How do I start this without getting too over-dramatic? Well, Dubrovnik might just be the loveliest place I have ever visited. Ever! I’m staying in Gruz which is docking-side of the harbour and from my room I have a spectacular view of the harbour, surrounding hills and the dramatic houses that speckle them. I’m on the top floor of a small apartment complex (Berkeley Hotel) and the room is perfect – a small kitchen, huge King size bed, balcony with setting and a great little bathroom. This all bodes well for my 5 night stay here. After a night of icing my leg I chance a walk into the city – on foot is the only way to see a place – and I set out early for the Old City that I’ve heard so much about.
On my amble through the streets I’m just in awe of this place. Where a house has fallen into disrepair instead of weeds springing up and taking root these ruins are covered in flowering Bougainvillea, Plumbago, Limes, Mandarin and Salvia all in bloom. This place is magic. Marbled staircases lead up and down to who knows where…a 1000 different places. Huge ornate iron gates hang awkwardly on their hinges, painted shutters sit lopsided on the exterior of houses, Pomegranate trees too laden with fruit are painfully bowed, shattered fruit at their bases…it’s all off centre but it’s perfect.
And then I see…Dubrovnik Old Town. After descending 1032 marbled steps I’m finally standing in front of Pile Gate (mind you with 3 cruise liners full of visiting tourists) and looking at the walls of the Old City. Without blinking I’m through the gates and off to the ticket desk to get on the Old City Wall Walk to see as much as I can. Once ascended to the rim of the City Wall I’m finally able to drink in all of this ancient Cities Roman splendour. Terracotta roofs slant this way and that. Streets go up and down for an eternity, cats sun themselves on window sills or in barely frequented courtyards, gekko’s scurry down baking hot walls and butterflies mill around lime and olive trees. This place is magic.
Eurovision Rating: Solo Female singer standing alone – no backing dancers, no gimmicks. Dangerous move – the song has to do the talking. Powerful ballad with a killer key change and enough passion and umph to get the crowd frenzied. Qualifies for final. Finishes Top 3.
Tomorrow: Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
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