Med Trip - June 14

Despite a forecast of rain and thunder, we woke up to sunny skies and temperatures that hit at least the mid twenties. The ship was docked some 4 kilometres from the old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Outside on the dock, taxis were lined up. Holland America offered shuttle service which costed $16 per person for a round trip. We found that very expensive for such a short trip. The woman organizing the assignment of taxis said it would cost us 50 euros per taxi to go to old town, but we could get to the top of the cable car platform, a viewing area over the city. Because we were with six people, we would need two taxis. She claimed there were no vans here that accommodate more than four passengers, and her rate was less than the cost of taking the cable car to the top. We decided to check out what might be available outside the gated area by customs. We walked through the gate and immediately saw a man holding a sign offering a minivan. He proposed a tour which included going to several locations in the area for nice views, and then driving up the mountain to where the cable car goes, and then dropping us off in the old centre, and picking us ip for a return to the ship, all for 22 euros per person. (The taxi lady claimed the cost of the cable car was more than her cosy, but it turned out to actually cost about 14 euros.) we accepted the deal and were greatly pleased. We spent over an hour visiting nice sites, including a spring hat was so clear, that plant growing under water looked crystal clear as though there was m water there. We also drove up a very narrow road, the first road built in the area by Napoleon, where two vehicles could pass with only inches to spare or one would have to back up to a pullout. We got out at several view points above Dubrovnik and were blown away. The views were spectacular! We spent 3 hours wandering around the city before being picked up again. The old walled city had marble streets, no cars, narrow, narrow streets and long steps leading from the high entry point to the waterfront. It was beautiful. Croatia had its own currency, noted as "Kn", which was seven times more than a euro, but most places accepted euros as well. Luckily, when paying in euros, they also gave change in euros. It was a great day and the sun was an added bonus. We had happy hour in the crow's nest bar as the ship left port at 5 o'clock. We sat through one early set at the piano bar and finished off the night with two for one wines in the gallery bar. The day far exceeded our expectations. The minivan even had its own wifi, so we were able to get caught up on emails and news from home.

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