Since I blogged last I have spent the majority of my time on a sailing boat, sailing around the southern islands of Croatia. Housing 38 passengers and 6 crew 'Cicero' is the biggest of the Fanatics fleet and could certainly saw the best and worst of us travellers over the course of the 7 day trip. On our round trip from Split we stopped at Markaska, Mjlet, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Vella Luca and Hvar. Spending a night at each of these spots we were able to explore the busy contrasted with the tranquil and everything in between.
For the first 5 days we were blessed with amazing sunny weather allowing for sun bathing and swimming during the day followed by dinner at a restaurant and parties most nights. Early on in the week we turned part adrenalin junkies as we went white water rafting just outside of Omis. Now I wouldn't go saying that these were waterfalls or anything remotely close but for someone looking to take in the scenes and get a little bit of excitement along the way it was the perfect afternoon. Some walked away with some bruises (thanks Shelley!) others sore arms from the paddling but most were content with a very nice afternoon.
Most mornings we were blessed with the wake up call of the boat dropping anchor signalling a morning swim in some secluded bay. For those with a rather sore head from the night before this provided a great way to freshen up while others worked on their acrobatics off the top railing of the boat. By far my favourite stop of the trip was Dubrovnik. Not knowing much about the city before we stopped I fell in love with the Old Town, surrounded by a massive wall and flanked by amazingly blue water on one side and mountains on the other. Smooth marble stones pieced together roads for the thousands of tourists who wanted to explore the little alleyways which always held something knew, a cafe, a bar which doubled as a 'beach', bucket bars or ice-creameries. Wherever you walked there was always something knew to find. This was the scene of the groups biggest night of the trip, as well as a picnic which Aaron and I shared with Adrienne, Chris and Shelley overlooking the boats moored at the marina.
Come Thursday we were on our way to Hvar (after stops at the little towns of Vella Luca and Korcula) and we were unfortunate to come across a bad patch of weather. The rough seas mixed with a stint of food poisoning from the night before didn't lead to an enjoyable day and forced us to dock on the far side of the island on which Hvar is situated. Consequently I was unable to get to see Hvar which was quite disappointing as those who had been on the trip previously or to Croatia before raved about the city. It just means I'll have to go back sometime!
The last two days Aaron and I have gone back to being the typical backpacker tourist, trying to cram as much sightseeing into the smallest timeframe. Yesterday's highlight was definitely La Sagrada Familia, a cathedral designed by Gaudi which is still under construction. If you're not sure what I'm talking about Google it because it is amazing. The amount of thought and detail put into each specific part of that building is astonishing and provides for possibly my favourite building of the trip, and it's STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION! We also ventured to Park Guelle which overlooks the city and provides for some great pictures, the old town and the cathedral.
This morning we were off to Park Nou, home of Barcelona Football Club and the biggest stadium in Europe holding just under 100,000 people. Unfortunately there isn't a game on while we were here but seeing the history and stadium itself was more than enough to keep us happy.
Tomorrow we are off to Madrid before flying to Berlin later in the week. Hard to believe this time in two weeks I'll be on a plane home!Until next time,
Watch this space,
Dillon
No comments:
Post a Comment