Dubrovnik, Croatia: A New Country and Passport Stamp for all of the Durneys!!

Shortly after our return from the States, we boarded another plane direct to Dubrovnik, Croatia! The "Emerald of the Adriatic" and site of King's Landing in Game of Thrones is a beautifully preserved medieval city complete with a pristine enclosing stone wall. Years ago, after a book club friend took a cruise through the Croatian islands, I dreamed of a similar trip. With a toddler, I knew that this type of trip was out so we modified our itinerary to include the highlights, connected by land instead of by sea. 

Here we go again!

Bus ride from airport to the city. So happy to see the Croatian coast!

Dubrovnik was easily the most stroller un-friendly place we've visited with loads of stairs. Our Sobe host shared that there are 7,000 within the Old Town alone! So while we brought a stroller for the trip, we ditched it for exploring. Jude was pretty content in the carrier, but also loved shoulder riding. He'd ride on Pete's for a while and then indicate that he wanted to ride on mine. He's turning into a sweet momma's boy and apart from sore shoulders, I am loving it. 

For our first afternoon in town, we set off exploring within the walls. We had read about two Buza bars- drinking holes located just outside of the stone walls, hanging on cliffs above the sea. We stumbled upon one and took the opportunity to cool off with some Croatian beers. 

People were jumping from the cliffs into the Adriatic sea and I was really envious. The water was too deep and choppy to go in with Jude. 

No sooner had we found a table, than these tourists literally picked Jude up out of our arms and sat him on their table, oohing and aahing over him. A moment of free babysitting! Pretty sweet. 

We enjoyed wandering the streets in the relative cool of the early evening. Cruise ships dock almost daily in high season and ferry passengers into the city during the morning and afternoon hours. This made for some really crowded streets. While there were still many people about in the evenings, the city had a more local feel.

Knock, knock. Who's there?!

Our Sobe owner recommended a new restaurant "that was trying very hard" at the end of our little alley. We were the only patrons and had the full attention of the charming staff. Lots of love on Jude. The restaurant was on this alleyway that was lined with eateries and was quite beautiful at night. A really lovely welcome meal for our trip!

Classy dinner dates :)

After Jude went to bed, Pete and I took turns walking around the city to get a feel for it at night. I felt completely safe wandering alone, due in part to the crowds and lantern-lit streets. On my outing, I found us some ice cream, which we enjoyed sitting on our stoop in the warm evening air.