On our last full day in Dubrovnik we had planned an almost full day outing spent island hopping. Jumping on the boat at the city docks we cruised around the seaward walls of the city and out to sea.
Our first stop of only 30 minutes was to the island of Korčula. We had just enough time to hike to the beach on the other side and check out the view before we had to head back to the boat. There was also an old church we had wanted to see but with no time left and no direction as to the right way to go, we had to let it go.
Back on the boat we headed out to our next stop, the island of Šipan. Along the way the boat crew served us all lunch. We had ordered the fish a few days earlier when we booked the trip; and fresh fish is what we got - head, tail, bones, skin and all of freshly grilled mackerel. It took a while to get used to the idea of chomping right into it. But after a few nervous nibbles everyone decided it tasted great and then attacked it all with a little more abandon. All the leftovers were thrown overboard to the horde of seagulls that were following the boat. I got some great video of the chef feeding the gulls from his outstretched hand as they swooped in and plucked it out of his hand.
Šipan was beautifully sad, with old abandoned houses everywhere and little kids selling sea shells for a few kuna each. My overall impression of Croatia, based on our time here in Dubrovnik, is that it is not a particularly wealthy country. Although, looking at how some people live in South Africa, the same can be said of us.
Our last port of call, with the longest stay of 2 1/2 hours, was the island of Lopud. With promises of a sandy beach on the other side of the island we set off on foot; forsaking the offers of a golf cart ride as they were charging 20 Kuna each for just one way. So us cheapskates set off - and boy did we regret it. Our initial thoughts was that the beach could not have been that far off; but that was proved wrong as it was a rough 20 minute hike through steep, leg-aching inclines and sketchy downward bush trails before we arrived at the beach.
A beautiful cove filled with boats and sail ships and bars with umbrellas awaited us. Again we didn't hire any sun loungers as that was also expensive - and sand is free! The water at least was - marginally - warmer than back by our hotel; so I enjoyed a good swim in the shallow waters of the bay before heading back in.
A short time in the sun later and it was time to head back. This time there was no disputing the fact that we would catch a ride back!
Once the time came and everyone was back on the boat, we set off on the return part of our journey back to the city harbour. Once there, as it was already gone 5pm, we decided to have an early supper for once, and spare us the extra trip (and money) of going back to the hotel first and then coming back to the city. As we were already down by the docks, we headed for the little pasta/pizza place we knew to be just around the corner; since I had proved such a great place for dinner a few nights earlier. Again we were not disappointed, and apple cake desserts got smashed!
Back in the hotel we relaxed and enjoyed the last night that we would have in Dubrovnik. All in all it had been a wonderful and amazing stay; one that would be greatly treasured for its memories.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
#TwinsOnTour : Day 22
Finally the day dawned that was the whole reason behind the trip we were on; the Twins' birthday.
We had planned something special for this day; going up in the cable car that takes one from the city walls right to the top of Mount Srd that overlooks the whole of the city and horizon.
Getting there seemed like a bit of a walk, though we finally had our tickets and were waiting in line to board the cablecar. It was all very modern and the ride time to the top is supposedly only 4 minutes; but all that wasn't enough to stop me from feeling a little apprehensive about going up in this funicular. On e we made it to the top though, I realize it hadn't been all that bad at all - in fact; I was more freaked out when we had gone on the London Eye!
The view from the top was most spectacular, and for a short time the weather was brilliant, allowing us to really appreciate the views of everything below. On the mountains behind us though, that was all changing very rapidly, with dark black clouds setting off warning signals and bells in the cablecar mountaintop base. We quickly snapped some more photos of the panorama before us and the famous cross atop the mount; and then it was back down to the bottom.
Wanting a place to get out the drizzling rain we found a little place called "Pupo" which made for a delightful and unexpected lunch. Once the rain cleared everyone decided to head back to the hotels as Jess and Sarah had booked themselves into the Wellness Centre for hot rock massages. I stayed to look around the city; specifically to finally find the Modern Museum with its Steve McCurry photographic exhibition.
I did finally after much walking find the expo, and my thoughts I the show are too much to put here, but it was very good and I was most glad to have been able to see it. Very haunting some of it. I also popped into a quick museum on the history of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, St Blaise, which was also very interesting; especially the war photos of when Dubrovnik was under fire in 1991.
Then it was back to the girls and out for a celebratory meal at "Marco Polo." All in all it had been an amazing day and a birthday I think the girls will not forget too soon.
We had planned something special for this day; going up in the cable car that takes one from the city walls right to the top of Mount Srd that overlooks the whole of the city and horizon.
Getting there seemed like a bit of a walk, though we finally had our tickets and were waiting in line to board the cablecar. It was all very modern and the ride time to the top is supposedly only 4 minutes; but all that wasn't enough to stop me from feeling a little apprehensive about going up in this funicular. On e we made it to the top though, I realize it hadn't been all that bad at all - in fact; I was more freaked out when we had gone on the London Eye!
The view from the top was most spectacular, and for a short time the weather was brilliant, allowing us to really appreciate the views of everything below. On the mountains behind us though, that was all changing very rapidly, with dark black clouds setting off warning signals and bells in the cablecar mountaintop base. We quickly snapped some more photos of the panorama before us and the famous cross atop the mount; and then it was back down to the bottom.
Wanting a place to get out the drizzling rain we found a little place called "Pupo" which made for a delightful and unexpected lunch. Once the rain cleared everyone decided to head back to the hotels as Jess and Sarah had booked themselves into the Wellness Centre for hot rock massages. I stayed to look around the city; specifically to finally find the Modern Museum with its Steve McCurry photographic exhibition.
I did finally after much walking find the expo, and my thoughts I the show are too much to put here, but it was very good and I was most glad to have been able to see it. Very haunting some of it. I also popped into a quick museum on the history of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, St Blaise, which was also very interesting; especially the war photos of when Dubrovnik was under fire in 1991.
Then it was back to the girls and out for a celebratory meal at "Marco Polo." All in all it had been an amazing day and a birthday I think the girls will not forget too soon.
#TwinsOnTour : Day 21
Saturday was a lazy day. Well, a little lazy. We had planned to walk the city walls - and a couple of the stairs on that route were murder on the legs!
After another leisurely breakfast and bus drive into town we got off again outside the Pile Gate and entered the city - where it seemed that the old town was more congested than it had been at any other time we'd seen the entire week! Apparently another cruise ship had entered the harbour the day before and regurgitated a couple thousand American tourists all over the place! It was a relief to be above it all for a while, walking along the rooftops.
The walk itself was quite enjoyable, seeing the whole of the city from a different perspective and being able to look down the walls onto the outside ocean side. The weather threatened us a little with some rain which we could see all around us in the other bays along the coastline and out to sea (complete with thunder and lightning) but somehow we only got a few odd drops of rain before it seemed as though we were in some eye o the storm; with nothing but blue skies the rest of the day.
Completing the walls we also quickly visited the lone fort across from the city as it was included in the tour; and then it was time to head back to the hotel for some more R&R before coming back into the city for supper in the evening.
Relying now on the sage advice of TripAdvisor we found a brilliant little pasta and pizza place that made great food and an incredible apple tart desert. Finally the gastronomic delicacies of some of our group were being sated.
After another leisurely breakfast and bus drive into town we got off again outside the Pile Gate and entered the city - where it seemed that the old town was more congested than it had been at any other time we'd seen the entire week! Apparently another cruise ship had entered the harbour the day before and regurgitated a couple thousand American tourists all over the place! It was a relief to be above it all for a while, walking along the rooftops.
The walk itself was quite enjoyable, seeing the whole of the city from a different perspective and being able to look down the walls onto the outside ocean side. The weather threatened us a little with some rain which we could see all around us in the other bays along the coastline and out to sea (complete with thunder and lightning) but somehow we only got a few odd drops of rain before it seemed as though we were in some eye o the storm; with nothing but blue skies the rest of the day.
Completing the walls we also quickly visited the lone fort across from the city as it was included in the tour; and then it was time to head back to the hotel for some more R&R before coming back into the city for supper in the evening.
Relying now on the sage advice of TripAdvisor we found a brilliant little pasta and pizza place that made great food and an incredible apple tart desert. Finally the gastronomic delicacies of some of our group were being sated.
Monday, May 28, 2012
#TwinsOnTour : Day 20
With the guys finally here we decided to do something big on the Friday. Sea kayaking!
The weather wasn't great, pretty much cloudy, cold and overcast as well as threatening to rain - but we decided we had to go ahead and do this kayaking now, today, otherwise we wouldn't know when it might get better of if we'd even still have the time. So off we went.
Now, in all the pics of the water here it looks really warm and welcoming - it's not. The water temperature here would put hair on a polar bear's chest. More hair than it already has. And we were going out in this. So to say we had some trepidation would be an understatement. The kayaking brochure of the company we were soon this through said that wetsuits were available, so there was at least a glimmer of hope. And then that was dashed when we were told that there were none. But with no other option than to cancel - we bit the bullet and went for it.
Setting out was great - for the first 50m. Then my arms felt like that couldn't paddle anymore; and we still had the whole of Lokrum island to get around!
We did our best, stopping every now and then for the guide to explain something about the island as we toured around its coastline. Jess was an absolute machine; rowing nonstop. I, on the other hand, had to take numerous breaks. (I joke that she was the endurance and I was the power!!!) Eventually we made it around the island, past the docks where we had disembarked the day before, and then cut across the shipping lane to stop for lunch and a snorkel in a massive cave/cove on the mainlands shore. It felt so good to do no paddling for a while. Lunch was bland but filling - just a sandwich of Croatian origin - and then the snorkeling kit was out and people were hitting the frigid water. To be fair, we all had a go, just to be able to say that we had. But it wasn't much fun. The water was so cold I had an ice cream headache in 2 minutes of having my head underwater!
After a while we set back; thankfully this time with the currents in our favour, which made the journey home that much easier. After wrapping everything up our arms felt like lead. Exhausted, we all headed back to the hotel for a swim in the heated pool and to have a nap.
We returned in the evening to the city for supper at a restaurant that TripAdvisor has ranked as number one in Dubrovnik; "Restaurant Dubrovnik." Needless to say, this award is very much deserved, and a highly recommended meal was eaten by all. There is a reason this place is número uno, that much is guaranteed!
The weather wasn't great, pretty much cloudy, cold and overcast as well as threatening to rain - but we decided we had to go ahead and do this kayaking now, today, otherwise we wouldn't know when it might get better of if we'd even still have the time. So off we went.
Now, in all the pics of the water here it looks really warm and welcoming - it's not. The water temperature here would put hair on a polar bear's chest. More hair than it already has. And we were going out in this. So to say we had some trepidation would be an understatement. The kayaking brochure of the company we were soon this through said that wetsuits were available, so there was at least a glimmer of hope. And then that was dashed when we were told that there were none. But with no other option than to cancel - we bit the bullet and went for it.
Setting out was great - for the first 50m. Then my arms felt like that couldn't paddle anymore; and we still had the whole of Lokrum island to get around!
We did our best, stopping every now and then for the guide to explain something about the island as we toured around its coastline. Jess was an absolute machine; rowing nonstop. I, on the other hand, had to take numerous breaks. (I joke that she was the endurance and I was the power!!!) Eventually we made it around the island, past the docks where we had disembarked the day before, and then cut across the shipping lane to stop for lunch and a snorkel in a massive cave/cove on the mainlands shore. It felt so good to do no paddling for a while. Lunch was bland but filling - just a sandwich of Croatian origin - and then the snorkeling kit was out and people were hitting the frigid water. To be fair, we all had a go, just to be able to say that we had. But it wasn't much fun. The water was so cold I had an ice cream headache in 2 minutes of having my head underwater!
After a while we set back; thankfully this time with the currents in our favour, which made the journey home that much easier. After wrapping everything up our arms felt like lead. Exhausted, we all headed back to the hotel for a swim in the heated pool and to have a nap.
We returned in the evening to the city for supper at a restaurant that TripAdvisor has ranked as number one in Dubrovnik; "Restaurant Dubrovnik." Needless to say, this award is very much deserved, and a highly recommended meal was eaten by all. There is a reason this place is número uno, that much is guaranteed!
#TwinsOnTour : Day 19
Thursday; the day that Sarah's husband, Duncan, as well as his mother and sister, Barbara and Bronwyn, also were all due to arrive in Dubrovnik. Although, as they were only to arrive late in the evening, the day was ours again to do with as we want - so we chose to visit and explore the island of Lokrum off the city itself.
We caught the ferry (a small transport boat) from the city docks; paying 50 Kuna for a return ticket. Although the island is only a couple hundred meters away, it took the ferry around 15 minutes to get there and tie up at the island's own small dock.
We followed the ramp and the ensuing path which led us straight to the old abandoned Benedictan Monastery on the island. The monks who had lived here had been on the island for nearly 600 years until a change of ownership of the island forced them to leave its idyll. Walking through the ruins and gardens we met the famous residents of the island, the peacocks. They were everywhere! And very friendly too, letting people come right up close to them, just as they also came close to the island visitors, hoping for snacks and tidbits.
We followed on with our exploration; we saw the Dead Sea (an almost cut off rock pool on the island), the botanical gardens, an old well, and then decided to brave the walk up to the fort on the top of the island, Fort Bravo.
We started up the paved and rocky path called "Pathway to Paradise." When asked why it was called this, I couldn't say, except to think it could. E the island's version of the "Stairway to Heaven." the walk itself was deceptive: one starts off thinking it isn't that bad at all, and then the incline hits you, and goes on, and on, and on, and on...!
Eventually - much out of breath - we all three made it to the top and could climb the fort and marvel at its views of the city walls just off the coast. It becomes very much apparent why the spot was chosen as a lookout point when doing a 360 degree turn around from the peak.
Starting downhill we got caught in a sudden rain shower, which wasn't enough to drench us, just make us a bit sodden. What the rain did do though was slow us down enough to miss the 3pm ferry back to the mainland. So we had to wait and read our books for an hour before the boat returned to take us back to the city docks.
For supper we took a walk into the hotel complex not that far from our own and chose a little pizza place. The girls weren't that impressed, but I wasn't too fussy; I was just happy to have a pizza!
Then it was back to the hotel to wait for. He others to arrive; although they landed so late we were already half asleep before we heard a knock on our balcony door and opened it to see Duncan's smiley face saying "hello!" The rest of the crew were finally here and the serious holidaying could begin.
We caught the ferry (a small transport boat) from the city docks; paying 50 Kuna for a return ticket. Although the island is only a couple hundred meters away, it took the ferry around 15 minutes to get there and tie up at the island's own small dock.
We followed the ramp and the ensuing path which led us straight to the old abandoned Benedictan Monastery on the island. The monks who had lived here had been on the island for nearly 600 years until a change of ownership of the island forced them to leave its idyll. Walking through the ruins and gardens we met the famous residents of the island, the peacocks. They were everywhere! And very friendly too, letting people come right up close to them, just as they also came close to the island visitors, hoping for snacks and tidbits.
We followed on with our exploration; we saw the Dead Sea (an almost cut off rock pool on the island), the botanical gardens, an old well, and then decided to brave the walk up to the fort on the top of the island, Fort Bravo.
We started up the paved and rocky path called "Pathway to Paradise." When asked why it was called this, I couldn't say, except to think it could. E the island's version of the "Stairway to Heaven." the walk itself was deceptive: one starts off thinking it isn't that bad at all, and then the incline hits you, and goes on, and on, and on, and on...!
Eventually - much out of breath - we all three made it to the top and could climb the fort and marvel at its views of the city walls just off the coast. It becomes very much apparent why the spot was chosen as a lookout point when doing a 360 degree turn around from the peak.
Starting downhill we got caught in a sudden rain shower, which wasn't enough to drench us, just make us a bit sodden. What the rain did do though was slow us down enough to miss the 3pm ferry back to the mainland. So we had to wait and read our books for an hour before the boat returned to take us back to the city docks.
For supper we took a walk into the hotel complex not that far from our own and chose a little pizza place. The girls weren't that impressed, but I wasn't too fussy; I was just happy to have a pizza!
Then it was back to the hotel to wait for. He others to arrive; although they landed so late we were already half asleep before we heard a knock on our balcony door and opened it to see Duncan's smiley face saying "hello!" The rest of the crew were finally here and the serious holidaying could begin.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
#TwinsOnTour : Day 18
Wednesday in Dubrovnik and already Jess and Sarah had booked spa treatments for their special birthday treat on the coming Sunday as well as pedicures for this very afternoon.
As a result the morning was quite relaxed. Just before 1pm the girls went to get pampered and I set off to the Old Town to explore. I had intended to see the one exhibition on show; a display of photographer Steve McCurry (famous for his Time cover entitled "Afghan Girl") and some of his works. Unfortunately I didn't know where to find it so settled for exploring the city and taking photos.
I accidentally discovered the Maritime Museum and so ventured in and checked out its history. Very cool; especially as Dubrovnik was pretty much built on its naval history and power.
Leaving the museum I also discovered the local drinking spot outside of the city walls called "Buža" which literally means "Hole in the wall" in the old language. To get there you have to walk through a hole in the outer walls of the city to a remarkable view. I made a note of how to get there and then left the city to meet Jess and Sarah at the bus stop by the Pile gate.
Unfortunately there was a bit of a mixup in meeting up with the girls once their treatments were done. What with us having no cellphone numbers in Croatia we had no way to contact one another and had agreed to meet at 4:30pm outside the city. They arrived just as I left meaning we missed each other and they only got back to the hotel and hour and a bit later. (It takes the bus around 15-20 minutes to get into town so on e there you may as well look around a little before returning).
Once we were all together again at the hotel we jumped back on a bus, returned to the city, and had a lovely seafood dinner at one of the cosy restaurants in one of Dubrovnik's charming back alleys.
We didn't get up to much, but it had been another awesome day on holiday.
As a result the morning was quite relaxed. Just before 1pm the girls went to get pampered and I set off to the Old Town to explore. I had intended to see the one exhibition on show; a display of photographer Steve McCurry (famous for his Time cover entitled "Afghan Girl") and some of his works. Unfortunately I didn't know where to find it so settled for exploring the city and taking photos.
I accidentally discovered the Maritime Museum and so ventured in and checked out its history. Very cool; especially as Dubrovnik was pretty much built on its naval history and power.
Leaving the museum I also discovered the local drinking spot outside of the city walls called "Buža" which literally means "Hole in the wall" in the old language. To get there you have to walk through a hole in the outer walls of the city to a remarkable view. I made a note of how to get there and then left the city to meet Jess and Sarah at the bus stop by the Pile gate.
Unfortunately there was a bit of a mixup in meeting up with the girls once their treatments were done. What with us having no cellphone numbers in Croatia we had no way to contact one another and had agreed to meet at 4:30pm outside the city. They arrived just as I left meaning we missed each other and they only got back to the hotel and hour and a bit later. (It takes the bus around 15-20 minutes to get into town so on e there you may as well look around a little before returning).
Once we were all together again at the hotel we jumped back on a bus, returned to the city, and had a lovely seafood dinner at one of the cosy restaurants in one of Dubrovnik's charming back alleys.
We didn't get up to much, but it had been another awesome day on holiday.
#TwinsOnTour : Day 17
Our first full day in Dubrovnik! We slept in a little and just made it in time for the last hour of the free buffet breakfast the hotel offers. (A trend that would continue for the rest of the time we were here!)
Stocking up on the fried meat, cold meat, cereals, fruits and pastries on offer (an instant fave being Nutella and pancakes!!) we ducked out on the local bus into town, ready to explore.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is very beautiful. Walking along and around its streets is quite the adventure. I'm sure at the time most things were built for practical reasons and over time it has all become very romantic. It's almost difficult to describe, and definitely difficult to do when typing on a smartphone. (I certainly don't feel inspired on this thing - sorry) But its a marvelous place full of surprises and history and if you ever get the chance to explore an old city of several hundred years, then this should be one of them.
Leaving the city we ducked out to the local main harbour Gruž, as Sarah was looking for a costume, so we explored some shops, made our purchases and went back to the hotel. The water of the cove here on the hotel's beach looks very inviting - until you actually get a taste of the temperature - and then, not so appealing anymore! It's colder than a Cape Town beach in winter! Drakensburg river water cold! So we spent some time in the heated pool and ordered toasted sandwiches (what arrived was something altogether) and then spent the evening relaxing and enjoying the view.
With the remainder of our friends and family joining us in a few days time, we didn't immediately want to do any major big things until they arrived. So instead, we just enjoyed the slow leisurely pace of things after the constant running around that was our time in London.
Stocking up on the fried meat, cold meat, cereals, fruits and pastries on offer (an instant fave being Nutella and pancakes!!) we ducked out on the local bus into town, ready to explore.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is very beautiful. Walking along and around its streets is quite the adventure. I'm sure at the time most things were built for practical reasons and over time it has all become very romantic. It's almost difficult to describe, and definitely difficult to do when typing on a smartphone. (I certainly don't feel inspired on this thing - sorry) But its a marvelous place full of surprises and history and if you ever get the chance to explore an old city of several hundred years, then this should be one of them.
Leaving the city we ducked out to the local main harbour Gruž, as Sarah was looking for a costume, so we explored some shops, made our purchases and went back to the hotel. The water of the cove here on the hotel's beach looks very inviting - until you actually get a taste of the temperature - and then, not so appealing anymore! It's colder than a Cape Town beach in winter! Drakensburg river water cold! So we spent some time in the heated pool and ordered toasted sandwiches (what arrived was something altogether) and then spent the evening relaxing and enjoying the view.
With the remainder of our friends and family joining us in a few days time, we didn't immediately want to do any major big things until they arrived. So instead, we just enjoyed the slow leisurely pace of things after the constant running around that was our time in London.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
#TwinsOnTour : Day 16
The early morning wake up was brutal. I don't think any of us felt anything but half like a zombie, but the taxi was coming and we had no other choice to get to the airport on time, so we managed. Can't say that speeding along English roads in a taxi at 150mph didn't wake us up just a little!
At the airport we changed some cash for local Croatian currency and got some magazines and books for our holiday. There was vey little reading done on the plane as we were all too tired.
As this was our first flight on an EasyJet plane I will say that I was vey impressed with everything. Sure the little on-flight luxuries are now at a charge; but the service and crew were fantastic and the flight efficient and quick. With a short nodding off, we landed in Dubrovnik.
Approaching the airport we were treated to some amazing views out the airplane windows of the Dalmatian coastline. The mountainous hills of the area blocking off the views from the ground of the airport meant that we had to wait until the bus we were taking to the city got onto the coastline before we could truly appreciate the beauty of where we were. Rounding a bend and seeing Dubrovnik laid out before us was a special treat. I'd seen the same view on my computer desktop at work for so long that it almost seemed wierd to finally have it right in front of my eyes.
A short taxi ride later from where the bus dropped us off outside the Pile gate of the city (pronounced "Pee-leh") we were finally checked in at our hotel. The Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel is located just perfectly on the coast with the most amazing views of the ocean and islands.
Despite being exhausted we went for a walkabout and found ourselves on the pebble beach outside the hotel looking to try and get some lunch - seeing as all we'd had the whole day was a pastry at the airport at 5:30am! Everything was closed up and we had to wait a while before our chef was ready to cook us our burgers. But they got smashed!
Retiring to our rooms we all finally collapsed and napped for a couple of hours. Waking up after sunset we took a bus ride into the city and found ourselves at a restaurant right outside the old city walls. The area is quite the hustle and bustle even until late in the evening with tourists and locals alike flooding the area. It has quite the pleasant vibe.
Then it was back to the hotel on the reliable public transport bus and to a massive and comfortable bed.
At the airport we changed some cash for local Croatian currency and got some magazines and books for our holiday. There was vey little reading done on the plane as we were all too tired.
As this was our first flight on an EasyJet plane I will say that I was vey impressed with everything. Sure the little on-flight luxuries are now at a charge; but the service and crew were fantastic and the flight efficient and quick. With a short nodding off, we landed in Dubrovnik.
Approaching the airport we were treated to some amazing views out the airplane windows of the Dalmatian coastline. The mountainous hills of the area blocking off the views from the ground of the airport meant that we had to wait until the bus we were taking to the city got onto the coastline before we could truly appreciate the beauty of where we were. Rounding a bend and seeing Dubrovnik laid out before us was a special treat. I'd seen the same view on my computer desktop at work for so long that it almost seemed wierd to finally have it right in front of my eyes.
A short taxi ride later from where the bus dropped us off outside the Pile gate of the city (pronounced "Pee-leh") we were finally checked in at our hotel. The Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel is located just perfectly on the coast with the most amazing views of the ocean and islands.
Despite being exhausted we went for a walkabout and found ourselves on the pebble beach outside the hotel looking to try and get some lunch - seeing as all we'd had the whole day was a pastry at the airport at 5:30am! Everything was closed up and we had to wait a while before our chef was ready to cook us our burgers. But they got smashed!
Retiring to our rooms we all finally collapsed and napped for a couple of hours. Waking up after sunset we took a bus ride into the city and found ourselves at a restaurant right outside the old city walls. The area is quite the hustle and bustle even until late in the evening with tourists and locals alike flooding the area. It has quite the pleasant vibe.
Then it was back to the hotel on the reliable public transport bus and to a massive and comfortable bed.
Monday, May 21, 2012
#TwinsOnTour : Day 15
Sunday morning was a nice relaxed breakfast before heading off to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush. Jess and Sarah had fun shopping up a storm but I on the other hand was a bit disappointed with everything on offer; just not my style, and not for those prices either!
Then it was off to see our old friends Tyrone and Susan and the newest addition to their family, Megan. As they stay in Farborough, it was a long train ride away, and so unfortunately we couldn't stay as long as what we would have liked. Seeing our friends was a great way to catch up again, and all too soon we were back on the train home.
Once there we had to arrange everything for our trip to Dubrovnik the next morning. The worst part being that because our flight was so early we had to arrange a four o'clock in the morning taxi ride to the airport.
At one point we contemplated staying up the whole night, but sanity prevailed, and at midnight we hit the hay.
In just a few hour's time we would be in the "Jewel of the Adriatic!"
Then it was off to see our old friends Tyrone and Susan and the newest addition to their family, Megan. As they stay in Farborough, it was a long train ride away, and so unfortunately we couldn't stay as long as what we would have liked. Seeing our friends was a great way to catch up again, and all too soon we were back on the train home.
Once there we had to arrange everything for our trip to Dubrovnik the next morning. The worst part being that because our flight was so early we had to arrange a four o'clock in the morning taxi ride to the airport.
At one point we contemplated staying up the whole night, but sanity prevailed, and at midnight we hit the hay.
In just a few hour's time we would be in the "Jewel of the Adriatic!"
#TwinsOnTour : Day 14
Saturday was a busy day...! With a lot of catching up to do, there was a lot on the agenda.
We started off catching the relevant tubes to Baker Street and getting into Madame Tussaurds. What fun seeing all the celebrities up close and... waxy. Some of the statues were done extremely well, with some of the older ones showing a bit of age. What was really nice was seeing how tall some of the models were - I had no idea James Dean was so short! Also of note was the Marvel experience at Madame's. Lots of fun seeing characters from comics and film in front of you; and the 4D show was pretty good. (Why 4D I hear you ask? Go and see.)
Then it was off to the London Dungeon, with a quick lunch along the way at GBK. It was a pity I couldn't take any pictures inside the Dungeon. Having been once before when I was very small, I remembered some things about it, but there seemed to be a lot new as well. Makes sense seeing I was last there some 25 years ago! On the whole the experience was fun, but there are some areas that could do with improving.
Then it was he London Eye experience. That was something else. Seeing London from so high up was brilliant and scary - for me at least - all at the same time. Though the light was going down by the time we got there we still managed to get some great pics and views of the Thames and all of London it seemed!
Leaving the riverside we parted ways; Jess and Sarah were off to go watch "Legally Blonde" in Woking at the New Victoria Theatre, and Duncan and I were off to watch Chelsea play Bayern Munich in the UEFA Championship Final at a pub somewhere.
Whilst Duncs and I watched the - equally painful and enthralling - game of football at the Bedford Inn in Balham (proving ultimately to be rewarding as Chelsea won!) Jess and Sarah had a BLAST at their show, comic home later then the "boys" and singing show tunes the rest of the night.
It had been a really long day, and we were. Oth just so grateful that Jess had pulled through it all and kept herself together; ultimately proving that she had rounded the bend in her sickness and was fast on the mend - just in time for the next leg of our trip to Croatia.
We started off catching the relevant tubes to Baker Street and getting into Madame Tussaurds. What fun seeing all the celebrities up close and... waxy. Some of the statues were done extremely well, with some of the older ones showing a bit of age. What was really nice was seeing how tall some of the models were - I had no idea James Dean was so short! Also of note was the Marvel experience at Madame's. Lots of fun seeing characters from comics and film in front of you; and the 4D show was pretty good. (Why 4D I hear you ask? Go and see.)
Then it was off to the London Dungeon, with a quick lunch along the way at GBK. It was a pity I couldn't take any pictures inside the Dungeon. Having been once before when I was very small, I remembered some things about it, but there seemed to be a lot new as well. Makes sense seeing I was last there some 25 years ago! On the whole the experience was fun, but there are some areas that could do with improving.
Then it was he London Eye experience. That was something else. Seeing London from so high up was brilliant and scary - for me at least - all at the same time. Though the light was going down by the time we got there we still managed to get some great pics and views of the Thames and all of London it seemed!
Leaving the riverside we parted ways; Jess and Sarah were off to go watch "Legally Blonde" in Woking at the New Victoria Theatre, and Duncan and I were off to watch Chelsea play Bayern Munich in the UEFA Championship Final at a pub somewhere.
Whilst Duncs and I watched the - equally painful and enthralling - game of football at the Bedford Inn in Balham (proving ultimately to be rewarding as Chelsea won!) Jess and Sarah had a BLAST at their show, comic home later then the "boys" and singing show tunes the rest of the night.
It had been a really long day, and we were. Oth just so grateful that Jess had pulled through it all and kept herself together; ultimately proving that she had rounded the bend in her sickness and was fast on the mend - just in time for the next leg of our trip to Croatia.
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