Day 38 - Tuesday 7th June 2005

Took the coast road to Dubrovnik, narrow and winding with sheer drops to the Adriatic, stopped for a couple of photo opportunities.  Some crazy drivers too.   We had to jam on our brakes in a tunnel when someone overtook a bus and just missed us.  Scary stuff.  Not much regard for speed limits or passing rules.  We arrived in Dubrovnik and went in search of accommodation, drove around the town a couple of times til we managed to find a parking spot.  The local tourist bureau arranged things for us and the owner, Ivan, came down and guided us back to our apartment.  It's beautiful, spacious with a great view, lovely gardens and about 2 minutes from the old town and about 1 minute from the beach.  We settled in and went down to the old town.   Amazing place, very busy.  We had some lunch at a restaurant up one of the little side alleys and then went for a walk along the ramparts.   They are about 2km long with spectacular view of the town and the surrounding countryside.  The roofs of the old town are mostly covered in new bright red tiles following the bombardment during the war in the early 90s.  Weather very hot so we had a refreshing drink under an umbrella in the main street and watched the people go by.  Dinner was at a little restaurant just a couple of doors away, recommended by Ivan.  We had a seafood platter which was marvellous.  A couple of Dutch friends helped us enjoy the night.  The drinks started with a complimentary grappa, which was extraordinarily powerful, laced with battery acid and rocket fuel, and a nice local white wine.