YUK!!! , the last and final straw was the Salt Water flavoured Wine,  it was definitely time to move on and after much , "thanks but no thanks" we were out of there.

On return from our day excursion, and having by this time been invited to stay over at Kieth's home, it was agreed that the Yacht-Basin was the better choice. ( the OL was tired of steep winding inclines). Nonetheless we were collected from our Van and whisked up high in to the mountains to check out Kieth's fantastic home overlooking the vastness and sea below. What a spectacular view he's got !!. In so much as the home looked pretty finished to me, Kieth was pointing out all these wonderful future mods yet to undertake.

After enjoying a few pre-meal Biltong strips accompanied by wine we all descended onto a local and regularly frequented restaurant, all the while enjoying much laughter and remember stories.!!!. Catching up with our old friend (not so old actually) and his wonderful family was a true pleasure. Being introduced to both the owner and a few sips of well appointed liqueur just added to the experience. In fact I recall Bryony dancing with Dario at some point. A joyous occasion for sure.

Thanks folks for a most wonderful welcoming !!!