Dubrovnik in 1.5 Miles

Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik (Croatia) definitely lives up to its nickname "Pearl of the Adriatic". With the sun shining bright, the sparkling reflection in the clear blue waters, I set out to get a glimpse of the historical town on Dubrovnik through a 1.5 mile climb of cobble stone steps that surrounds the Old Town of Dubrovnik.



For every step of the way, my attention was captured by the stunning coastal view. Just could not take my eyes away.



For those who lived in this small historic town, not all were gifted with the modern day technologies that we have become accustomed to. Therefore, the beautiful sunshine is the way to go when drying your wet laundry. Ain't no shame in granny panties!



With every step and turn, there was more sights, sounds and smells then I could possibly take in in a single moment. From olive trees growing in people's backyards, family gatherings with tables full of food, beautiful blue skies and fluffy white clouds, church bells ringing, to one of numerous stray kittens roaming the historic roof tops.







Of course, with the end of every trek comes the hunger pains that must be satisfied. I just could not leave this beautiful coastal town without having tried their local cuisine. And Croatia of course, is known for their fresh seafood. So this is what we settled on to satisfy our growling tummies.



Local oysters. Although fresh, they were a little salty for my liking. Was ever so slightly disappointed.



Braised octopus salad. Absolutely delicious. Tender braised octopus, fresh tomatoes, perfectly marinated locally grown olives. It just couldn't get much better. Light, fresh, simple, natural flavours. Left just enough room for what was to come....



A massive plate of fresh seafood and squid ink risotto. I dislike rice, but I'm a sucker for risotto. Now this, was perfectly cooked squid ink risotto with bits of tender squid mixed in. With a side of grilled prawns, squid, mussels and perfectly cooked fish, I found myself shovelling even the last grains of risotto into my mouth even though I was uncomfortably full. Justification, when am I ever get the opportunity to be in Croatia again with this delicious platter of goodness in front of me? Now or never, I have time to walk it off later. Satisfied and full, and 1/2 bottle of wine later, it was time to stumble my way back to the shuttle bus and back onto the ship. Until next time Croatia.

One hour in Venice

I have to say, after spending 6 months of almost 11hrs a day in the kitchen of one of the top restaurants in Toronto, I was definitely ready for a vacation. I was fortunate enough to be able to take a few extra days off in order to recover enough to play maid of honour duties for one of my best friend's weddings, and then to recover enough from that to handle my whirlwind tour of Europe.



After a 10hr flight and arriving in Venice early in the morning, I was exhausted. With 3 hrs between arriving at the airport and the ship leaving the dock, it didn't leave me much time to explore Venice. With departure time quickly approaching, I HAD to explore the city, even if it was just for a minute. I quickly checked my bags in with the ship, and off I went.



Right after getting off the water taxi, I stumbled into St. Mark's Square.



In the short timespan that I had, being a foodie, I went on a search for the best gelato I've ever had.



With gelato in hand, and the time ticking, it was time to run back and catch our boat before it left without us. Venice and it's stunning beauty of old buildings and waterways must be left to be explored next time. For now, this is the remainder of what I could capture in the limited time frame.