Old Town Dubrovnik during summertime

Great to go to the Old Town late this afternoon until the evening. Strolling slowly around the back streets and main street - The Stradun, even I felt like a tourist! Thundery rumblings in the background which came to nothing fortunately. Plenty of sleeping cats; one even on top of the a/c unit trying to keep cool seen here. History on the doorstep.

Old Town Dubrovnik with lights

Am aiming to head to the Old Town tomorrow eve, so found this photo showing the fortress in all its glory with the outline lit up with white rope light. The city walls enjoy these lights at Christmas/New Year and also for 3rd February - St Blaise Day; the patron saint of Dubrovnik. Magical. Dubrovnik feels very special indeed when you see the illuminations.

Dinner in the Marina

Had a lovely dinner tonight in the ACI yacht marina next to the overflowing swimming pool. The sun was just going down and the temperature fair. To be surrounded by the many sail/motor yachts in a delightful atmosphere made the evening very enjoyable. (When dining ask for your parking ticket, so free parking!)

Azure Agapanthus

The local flowershop had a great array of flowers today, so I just had to select white and azure coloured Agapanthus - some of my favourite flowers. Mother is arriving tomorrow, so good to have fresh flowers around.

Fun island transport

Here we have the Mini-Brum for rental on the island of Mljet. This beautiful island has part of it as a National Park with inside natural lakes. The closest ferry crossing to Dubrovnik is Prapratno (1 hours' drive north of Dubrovnik) over to Sobra on the island - 5nm. One fun mode of transport is above! I couldn't wait to snap it. Should you be on Mljet you can hire the car (together with its siblings) here!

Azure domed luxury villa in Dubrovnik

The luxurious Sheherezade villa sits right on the water and is truly the most spectacular villa for rental in Dubrovnik. Five deluxe en-suite bedrooms with all the amenities on hand you could wish for. This opulent villa has stunning reception rooms and terraces - perfect to hold a wedding. Nightly rate is reportedly 7,000 euros. See more. Love the azure dome!

She's Back! The Maltese Falcon

A great sight just as I was driving past the Old Town today - the sailing yacht The Maltese Falcon drifting by - sans sails. Magnificent 88m (288ft) - owned by the American Tom Perkins. I have posted this before in Feb about her previous visit, but she arrived today to grace our Dubrovnik shores. A total of 6 guest cabins (12) and 8 crew cabins 16).

Cliff Diving Series 2009 in Dubrovnik

It has recently been announced Dubrovnik will be one of the locations for the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2009, July 11th at 4pm. I watched this in Acapulco when I worked on the cruiseliner, so to hear it will be in Dubrovnik is exciting! They have 3 seconds to coordinate their form before hitting the water at speeds of 100km/h. The cliffs by Lovrjenac fortress (Fort Lawrence) the 15th century fortress by Pile Gate is where it will be happening. See here for more. Great photo above, but think it is skill of the photographer - if not, then it makes me feel a little queasy.

On Cloud 9 - property of my dreams

master bedroom view

pool deck view

view towards Russell

view from Cloud 9

lap-pool with fantastic ocean views

bedroom 3 with ocean views

deck with beach views

view from lounge

lounge area

Bank Holiday Monday here in Croatia today. Weather atrocious; mist, thunder, rain, heavy clouds, dipped temps ... and it's mid summer! I surfed the net to find a beautiful inspirational property - alas not in Croatia, but in New Zealand, north island. The property called Cloud 9 is for rental and every photograph is just gorgeous. How cool is the pool. There is a fabulous 3 minute video too!

Mussels and Whitebait

Walked into the Old Town last night and ate at the excellent Rosarij; a small friendly family-run restaurant tucked away in the back streets. Mussels Buzara (steamed in white wine with garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, herbs) and fresh whitebait was perfect supper. The heavens opened and we encountered a deluge of torrential rain together with rumbling thunder so headed inside to finish off the wine.

M/Y Alfa Nero

The most exciting thing I did after the office today was the car wash (30 degree heat for 5 mins, nice!), so best to report on what came sailing past the apartment this evening instead. Motor Yacht Alfa Nero. 82m/269ft very swish ... delivered in 2007 so a couple of year old and boasts the largest swimming pool on a private yacht, which can be transformed into a dance floor, no less. Value of a mere $100 million .... 12 guests and 28 crew, pure luxury!

What 5.30am looks like

I was up at 5.30am yesterday, don't ask. Sunrise is 5.09am this week. The sea was so calm, no breeze and even the cats on the balcony didn't stir. The neighbours had left their colourful washing out overnight ... though Feng Shui says doing this 'saps your energy' and is a big taboo ... whatever ... at least our 30C/88F temps dries it!

A rather smart superyacht

A few pics of a rather smart superyacht. For those who know me will know the reason for posting these. The bathroom is amazing - the Bisazza tiles I love! The term 'superyacht' is generally given to a sail/motor yacht well over 23m/75ft, and of course they are VERY expensive. This one is 40m/130ft. 12 passengers and 12 crew. The taps and knobs are Swarovski Crystal and it looks immaculate throughout. I can imagine myself on the stern here lounging around with a G & T in hand!