Croatia via Montenegro a revalation

Dubrovnik -- Croatia - Bucket list - Done


I do NOT remember the exact year that my Mother -- rest her soul -- visited Dubrovnik - it was around 1974 I believe , but it went via the back of my mind (not a place you want to go to) as for a future buckets list to be done -- and by crikey mother , we have done it.

So while we may not have been out and about in the city as yet we are here and staying at the very beautiful Villa Orabelle--

-- and from here we have a 20 minute walk into the old city coming up in the morning.

Before any of that though I thought with Mrs A's approval, that I would bury a couple of myths that have been heard from folk when they heard where we were planning to go on our euro road trip.

1st -- the roads have been far better than was expected with just the odd section that needed repair. However there were plenty that were far better than some in Greece.
2nd -- the border crossings have been easier that I have had at some airport customs check points - particularly American and Israeli.
3rd -- there have been extremely friendly and helpful people , particularly the Albanian police who help direct us to Lezhe.

Oh and in case your wondering the prices in things like supermarkets and restaurants is way cheaper than Greece.

But what we have seen in the last 2 days leads us to believe that the whole eastern side of the Adriatic is going through a boom and now more-so than Montenegro, where we were informed that there were bucket loads of Russian money being poured into converting this coast line into the Balken Riviera and believe me when I say that some of it is stunning------

This a picture of this little island at a resort town called Sveti Stefen and how pretty is that.

But the town that we saw most huge growth -- including around twenty luxury hotels under construction at this moment -- is in Budva , and to show that other businesses see the same opportunity -- see the picture below---

I think you would be blind if you did not see that the east coast of the Adriatic has been targeted as the next Riviera.

So after a bit of rain yesterday , the sun has got it's hat on and has definitely come out to play this morning for breakfast on the terrace--

 

Another nice suite

A bit overcast and showery yesterday but today is beautiful

Frankie getting a well earnt rest - oh and yes there is a bit of building going on but not noisy these boys

 We are neighbours with a large exclusive complex called the Ryxos Libertas Hotel.

 

Had a really great steak in this restaurant last night but forgot the camera so no picture--

 

 

Breakfast with My mate

Mrs A managed to slip at least one Chelsea Polo into the bag -- Thank you--

So that's us and our pad behind.

 

Ok then, off to explore this jewel in the Eastern European , Dalmatia coastline - There are folk that have likened it to what Hawaii is to north America.

 

So we are off to check out the place and its key notes of interest--

- Like walking around the 2 kilometres of city walls.

- Learn a bit about it's history-- it was the capital of an adventurous republic of Ragusa a recognised maritime leader.

- It dates back to the 7th century.

- Dubrovnik was the first Independent state to recognise the United States independence from Britain.

- and they were clearly a progressive country right back in the day as they abolished slavery in the 15th century.

 

Look at that -- all this education and I don't charge - you lucky people -- that's always supposing anyone every reads these other than Lynda and me of course.

 

So having said that -- Dobro Jutro and Hvala

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