The city of Dubrovnik from Mala Petka - looking towards the old city
It’s not the fault of Dubrovnik as this is a beautiful city. But it does make more evident how much you enjoy a certain place because of the people you meet and the place you stay – all of them coming together to resonate with you. I really loved Kotor because of all of those things, similar to my experience in Melaka and Belgrade. But Dubrovnik is missing the mark for me.
The beautiful coast line that embraces Croatia`s archipeligo
The place I am staying it is not bad but it is a bit fragmented and I only get internet coverage sitting at one table where everyone is passing by so it is not the most gelling for my thinking and investigation. I am not really complaining but after the high of Kotor, it is a bit of a contrast and I found myself today just seeking solitude in the nearby city hills. I chose to put off the old city until tomorrow, even though I visited it last night. It is pretty robust with tourists and I just needed a break, I just wanted space and no people. And that’s what I got.
The top of a bunker I stumbled across
So I just headed towards the big green space as it was shown on the map and there were a couple of hill peaks identified. Well it was pretty good. Infact, as I was investigating all the little trails and such, I came across bunkers that I can only assume were used in the war of 1991 – 1992. They were pretty interesting. They were pretty unassuming from outside but you would see an opening and clearly manmade. Then as you got closer, you realized there was a building underground. There were quite a number of these and some more developed than others. Personally I could not imagine spending my time in them but war is a different world. Interestingly enough, I doubt you would suspect them from above.
Inside one of the bunkers
Which of course is a pretty stupid thing to say since the whole purpose of bunkers is to go undetected. I had fun finding them and climbing inside. I wished I had a flashlight so that I could see better. For the most part they were just small rooms and sitting quarters, but someone exploring the hill would certainly have been at a disadvantage.
The entrance to two different bunkers - one to the left and one to the right - can you spot them
In anycase, it was a good day of exercise and self reflection. A breather I needed to refocus and centre. Sometimes in ones travel, you meet such great people that you really click with and then you have to leave. The parting is consistent and is such sweet sorrow. It reminds one not to make too much of these things or to get too attached. As a solo traveller you are a nomad and everything that you encounter is just that – a passing encounter. Time to move on.
The beautiful blue waters - this is one spectacular coast.
You can’t constantly meet people with whom you have a lot in common – you have certainly been very lucky so far and I hope you will keep in touch with some of them.
True enough – not everyone is as nutty as me.
Hi Sara! I’ve just caught up with you as I do periodically and can’t believe how many places you have been and people you have met. What an incredible trip you are having. The photographs and descriptions are wonderful.
xo Annette
Hi Annette, thanks for dropping in. It has been a whirlwind – next off to Italy. Glad you are enjoying the entries.
Off to Italy – lucky you. Are you not house sitting there? Mum
Yup – I am house sitting but first I am going to the southeast to Alberobello, Matera and Lecce then to Rome and then to my house sit in Abruzzo.