Dubrovnik - 'Our Croatia'

I must be hanging out with too many male friends. All I could see in this view was Sophia Loren!  As in her boobs, with a cleavage. Haha

On the way to Dubrovnik, lunch was a pit stop at Gastro Mare, along the west shore in Kobas.  We indulged in a seven-course gourmet meal over a bottle (or two...) of Croatian wine. The husband and wife chefs left us gobsmacked through and through.

                       The deconstructed Apple Struddle


The conversation at lunch was over a book Daren was reading, 'Cyber Gypsies', about people who break into the cyber world.
"They hardly sleep, these hackers," Daren continued. "As behind a computer, they could be working round the clock, there's a working hour in some part of the world at any time.  Sitting mostly in darkness, in front of a screen."
He then said: "People build strange caves to live in."

The gourmet dining left us obliged to undergo significant exercise.  
The charming crew of boys got out the toys.  Ernest was keen to wakeboard, Torsten was manoeuvring in the skies, Daren was seen almost flying on the power boat, and I asked the crew's youngest member to show me the jet ski.  Before getting on, I said:
"Cheri, why did you give me an L/XL jacket in bright pink?  Guess it must be the boobs!"
Kelly and Ernest laughed while the boy gave me a cheeky smile.  After a few fast runs on the machine, I approached The Boat and asked if Kelly would like to join me?
Between the cute Frenchi or moi choice, Kelly opted to go with me.  I was flattered.  As she got on behind, I gripped the accelerator, and we began screaming at the top of our voices in that tranquil surround.  Flying high in spirit ...  In total freedom.  A sudden splash of water from the speed boat driven by another crew hit us in the face as he deliberately did a fast turn right next to us.  Cheeky!  But it was fun.
We next turned our way towards Ernest, with the wakeboard on, waiting in the indigo sea to be pulled and began singing the Hawaii Five-O music aloud.  Nah nah nah nah na na ...  The thrill of speed and fun keeps us young.

The night was spent at sea, under the stars.

Our last day was a long promenade in the afternoon through Dubrovnik, an absolutely charming fortress.  The back streets, filled with restaurants, shops, and sights, are no wonder George Bernard Shaw baptised it as 'The Pearl of the Adriatic'. The Dubrovnik Walls are most impressive.  We strolled down the streets and began climbing the stairs, which encircled much of the city.  Those gleaming marble streets lined with baroque buildings.  We finished our three-hour tour at sunset and returned to our hideaway in the comfort of our habitat.

          

                  

               

There was a guillotine sitting amongst flowering plants.

 
                  

 

              

What I remember most about this magical holiday is all the smiles I encountered.  Ernest was superb in the way he made sure we all enjoyed every second of our time together.  It is not easy embedding an ensemble of people together, who could be so well fitted for a journey, as synchronised ...  In harmony.  Gracias mi amor.  In other words, thanks, my love.

Now, back at home in London, things are moving fast.  
Al was in town after Hvar, and we met up with a couple of his witty friends over a cocktail at the Connaught Bar.  It was the first time we talked about getting to know one another.  What an absolutely 'special' man.  Another person I would happily put on my list of 'Super Cool People'.
We headed to the outdoor smoking area for a cigarette at midnight before heading our way.  As we stood chatting, two girls walked past when one of the girls, blonde and slender, pulled her trendy, black framed, school teacher glasses down, looked at me and said:
"I know you.  We've met in Fabric."
Amused, I looked at her with a lifted eyebrow, trying to recognise that exciting look, and said: "Well, that would be quite possible."  
She smiled, then continued: "You know how I remember you?  I'm reading your blog!"

The surprise, not only on my face but on the faces of my new friends, was a treasure.  I guess there is no higher ecstasy for a writer than to be read.  
Oh!  And ...  Clarissa darling, I can't wait to meet you adequately at my next party ...  Soon.

And why 'Our Croatia'?  
We enjoy the delights of each city 'with' the people we share it with; hence, each city becomes ours for our time there.