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!