Croatia; part 1 – Dubrovnik
After a rocky start, online check-in declaring one of the two passports having expired by two days, things were looking up. We had got through baggage check-in and for the first time in my adult history, I was well under the allowance. I almost fainted. We then managed to board, not noticing while dutifully duty free shopping that our gates were about to close in ten minutes. 
I’d be lying if I said we didn’t pretty much run to gate 38. But we made it and that was all that mattered. That and the cold bottle of champers we simply had to have in flight, as a reward for such pre-holiday tizz.
I couldn’t wait to get off the plane, waiting for the warm air to wrap itself around us in a welcoming embrace, whisking us through the last bits of flight admin and on to Dubrovnik Old Town.
Dusk held the skies in its firm grasp and an impressive burnt orange sunset was magnificently sinking beyond the mountains. Hues of purple and royal blue merging above us. Twinkling lights guiding us along the steep coastal path to our picturesque destination.
We got off the bus at Pile Gate, the main gate into the old town. Crossing the drawbridge into the fort, I remembered reading somewhere that back in the day the Prince himself would raise this bridge of an evening and keep the key on him. A well protected town with high city walls.
As you enter the old town from the Pile Gate you find yourself on the Placa or Stradun, basically the main strip. The floor is shiny and reflects the lighting of the stunning listed buildings on either side of this high street. Ice cream seems ‘a thing’ here and tourists and locals alike are happy taking a stroll with large creamy balls of ice in their hands and wide sparkly eyes and smiles on their faces. (Italy is just across the sea)
Three or so streets to the left and we were on the lane that led, steeply, to our first abode. Our host came to greet us and politely offered to carry our cases. Eeek. I felt so guilty. I could barely carry mine, the wheels were the win, however two cases? Up 60 or more stone steps.. I bet he was bed-bound for a few days after, not that it showed. This small winding street was decorated with European greenery and twinkling lights, and bore a magical backdrop for our two nights here. 
The house was two tiered, bedroom and bathroom downstairs and tree-house ladder-like steps up to the kitchen, lounge and dining table. Traditional decor and spacious. We quickly showered and scrubbed up and headed out into the town.
The Placa was filled with happy holidaymakers and locals as we strolled down it hours later, admiring the shops and the old buildings. Croatia were playing their deciding game in the group stages of the World Cup that night and the air was filled with eager anticipation, the bars with chequered red and white shirts.
We settled on a restaurant past the first church, set in a lovely little square. Going by the fact it was busy we thought it ought to be good. It was. Stuffed squid and garlic and lemon pork were our mains, served with a ridiculous amount of potatoes and really good local wine. Croatia sadly didn’t beat Mexico, however they did win us over with their friendly locals and chilled out vibes.
The next day we were up to walk the city walls. These run round the entire town and boast spectacular views. Truly spectacular. The red roofs being a favourite of mine. A kind of asymmetric attention holder. Including two old men happily working on their roof with no health and safety of any kind in practice. Terrifying.
Following the walls we had lunch in the harbour. Lusting after the boats and settling on mussels and a seafood pasta. 
This did us nicely until we headed to East meets West Beach Club where we splashed out for a luxury sun bed and dozed off listening to some laid back beats. A swim woke us up, freezing compared to the sublime heat melting us into our mattresses. A glass of crisp white followed and we were definitely on holiday.
Once the sun had gone behind the mountain the beach began to clear, so reluctantly we made our way back to our home up in the heights and began the evening prep once more.
For dinner we returned to a restaurant above the harbour, looking down on all the boats with a fantastic clear view. A large pine tree sat in the middle, using the foliage as a roof, and curtains adorned the railings, giving this place a homely touch. 
Both agreed on fish we opted for monkfish wrapped in prosciutto and sea bass, filleted spectacularly in front of us. Drinking a local white wine, similar to a Sauvignon, we mulled over our lives and truly let go of London life.
Midnight cocktails in the square followed dinner, with a fantastic Croatian band providing the soundtrack. Sleepy from the day’s events and sun’s side effects, we retired, ready to check out the following day for our coach to our next destination; the port of Split.
Whose Boots Are Those Shoes? 
Can’t wait to read about Spit 🙂 sounds like you had an amazing time!