Dubrovnik - 30 May

After breakfast it was back to the room to pack as this was our last full day on board. It hadn't been a shopping trip with lots of purchases, so thankfully everything still fitted in my suitcase without having to expand it, but it definitely heavier. chances are there is also extra baggage.... on my hips! The attempt at swimming this morning after breakfast, for those keen enough, was cut short due to the rope that our intrepid crewman swam to shore to tether around rocks either broke or came loose, which required the swimmers to come back on the boat after less than 10 minutes. I was happy reading and then playing Uno with Julie and Louise throughout the morning so simply shrugged my shoulders and thought 'shit happens'. Once again, a morning of lovely coastal scenery.

We arrived into Dubrovnik at lunch time. It is a pretty and busy place. As there were already 2 very large cruise ships berthed in prime positions, our little ship was tucked around the corner, under the bridge.

We had a 15 minute bus ride to the old city. I recalled being here 16 years ago, and it was raining so all the paths and steps were wet and slippery. Thankfully, today the sun shone brightly and it was about 26 degrees. There was to be no walking of the walls though, as it now cost 35 Euros to do so! Last time it was free. There is a cable car at the top of the hill which no doubt gives great views, but it isn't that easy to get to. Game of Thrones was filmed here,which means nothing to me, but we did do the Walk of Shame down the steps although I had my clothes on at all times!

Back on the coach to our ship where we had a rest until dinner time for our Farewell dinner. We were entertained by a couple of fellows who got into the Aussie spirit and had us singing along. Julie certainly sang with lots of gusto and enthusiasm, but not much in tune! I put myself to bed sbout 11, and Jukie reliably informed methat she got back to the room about 1am but I have to take her word for that as I was out for the count!

Vis to Korcula - 29 May

Engines started up at 5am this morning, so no opportunity for a sleep in. We arrived at Vis and as soon as breakfast was over we were on a coach for a drive around the island. I can see why it was chosen to film the Mama Mia 2 movie.

Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland. Before the end of World War I, the island was held by the Liburnians, the Republic of Venice, the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, and the Austrian Empire. In 1920, the island was ceded to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia as part of the Treaty of Rapallo. During World War II, the island was the headquarters of the Yugoslav Partisan movement. The airfield used by the Brits in their Hurricanes is still visible.

As the story goes, after the war a local went to Australia, married an Aussie girl, had 2 sins and they returned to Vis, bringing with them a love of cricket. Interest grew and cricket is still a favourite sport amongst the locals. The cricket pitch and score board could probably do with some t.l.c though.

The roads are very narrow and sharp turns so there were a lot of hairy moments on the bus versus cars coming in the opposite direction. Thankfully we weren't on the cliff edge side! Great views in every direction.

We stopped for a short while on the other side of the island. It was certainly a very popular spot.

Then time to get back to the ship to set sail for Korcula.

Lunch turned into a long and noisy affair for Julie and her drinking companions, whilst I was head hunted by the Viking to come and play 500 with her and 2 others. I did repeatedly tell them that I had never played 500 but 50 years ago used to play Euchre with my grandmother! After a couple of false starts playing the wrong card, I kind of got the hang of it. Incredibly Marise and I won which did nothing for the Viking's good humour! Not sure I will be asked to play again, te he he. We arrive at Korcula and there are a dozen boats already stacked against each other. We have to walk through 9 other boats to get on the dock! Depending on who you talk to, will determine if you believe that Korcula is the real birthplace of Marco Polo. We join a local guide to explore the city's maze of cobblestone medieval streets and elegant squares flanked by palaces of the old nobility.

There is a public holiday tomorrow for Corpus Christi, which means tonight is a free display of swordsmanship in the square. Not my cup of tea at all, so I'm happy to sit up on deck on my own, eating cheese and crackers, and drinking wine while watching the beautiful sun set.

Back in our cabin and I'm enjoying watching a movie sans Julie. Will have to think about getting the suitcase out again tomorrow as our cruise, and holiday is soon coming to a close. Sigh...