42:40.3N 18:01.7E

After leaving Cavtat we headed to Dubrovnik marina.  Since it is so close we took a side trip and anchored off an island in a small cove for lunch and a chance to relax.  I am glad we picked this cove since it was only a few miles from the marina and made a short dash when thunderclouds formed not too bad.  The marina is a ACI marina and is one of the better ones we have been to in many years.  Very nice berths, big swimming pool, fuel dock, grocery store, chandler, showers and laundry service.  It is a few kilometers out of the old town (Stari Grad) but taxis are usually at the marina waiting and the cost is 100 Kuna each way.

Formalities at the marinas are to give them the ship papers obtained at immigration.  The marina keeps them in case of police inspections and also to keep you from leaving without paying!  It all works very well and the staff is very helpful.

Dubrovnik is an old city that like Kotor is rebuilt to almost too perfect standards.  In Dubrovnik’s case it was not an earthquake but the 1990 war during the creation of the country.  Let’s say that the fighting is well noted but the destruction of the city from the bombing took a heavy toll.  Nearly everything has been restored except for a few places which they intentionally left destroyed as a memory.

As with other Dalmation cities Dubrovnik has a long history with many invaders and attempted invaders.  Its strong high walls and commercial strength gave it protection and autonomy for many years.  There is a nice walk around the city on top of the defensive perimeter walls.  At a reasonable pace it takes 1-2 hours but best be done in the morning before the heat.  There are a few cafes along the way to stop for some refreshment.

We spent two days in Dubrovnik and that is enough.  The town is not that big and generally geared toward tourism with huge crowds descending when the cruise ships disgorge their hordes.  Luckily they line up by the hundreds to get back on the shuttle boats to get the buffet lunch onboard the cruise ship leaving the city more open.

There are little vendors selling locally made items and Pat purchased a nice handmade embroidered table cloth for the boat.

We also tried to get a replacement iPhone for Pat when her phone decided to take a lethal dive down the steps on the boat.  Croatia is not fully ready for the EU.  Of course T-Mobile sells iPhones but require a mutli -year contract.  Importing a mobile phone or almost anything is very difficult.  Mostly they will send things back to the shipper when the reach customs.  Items like spare parts can be brought in but they will take about 5 days in customs.  Mobile phone are not considered spare parts for a boat.

I did get a Vodaphone internet key to get access to the internet without a problem.

Dubrovik Marina.  Croatia is a huge charter boat haven and this is just one of many marinas who have charter fleets.  Good entertainment to what them return and try to berth at the marina that has a current due to the fact it is on a river.

Old town Dubrovnik from the perimeter wall, note basketball court at bottom right.

Unrestored section.  Note satellite dish at bottom.  Almost every building has one, modern tech mixed with old restorations.

Cannon on perimeter wall and you figure out what the sign means.