Christmas & New Year wishes

Time to fly to England today (land of the snow and chilly weather!). Will try and post during the Christmas holidays, if not, will be back in the new Year - with more exciting photos of the beautiful azure Croatian coastline!

Am I mad to change?

From this .... to this! Here is the snowy scene sent by mobile from my friend in Brighton today, just where I am heading to on Sunday. Yes our Dubrovnik temperatures have dropped somewhat this week with the cold north wind, but to be experiencing snow soon is a shuddering feeling. At least British Airways are not on strike now, so air travel plans should be fine.

No electricity!

Tuesday evening 7.30pm ... clack ... no electricity! There had been a big fire at the electricity station, and the whole of the Dubrovnik region was in darkness. Fortunately I had candles and torches, but it was getting mighty chilly! Early to bed. We don't have gas pipes in Dubrovnik so rely heavily on electricity. For my area the electricity came on late last night, so over 24 hours (spanning 2 evenings) of cold. Strange to see Dubrovnik in complete darkness. They are predicting more cuts too before the week is out.

Winning Ticket ...

Monday evening I was invited to the Foreign Circle Christmas party in Dubrovnik. Approx 100 people attended the party with drinks and food in abundance. Met lots of people through both business and friendship. A raffle was held with fabulous prizes ... and I won one! Two nights bed and breakfast sea view room at the 5 star Hotel Radisson Blu! OK so the hotel's only 20 minutes down the road, but will be a great weekend break next year. Photo Mark Thomas

No to blue houses!

I received a shock today: driving through my favourite little village near to Dubrovnik where the detached family houses are attractive with well-tended gardens, I turned a corner and came across this! Yes, I like the colour blue, but please, not for a house!

Dubrovnik today

"Let me just pull over, I'm driving in snow ..." No, not me, the client I had called in Sweden today. I had just taken this photo from the viewpoint at 1030am, a picture postcard December day with the islands in the background, blue sky and sunshine. Temp about 13c/55f but the sun made it warmer. Anyone holidaying in Dubrovnik now will be very happy indeed!

Friends always turn up just at the right time with flowers! It was lovely of Vesna to give me a little bouquet on Friday as a belated birthday present (er ... was 3rd November!). They brightened my day up no end and now look great in the apartment this weekend. Thanks! xx

Red sky at night ...

In Britain the old rhyme "Red sky at night; shepherds delight. Red sky in the morning; shepherds warning" means what it says (and can sometimes refer to sailors as well as shepherds). However, in Croatia it is the other way around! I jumped up when I saw the sky a crimson red getting deeper and deeper ... The delights of winter sunsets. Umbrella tomorrow.

Beautifully restored 18th century villa

Love the turquoise shutters!

Grey in the bathroom is fabulous

Traditional wooden flooring

Modern mixed with traditional

Clear uncluttered bedroom, and double doors

Spacious attic room with en suite bathroom

Here's the grey bathroom again

Peaceful patio

Interesting artwork on the landing to create interest

Attractive courtyard surrounded by lavendar ...

I know several people who read Azure Croatia have an interest in interiors (all my other favourite blogs have the interior theme). Although my blog is to air my ideas/views/ surroundings I couldn't help but post this today. I have been working on some properties in the Istrian area - north of Croatia. Properties are quite different in Istria to the ones in Dubrovnik as it is usual in the north to always have fireplaces, central heating, and all insulation from the cold. They always get snow whereas Dubrovnik gets snow once every 45 years (once being Feb 2008). This property is a beautifully restored 18th century villa in Motovun, a fashionable town, famous for its annual film festival. Three bedrooms, and very stylish, the property caught my attention. source.

From Alaska to Croatia

From Alaska to Croatia (and around the world inbetween). Many people ask how I met my man as he is Croatian and I am British. "I met him in Alaska". Back in 1996 on Cunard's Crown Dynasty we met whilst working on the ship and berthed in Juneau. The ship had 300 crew and about 28 were Croatian, and half of these originated from Dubrovnik. Alaska has breathtaking scenery, incredible glaciers (which you can walk on), clear unpolluted air, stunning natural landscapes, and magical sunsets, never mind watching up close the beauty of the whales, bears and abundant wildlife.

First holiday abroad to Yugoslavia/Croatia

My first holiday abroad (apart from school trips to France) was in 1979 with my parents and sister. We travelled to what was then Yugoslavia, with the popular tour operator "Yugotours". Our hotel for the fortnight was Hotel Belvedere in Medulin, near Pula, Istria. I have great memories of the holiday and I think I have still got "souvenirs" from 30 years ago (simple things like wine labels, menus, printed serviettes, tic-tac boxes etc). I remember being dragged round an ancient Roman ampitheatre, not a great day out for a youngster. Is it fate that years on, I am now living here in Croatia, albeit in the south of the country?

Hotel Dubrovnik, England

Back in the early 1980's my parents sold the family home (I come from a large family of 7 and numbers were dwindling as we began leaving the nest). A few years later on the house was bought by a Croatian family as their primary residence. My parents moved back to the Drive and bought the house next door. The Croatian family's business was a few miles down the road; a hotel called Dubrovnik Hotel. My sister even had her wedding reception at the hotel in '91. Today the privately owned Dubrovnik Hotel continues to flourish and promotes itself as Bradford's Premier Boutique Hotel. So, is it fate that I should be now living in Dubrovnik? All those years ago I never thought that I would be living in the country of origin of my neighbours.

Blue moon month

December is the month of "the blue moon". The popular definition means it is the 2nd full month to occur in one calendar month. One full moon was this morning, 2nd Dec, and the other will be New Year's Eve, 31st Dec at 7.11pm GMT. On average there will be 41 months with 2 full moons per century or once every 2 and a half years ..... once in a Blue Moon! The skies here in Dubrovnik tend to be quite good for watching out for stars and the moon, so will be on the lookout for the blue moon at the end of the year (champagne in hand!).

Welcome to December ...

Last Saturday I watched BBC World's interesting "Hot Cities" about climate change and the fact that hurricanes and flooding around the world are increasing (apparently NYC is threatened to be at risk of flooding!).

For the last 24 hours we have endured a vicious coastal storm - winds up to 110km (directed straight at my apt, I am sure!). I thought my windows would blow in, so spent a sleepless night wandering the apt considering if I should bed down in the living room. Every storm seems worse than the one the previous year. By 4pm today, a sliver of sunshine showed through, but by 4.15pm for sunset - it was gone. These photos show nothing, if there was sound - it would be deafening. Ah memories of living on the coast in summertime ...

Before & after, stone house restoration II

This shows a marvellous renovation of a house I sold 3 years ago, located on The Stradun (main promenade) of the Old Town, Dubrovnik, indicating what can be done with a centuries old property. The whole house of just 77m2 was totally gutted including ceilings/floors which were re-aligned as previously the 1st floor was barely 6ft high and the second floor was very high. Now it's an impressive 3 bedroom house for rental, right in the heart of the historical medieaval city.
Before - second floor bedroom

After - converted to the open-plan living room/kitchen

After - another view of the high ceilings in the open-plan living room

Before - first floor bedroom, with low ceilings

After - first floor bedroom with en suite bathroom, with higher ceilings

Before - attic

After - bedroom with twin beds, great for the kids

Before - 3rd floor kitchen

After - 3rd floor bedroom with en suite bathroom

Before - first floor bedroom, with low ceilings

After - first floor bedroom with en suite bathroom

Before - second floor bedroom, with high ceilings

After - second floor, now living room

Before - bathroom

After - bathroom

Before - a stairway

After - stairway remodelled!

After - stairway remodelled, showing other side of living area

The Stradun, the same now as it was centuries ago ..... unchanged! The marble slabs were laid in 1468!

French porcelain votive lights

During winter I always have lots of candles around the living room in the evening. The favourites are the above Bernardaud porcelain votive lights. One of the leaving gifts from my time at sea (well chosen by the Captain's wife!) was the "bouquet of roses" light. We found the "sailboats" in Little Switzerland, St Maarten to add to the collection. The exquisite detail is illuminated when a tea-light is placed inside. Dozens of scenes exist: New York, Paris, Orchids, Japanese Gardens, Humming birds, Chicago .... even golf. See here.

Moving to Croatia, 2003

'Twas a cold and frosty morning, way back in November 2003. Moving from Mallorca to Croatia this photo was taken somewhere in Italy along the way. Can you believe we came here with our "life" jam packed into the car. Now when customs at the Slovenian border wanted us to remove everything .... I had a British hizzy fit and the customs waved us through!

6 years ago today .... Dubrovnik!

I was reminded that today's the day SIX years ago when we arrived in Dubrovnik. Coming by jeep from Mallorca to set up home. Since leaving England in 1987, Croatia is the longest time for me to ever live in one place. Must be the views, people, wine, food, coastline, clear seas, climate, safety, friends .... which are keeping me here. I have some photos from the early days on another computer which I will dig out soon.

Looking through the window, I can see ...

Wow, what a view looking down upon Dubrovnik's Old Town

Enjoy a coffee on the balcony looking towards the Medieaval Old Town

Derelict house aching to be renovated with a view onto islands

Year round enjoyment overlooking the bay, a safe-haven for sailors

The Jadrolinja ferry heading to the islands

View onto islands

Views of the bay from your living room window

View onto superyachts gracing the bay in summer.

Wake up to this glorious beach view

View of the small bay for fishing boats with the town beyond

Building the balcony with the picture-postcard view of Dubrovnik!

Shady terrace overlooking the sea and islands

Imagine having breakfast on the balcony with these terrific views

Attractive arched terrace towards the islands

A quiet corner for reflection ... overlooking one of the greatest Medieaval Old Towns in the world!

Here are a selection of photos, within a 30km radius of Dubrovnik, all with spectacular views, looking through the windows ...

Africa in Dubrovnik

Here's one of the "kittens" - nearly 6 years old! Called Africa she's a little timid, but loving when she wants to be. She enjoys the balcony every day looking out for birds, insects, flying fish and bats!

Sunsets galore

Previous week's sunset with heavy rain clouds on horizon

I've been "missing" for a week as home laptop connection failed since last Saturday. Back on track now. Experiencing fabulous sunsets every afternoon - this week the sky was purple. Great to have daily temps of 20 degrees too.

Saga Rose in Dubrovnik

7 o'clock this morning, the start of a glorious sunny day. The horn of a ship woke me up, together with a voice on the tannoy to the passengers (so loud, so early!); the dulcet tones I recognised to be that of Captain David Warden-Owen, a captain I worked for on Cunard Dynasty in 1996. The sound easily travelled across the sea to the shore as the air was still. The Saga Rose is on her final Mediterranean tour before retiring end of the month having been built in 1965. I nipped outside onto the balcony in pyjamas to take the photo. All the best to the Captain if he is reading this!

Mosaic Art

Since I posted about Sonia King's fabulous mosaic art, I have been taking more of an interest in the new style of custom mosaics that are around. Now modern technology allows a glass-mosaic mural to be made of any .jpeg you have. The possibilities are endless. See here.

source: materialicious, glass decor

Before & after, stone house restoration

Here we have a typical restoration of an ancient stone property here in Dalmatia. This house I sold 2 years ago to one of our discerning clients and has undergone a spectacular renovation ... small and cute (like a Gingerbread House in the children's stories) with a "secret garden" once through the wooden doors into the high-walled courtyard. Magical! Enjoy the photos.

This centuries old stone property is well located, frontline in a gorgeous resort here in Dalmatia. The house still remains a two bedroom residence but now has en suite bathrooms, living room with exposed stone walls and authentic wooden beams, dining room, kitchen and guest w.c. The walled private garden with numerous original stone features includes; columns, benches and a real wishing well (with water!). The view above shows the covered afresco dining area with bbq and stone seating - perfect for chillier days with a real fire, wine and fabulous friends! Delightful!

Fabulous Friday

As our Dubrovnik streets are awash with torrents of water from non-stop rain today, I have found a fabulous dream house to take my mind away from raging seas in front of mine! Sourced from the sites Materialicious / The Coolist, this architectural gem called The Riverhouse is located in Niagara, USA. Its limestone, Brazilian teak and silver metal exterior enhances the sleek, comfortable and contemporary interior. If money wasn't a problem - my kind of house!

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

We met our good friend yesterday who used to work at the Villa Dubrovnik before it closed two years ago to undergo a complete renovation. Relaunching in mid 2010 as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the new Villa Dubrovnik will be a marvellous contemporary hotel with 56 luxury residence units. Located on the edge of Adriatic with world class views of Dubrovnik Old Town the exclusive hotel will be one to watch for sure.

Autumn in Croatia

Source: Croatia Tourist Board - Slano

Source: me!

31st of October, today - going into another month tomorrow. I took some Russian clients to look at frontline properties in Slano this morning, this bay is about 30km north of Dubrovnik. The sunset from my balcony was again good (pity my photo isn't!) at 4.41pm, the days are slipping away. We don't have Halloween as such in Croatia, but I've enjoyed reading all the American blogs with their colourful photos. Must find pumpkin!

Dubrovnik treasures

Petra, Aqaba, Jordan

Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Dubrovnik

I was in the Old Town this morning, and to reach my destination I had to pass this magnificent church, the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Not being religious myself I would normally walk on by, but the weather, lack of tourists and peacefulness made me notice the baroque church more than usual. Looking back and seeing the church through a side street reminded me of my time in Petra, Jordan seeing the marvellous sight there of the Al Khazneh, "The Treasury".

From Dawn to Dusk

Autumn is a fabulous time of year for sunrises and sunsets - with little humidity. Today has been no exception. Sunset is approx 4.45pm now, very early! I love to be on the balcony at this time, tea in hand to watch the sun dip into the Adriatic. After last Friday's deluge of rain it's great to get back to 21 deg. / 70 deg. temperatures again. Hope this lasts into November - my birthday month!

Where I'd like to be ...

I took a photo from the balcony today, but makes for a depressing sight; grey low clouds, huge waves crashing, strong wind, lashings of rain etc. So, rather than using that I prefer this inspiring photo, above, of the days of summer instead. Not sure of the source of photo, but looks like Croatia with the pine trees and islands.

A coincidental day

I had the delight to meet 8 very good friends of my NYC friend yesterday. Nancy Brookes is a cruise booking agent (formerly of Cunard shop 555 5th Ave) and her fabulous friends came to Dubrovnik on a cruise. Terrific people, know more terrific people! They had booked 4 penthouses on the Nautica ship. After enjoying a 2 hour guided tour of the Old Town we ate at the top Nautika restaurant. I noticed that one of the gents had a jacket made by the brand Nautica. Too many coincidences! A wonderful group of friends who are having the time of their lives cruising around Europe!

Azure Maldives

Today I would like to be in Azure Maldives, rather than Azure Croatia .... our temperatures have plummeted and the rain/wind is a-plenty. I received an email from my friend Petra who works on this glorious island of Kuredu in the Indian Ocean. She always manages to send a message at the "right time", just when it is blowing a gale or snowing here. Will batten down the hatches tonight. Petra and Marc are just completing their own dive base on an island which takes 10 mins to walk around, opening 1st Jan 2010. She spent an hour reading my blog, appreciated!

Beautiful ...

Here is one of the most beautiful photos I've seen for a long time. Photo taken by John Paul Urizar in Australia and sourced via House of Turquoise. Gorgeous colours. On a day like today in Croatia with heavy grey skies and abundant rain, I was delighted to come across this.

Modern glamour, traditional setting

I was asked to visit a renovated Dubrovnik villa today to write a description in english for future rental. Wow, I was not prepared for this! Immaculate villa throughout, with top quality handcrafted work re-creating the traditional property as it once was, exuding modern glamour! Absolute gorgeousness everywhere. Words are tumbling out of me to write "a suitable" description, so I will sit quietly with a glass of wine, and begin ... 4 bedroom villa with pool ...

Autumn's on its way ...

Saturday my friend was swimming, today we are wearing boots! Yes, the weekend brought a turn in the weather and a dip in the temps. Still blue sky and sunshine, but a cold raw north wind. What to wear? Long sleeves? Short sleeves? Inbetween days this week. Jumpers at the ready.

Sunrises and friendships

Sunrise Costa Blanca, 5th Oct 2009

Sunrise Costa Blanca, 5th Oct 2009

Sunrise Dubrovnik 5th Oct 2009

How many times do you think of someone from your past, and even talk of them, then within less than 48 hours they are in touch? Well Saturday I was talking about my former bank manager at Banco Santander in Mallorca and yesterday Lesley emailed me these beautiful sunrise photos. Lesley and Ron moved to mainland Spain in 2002 so it has been a full 7 years since I have seen them. Also coincidentally I took my own sunrise photo yesterday though from the seaside - all calm and tranquil at 0730am. Long may these 23c / 73f temps continue!

Holiday Time

I am packing for a journey/voyage/adventure for the following week so will not be posting til after next weekend ... which will bring us into October, the months are flying.

Dalmatians in Dalmatia

The Dalmatian dog is widely associated with the region of Dalmatia here in Croatia (where Dubrovnik is located) although the exact origin remains unknown. An interesting fact is that Dalmatian puppies, normally 8 in a litter, are born white, and the spots appear over the first few weeks of the puppies lives.

Residence named after me

I came across a beautiful frontline residence on the internet called Villa Mandy. As it's one I have for sale, I was shocked, surprised and intrigued to learn of this new name so asked the seller. Yes, he had changed the name from his son to Mandy - perhaps appeals more to foreigners! As it's marketed for more than half a million euros ... I can't complain, and am flattered. Good karma! Must sell.

Late afternoon sunshine

Autumn seems to be closing in now with dusk being earlier every night. The legendary tall ship Sea Cloud came sailing past at 5.30pm and into a fabulous sunset on her way to Venice. By 7.30pm we had darkness! Daily temps are still 28c/82f, blue skies and sunshine with tourists continuing to enjoy the beaches.

Ligne Roset

One company I love is Ligne Roset. Their newsletter arrived in my inbox today promoting their new 2010 collection. Although the photo above is a little stark, the azure blue colour for their "Confluences" sofas I love, and I think all the blue combinations would look great together in my beach house. I have admired their products for many years and one day will succumb to buying something! The capital, Zagreb, sells Ligne Roset too (called Proning, no website).

Dubrovnik's newest resort hotel

I have returned this afternoon from the 5 star Radisson Blu resort and spa hotel 15 minutes drive north of Dubrovnik showing my American friends around the resort. Pure gorgeousness everywhere! We discovered the Indian restaurant (one to try for sure) and asked to see an apartment interior. Very well planned throughout. Just as we were leaving at sunset, candles were just being lit on the terraces. Delightful. More photos here and here.

Lunch with the Captain ...

I was thrilled today to meet up with an old "ship matey" from nearly 10 years ago. Even more so as just 2 weeks ago Cunard announced that Chris was appointed as the Master of the new Queen Elizabeth, due Nov 2010. Since I left Cunard in 2000 Chris has been Captain on many of the ships with Cunard and P&O, and currently with P&O Oriana (see photo), but to hear the news is excellent. Any Captain's time ashore is limited, so to have 2 1/2 hours to show Chris Dubrovnik and have lunch was a challenge, but I managed. Congratulations!

Colourful entrance

I love this photo from the Baotic Yachting website. First of all I love bourgainvillea growing anywhere, looks very welcoming and cheery - then the delicate light blue painted door and window. The renovated stone cottage could be anywhere in Croatia, but especially coastal and probably the photo is taken on one of the islands.

Small ship cruising with country house style

click photos to enlarge

I must be the resident "ship/yacht spotter" of Dubrovnik! Everytime I set foot onto the balcony a vessel of some kind cruises past. Yesterday MV Minerva of Swan Hellenic came by. A lovely looking ship (with Cunard colours ha ha, navy hull and red waterline stripe). 350 passengers and 160 crew. A British cruise line going back 50 years but reading the history seems to have been bought up by the big conglomorates, only to be returned to Swan Hellenic in 2008. Cute ship.

If I had a yacht ...

Photos in a Croatian yachting magazine yesterday caught my eye for the interior. Superb! Not the usual interior boating colours, but look great and certainly ones to remember, when I get my yacht ... ha ha! This boat is a Sealine SC47 Luxury Sports Cruiser. Sealine is a British company founded over 30 years ago. Of course Edin would prefer a yacht with a mast .... men! See more here.

Before & after. From wreck to wow!

My client/friend from Vancouver who bought a tiny 28m2 one room studio apartment here, had the vision to do something special. It also helped for her to collaborate with an Aussie renovator who does the best reno's in town. By opening up the roof space, and losing the balcony, the apartment is now 40m2 and features the best materials throughout. Sydney style loft in Dubrovnik!

Island Hopping

Here's a fabulous aerial photo of Sipanska Luka, the bay favoured by the yachting fraternity, on the island of Sipan. This Elaphiti island is just off Dubrovnik and has approx 50 cars, which is a lot, compared to Lopud and Kolocep which have none! Yachts can anchor or tie up in this gorgeous bay and hop ashore for luncheon at one of the fabulous fish restaurants which line the promenade. Octopus burgers are a dream! Honest! See more.

Can I live here please?

I visited a waterfront villa yesterday which is in the perfect position; with steps leading down to the sea, island and sunset views, peace and quiet .... I can just imagine morning dips here on my "private" beach. The house itself is not too large, with 3 bedrooms, and 3 guest/staff quarters, but location is everything and frontline in Dubrovnik is prime real estate! I can dream.

Art on the walls

Not normally wanting to post photos of myself, this one is to show the size of the art on the wall of my friend's apartment, where we dined last night. Fabulous abstract done in oils. Who'd painted it? A friend of a friend's father in Bosnia, commissioned for a very reasonable price. Though the photo doesn't do it justice, I am thinking of asking for a painting myself of our beautiful azure seas.

Dinner with harbour view

I was invited to my Turkish friend's apartment last night for dinner. With a view to die for looking out at the harbour and the distant islands, sunset at 7.30pm came quickly. Lovely to see the twinkling lights, cruise ships and yachts moored in the harbour. The turkish food was delicious, my favourite (along with Thai cuisine) and the company of 5 girls was talkative all evening! Daytime view here.

Great Feel about the Apartment

I had a friend round for dinner on Monday, thankfully the weather stayed calm to sit out on the balcony, in September. Sunset is now about 7.30pm so it was good my friend saw the apartment at dusk. She said it had a very good feel about it, which I was pleased about. Today I found some photos of the apartment when we moved in Nov 2003, yikes, very cold and unwelcoming! I had to stop looking at them. I am pleased at how the apartment has worked out now. (BTW Erin this is Eric in the corner, as in Eric Clapton, see here).

Cunard's Queen Victoria

I was so excited to see the Queen Victoria in Dubrovnik today. She was at anchor and a long way off from the Old Town by Lokrum Island, but I drove to see her anchorage. Although I didn't work on this ship I know many of the management onboard, but anchorage is difficult to gain passes. She returns to Dubrovnik in November again, so hopefully will be moored alongside. To see a magnificent Cunard ship does send tingles up your spine and proud to think I worked on one of her ancestors. (yikes I feel old!)

... Not for all the gold in the world

"Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" translates from latin as "Freedom is not to be sold, not for all the gold of the world", this inscription is above the gates of the Fort Lawrence (Lovrijenac). The fortress is built 37m high on sheer rock (see bottom of photo). It's incredible to think the walls surrounding Dubrovnik Old Town run an uninter-rupted 1,940 metres with building starting in the early Middle Ages ... all on my doorstep.

I could have gone sailing instead ...

Instead of being in the office next week I could have been sailing! I was asked so many times to join my American & Canadian friends to join them on "Sinbadsan", a 22m sailboat for their week around the Adriatic. Alas people keep buying property so I have to be in the office! Above are a few photos of what I will be missing. 4 double guest cabins, 2 crew cabins & 5 toilets and showers. I will hear more about their fun next week. Charter here

What a beautiful day

Gorgeous day today without humidity. A strong north wind though meaning the air has cleared but a bit chilly on the north side!! Fortunately the south-west balcony is warm and a safe haven from the winds. My drive to the supermarket (yes even on a Sunday) has this spectacular view of the Old Town so had to take a photo as the distant islands were in clear view, even the National Park island of Mljet.

Fabulous Friday - Nebula Aqua

I have been looking at this site several times through Materialicious and think the art is just gorgeous! Sonia King, from Texas, is a mosaic specialist and has come up with Nebula Aqua in all my favourite blue colours. I'm a little mixed about some mosaics (the old fashioned kind), but this is just WOW! Sonia uses: smalti, gold, vitreous glass, stone, unglazed ceramic, glass, found objects (pebbles, fossils, shells) and semi-precious stones. Looks great on the wall, but I bet a commission would be priced out of my reach. Will have to start collecting instead! Have a great weekend.

3rd September 2009

I woke up this morning and flung open the shutters at 7.20am and was greeted by small ripples on the Adriatic together with a speedboat in the distance. Peace and quiet all around. Days like this I appreciate living on the coast (wait til winter and I will post a different story!!!)

Marina in Dubrovnik

The ACI marina for Dubrovnik is set in the Rijeka Dubrovacka (river), and has beautiful lush surroundings of the former 15th & 16th century renaissance summer mansions used by the Dubrovnik nobility in years gone by. The first photo shows a mansion called Skala that was owned by the Sorkocevic family now derelict, but the ground floor "orsans" or boathouses, are home to the charter sailboat companies. Quite a location!

M/Y Silver Angel

Docked for several days in Gruz Harbour is a behemoth of a yacht: M/Y Silver Angel. Her beam is a massive 12m (39 ft) and length 64.5m (211 ft 7 inches!). Looking totally spectacular from the outside I had to research the inside and see that the interior is all .... white, silver and a little bit of black! Must be murder to keep spotless. 12 guests and 19 crew. See more of this Benetti here. Launched in 2009 and costing a cool 68 million euros I read she even boasts a golf machine.

Walking round the peninsula

The daily heat of 30 degrees is still with us into September. Here are some views of "the other side of Cavtat" around the peninsula. Of course the obligatory superyacht is in view, too far out to see the name, but I reckon circa 43 metres sailing yacht anchored in the bay. The pine trees offer welcome shade and the little coves are brilliant for dipping in and out of the water.

Cunard - Tiffany - The World

Next to my laptop on my desk sits a beautiful porcelain lidded pot, delicately decorated with continents of the world. I received this as a gift when Captain's Secretary on QE2. Created by Tiffany I was fortunate that my friend, Anneke, worked for Cunard World Club and conveniently had an additional item. Gorgeous and something I look at and cherish every day.

Peaceful setting

There is a small chapel on the island of Lopud right on the promenade. The courtyard looking out to sea makes for a peaceful location with a perfectly placed bench for contemplating.

Children: seen and not heard

I have been to the sandy beach on Lopud island this week and saw a strange beach "toy". A huge transparent plastic ball was blown up with air and then children zipped inside and enjoyed 10 minutes to play inside, rolling around the sea. The beachboy had hold of a rope so no fear of the ball blowing away. Very unusual and intriging.

Holiday Time

Will be heading to the islands and the beach this week so no time for posting til after the weekend. I need to use my new beach bag from Lombok (above) which I bought several months ago - it's huge! Speak to you all upon my return.

Mickey Rourke in Town

photos: Željko Tutnjević

Mickey Rourke was in town last night for the Dubrovnik Film Meeting. He's been in Sarajevo for the Film Festival and Dubrovnik was his last stop for promoting his film The Wrestler. Red Carpet at 8.30pm we got our good places for viewing. Actress Gillian Anderson also was amongst the guests too. When Mickey finally arrived the crowd surged, so I got a few photos, but none as good as here (credits). With his usual expletives in the interviews I hope the Croats didn't understand english! Afterwards we'd pre-paid for a 4 euro ticket for an open-air viewing of the film. Surrounded by centuries old buildings of the Rectors Palace and Cathedral, the setting was quite surreal.

Aristocratic residences

I have a pleasant 20 min coastal walk from home to the Old Town. The land is scorched and dry now after weeks of 30 degree temps but the views are still beautiful and stunning. Dotted along the way are some typical examples of large residences, still occupied, by the Dubrovnik aristocracy. Some houses are a little "faded glory" but exude glamour from times gone by.

Restaurant with a view

Heading into the Old Town last night it was great to stop at the restaurant Dubravka 1836 just on the edge of the drawbridge entrance. Idyllic setting with gorgeous views of the sea and the battlements (can they be gorgeous?) in the setting sun. The Sea Cloud windjammer sailing ship came sailing by too which seemed so close. The restaurant is perfect for the best salad and carafe of wine just right for a hot summer's evening.

Fabulous Friday

My photo for Friday is of Barracuda a 23.55m classic sailing yacht owned by Intl DJ Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim. Actually a 1944 twin-masted gaff rigged ketch (formerly a spyship) which has undergone an opulent make-over. Available for rental here. More photos. Normally the itinerary is Sardinia - I will have to have a word with him to bring it to Croatia! With our 1,000 islands it would be idyllic. Have a great weekend!

Dalmatian villa at its best

Here's a luxury villa for holiday rental on the island of Brac in Dalmatia. Stunning interior for a relaxed summer beach lifestyle. Accommodating up to 12 people, the villa and private pool offers comfortable surroundings, next to the beach with anchorage for one's yacht. Alas not for sale, but a lucrative source of income for the lucky owners. Information & rental courtesy of De Bona.

Beyonce in Dubrovnik

Photo Daily Mail

Photo credits

Beyonce & Jay-Z are in town. The world news has reported a little altercation whilst in Dubrovnik last night read here and here. However, I am more interested in the yacht which they have chartered. Va Bene is a 47.8m (156ft) motor yacht owned by Eric Clapton, a fact which none of the papers reported, but my NZ friend used to work as Chief Stewardess onboard. In 2005 my company provisioned 7 times for the yacht, alas without the Great Man himself. My friend gave me a palm tree from the yacht which sits in the living room now, which I called "Eric". It's doing very well, thank you. As for Beyonce & hubby I think they thought they were in Hollywood and not in a little charming Adriatic town ....

Pale and Interesting

My Homes & Gardens newsletter today drew my attention to the new online boutique homeware store website Pale and Interesting. Reading through I see it is run by Atlanta Bartlett - the famed British interior stylist, so can see why the photos are so stylish and dreamy. For those who like fabulous stylish interiors check out one of Atlanta's other website - Beach Studios.

Where I'd like to be

My favourite island? Fuerteventura circa 1989 - years when there were more goats than people! Times have changed with more commercialism, but the Jandia beaches with 19miles/28km of golden sands are still the same. My friend recently returned from holiday and sent me this photo. Reminded me of the World Cup Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Championships I used to watch every year. Click the website for a superb aerial shot of Los Gorriones hotel and the fabulous expansive beach. We could do with a little breeze here in Croatia now, there has been nothing for weeks.

Daily views

I know some of you may have seen these shots before, but Michael, Elizabeth and Nicholas came round for dinner last night, and no sooner had they sat on the balcony, then sunset struck and the view vanished. They can trawl through the blog, but here are 3 photos of the view. Sunsets in winter are magical as the sun drops into the sea. It is too hot for me now, 30 degrees, roll on autumn (though I might regret that, when the storms arrive!).

Tottering By Gently

click photo to enlarge.
My company used to send me (free) monthly copies of the Country Life magazine, read by the hoi-polloi of high society and royalty no less. One cartoon made me chuckle. As they say in Croatian - Polako, Polako - slowly, slowly, as the economy seems to be improving ....

Black is best for risotto!

Here is a photo of my great old friend Michelle enjoying her dish of black risotto. This highly prized and popular Dalmatian dish is made with the ink sac of the squid/calamari - thus the unusual black colour!

Have a great weekend!

Here's a photo from Jane Coslick - the award winning designer who often appears on House of Turquoise blog. What a great verandah here - with turquoise and white benches looking out to islands. It's been a busy week for me (VIP visitors!) so not much posting, but will do next week.

Michelle's Retreat

Posting earlier a photo from my friend Michelle, made me realise I have a few friends called Michelle - American in Florida, American in Dubrovnik, Australian living in Dubrovnik, British and a Kiwi! Michelle from Auckland works on a 54m superyacht, and we should have met for coffee today but she found herself at anchor. Her little piece of heaven in New Zealand is above - a place for rest and relaxation. Bliss! She grows agapantha's - my favourite!

Summer Flowers on the Island

Found these photos from our sailing week when visiting the island of Mljet. As it was 3 years ago I don't want to take the credit for them as can't remember, but think they're from my talented artist friend Michelle. Ancient Greeks called the island "Melita" or "honey" which over the centuries evolved to become the Slavic name, Mljet (pronounced "mill-YET").

Superyacht "A", part II

7pm tonight I circled the old town and saw that the superyacht with the ungoogleable name "A" is still anchored in front of Dubrovnik. You can see the size (118m) in comparison to the neighbouring yachts. Think the interior will be terribly minimalistic. Kind of yacht which you either love or hate, but whichever way - it IS intriguing.

Superyacht "A"

An hour ago I nearly drove off the cliff ... because anchored in front of the Old Town was the yacht above. I had seen this in magazines, but always thought it was a proto-type, but no, this is superyacht called "A" - formerly Project Sigma. Designed by Phillipe Starck, this massive 118m Blohm & Voss yacht came out in 2008 and the owner is Russian Andrei Melnichenko. Photos courtesy of Monaco Eye. I intend to get up early tomorrow to photo this wierd but strangely intriguing specimen!

Looking for my beach ...

I was in contact with my German friend Christine yesterday who has been living in the south of Fuerteventura, the Canary Islands, for 20 years, since I met her in 1989. I miss my endless sandy beaches, as Croatia has pebbles and stones - lovely for keeping the sea clean/clear but not good for walking on. I returned to Fuerteventura 18 months ago - great to see the 19 miles/28km of golden sands. The photos here show the beach of La Pared of Jandia, blissfully deserted yet warm - and this was December!

German Billionaire in Dubrovnik

M/Y Vibrant Curiosity has been cruising around Dubrovnik this week. A huge luxury 85metre motor yacht owned by German Billionaire Reinhold Wuerth who is 93rd on the Forbes Rich List 2009. This purchase was made earlier in the year for a cool $100 million. The recession has hit him rather differently than the rest of us. More here.

Full moon tonight

Full moon tonight. I've just taken this photo from the front door at 9pm - full moon rising. Several large superyachts are anchored in front of the old town with the masts lit up tonight. The seas will be silver later on.

P&O Ventura

P&O's Ventura cruise ship came to Dubrovnik today - with my brother onboard for the day. Great to see him and his girlfriend and to show him the town. The ship - wowee very large at 113000 GT, carrying 3,000 pax and 1,500 crew: a monster, but my brother says its doesn't feel crowded inside and many times there are areas of the ship 'empty'. Her draft must be shallow to be able to dock alongside. Ventura is heading for Venice now.

Empress

The "Empress" has cruised by today at 7pm - she is one of the Pullmantur cruise ships, adapted for the Spanish market. Inaugural voyage 1990 and carries 2,000 pax. A feeble drone on the ship's horn as she came past our apartment. I checked and all the neighbours were watching as the ship was close to land. Reminded me of the time when we left Fort Lauderdale and the residents of Fisher Island condos waved sheets with the Cunard crest from their balconies. Today just cameras and binoculars ...

Thai in Dubrovnik

Bank Holiday today, so to relieve myself of stress and strain I had booked a Thai massage at the neighbouring 5 star hotel. 10am I found myself back in pyjamas. The masseuse called Sari originates from Bali. Well, I was walked all over, had my neck crunched, fingers cracked, limbs stretched, back arched, no end of 'torture'. Crikey, I thought I was going to snap. I had forgotten the roughness of this massage from when I worked in Phuket circa 1992. The Thai massage works on prinicples of acupressure on the energy lines - releasing blockages. With Sari's 10 years of experience, my knotted shoulders have been well and truly released.

Dinner then Breakfast

8pm last night

9am this morning

I was just setting the table for dinner last night waiting for friend Azra to come around. The heavens closed in ..... big time thunderstorm. We ate inside with shutters and windows firmly shut - lots of wind! So much for a summer's supper al fresco. At least we could venture out for coffee later hearing water dripping everywhere. This morning? Perfect!

As seen in The New York Times

Today's New York Times features ... a superb house I am selling ... and me! Two-page article with a slideshow of photos. This villa has great karma as I have sold it twice already and was my first house sale with Azure back in 2004, and now on the market for a 3rd time. Let's hope the NYT with a million hits online proves successful. See article.

VAT increase

The cost of blue skies and clear azure seas is getting more expensive. As from August 1st, the Croatian govt decided to help the economy by increasing the VAT, known as PDV. Up from 22% to 23%, must be one of the highest in Europe. Hey ho, will have to spend more time on the balcony then, to stop spending.

Luxurious Villa Agave

The luxurious Villa Agave is the 270 sqm summer house of the 5 star Hotel Excelsior. Offering sumptuous accom- modation at the highest level for visiting Hollywood stars (the first to reside was Kevin Spacey), politicans, sheiks ... and anyone with a cool 7,000 euros per day to spend. This magnificent cliff side abode faces Dubrovnik Old Town and Lokrum island. Read more here. Mickey Rouke is attending the Dubrovnik film festival 22nd August and will be staying in the villa. Read more here.

... What I'd like to do ...

... What I'd like to do is .... get my hands on the terrace of my neighbour's villa. It is just aching to have a cocktail party, drinks, friends, candles, oil lamps, music .... but no, it stays idle. I would make cushions for the stone seating .... anything to stop it being bland. The Croatians live in Germany and just use the house for 6 weeks a year, and the terrace is used for .... drying towels and swimsuits. Criminal.

Have a great weekend!

Am off to find my peace and quiet on a sandy beach .... somewhere .... have a great weekend! Temperatures are baking here in Dubrovnik 32 degrees/well into the 90's. (photo "Azure on Newell Beach", North Queensland, Australia)

Contemporary Art - Your Black Horizon

On Lopud island last Saturday I visited the Your Black Horizon art pavillion, free entry. The unusual modern art was created by Danish-Icelandic Olafur Eliasson and London based artist David Adjaye. See here. The art was commissioned by the "Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contem-porary" headed by Francesca von Habsburg, Austrian royalty, who is an avid art collector herself and active with land/property on Lopud.

Memories of QE2 in Dubrovnik

click photo to enlarge

My brother has boarded a ship in Southampton today and is heading to Dubrovnik! Not with Cunard's QE2 of course (she is decommissioned now and lying in state in Dubai), but with a new P & O massive vessel. However, this reminds me of the time my former ship came to Dubrovnik 7th July 2004. Here's the view through the stone wall.

Magical photo

Alas not Croatia. My good friend Jaki in Mallorca sent me this marvellous photo today. I believe it to an actual photo (so many fake ones out there) as I have had the experience to go 720 nautical miles south of the North Pole on Spitsbergen island. This shows the sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point last week. You will also see the sun below the moon. An amazing photo and not one easily duplicated.

The Chinese have a saying that goes something like this: 'When someone shares with you something of value, you have an obligation to share it with others!'

Nearby view

I checked on my friends' apartment today just a couple of minutes walk from home. The coastal pathway shows the rear of the Old Town, island of Lokrum and a (blurry) cruise ship in the distance. Strong sunshine is my excuse for poor photography!

Seven Seas Navigator

Regent Cruises' "Seven Seas Navigator" cruised sedately past the apartment this afternoon heading northwards into the setting sun. A luxurious ship for her 490 passengers. She is on her Mediterranean voyage Istanbul to Venice - with the Italian port being her stop tomorrow.

Cavtat near to Dubrovnik airport

Cavtat (pronounced Sav-tat) is 3km from the airport and 25km from Dubrovnik. This is a wonderful resort town just loved by tourists as encompasses everything a tourist expects for a successful holiday. The horseshoe bay is a haven for the superyachts in summer (and the obscenely large yachts have to 'park their boats' outside by anchoring in the deep bay behind) and the town takes on an elite air. Great beaches for swimming, restaurants and bars. This area is excellent for those seeking 2nd homes, with a small selection of new developments dotted around. Hurrah for my clients who have confirmed to buy today! Click on photo to enlarge.

The colours of the land

I have found this marvellous illustration of the types of colourful butterflies to be found here in Croatia. I was reminded of this whilst on Lopud island on Saturday as a butterfly fluttered by happy in the sun. Haven't got the list of names, but just enjoy their colours!