From There to Here, 7 Years Ago ...

7 years ago today we arrived in Dubrovnik from Mallorca, Balearic Islands. Sometimes Dubrovnik feels like an island - bordered by coasts of Bosnia (albeit tiny) and Montenegro.

We started with this in Mallorca ... great little car (one previous lady owner, non smoker)

Then progressed to .... NO! I jest, this is a rental car on the island of Mljet, so cute!

Then progressed to this for our drive across the Continent. This little beast is now happily back in Mallorca, we returned and sold it to an Argentinean family.

One of the many golden sand beaches of Mallorca, this being Playa de Palma at dawn

The same beach in Mallorca during the day, off season. I admit, I still do miss my sandy beaches

The town beach of Dubrovnik, Banja. What a glorious backdrop of the Old Town!

My old drive to work in Palma used to take me past the breathtaking beauty of the impressive Gothic Cathedral along the Paseo Maritimo

Now, when I drive to the supermarket I pass this glorious sight of the Old Town Dubrovnik

Mallorca: Our old apartment building (one of 4 apartments in 4 years! we liked to move ... then)

With a lovely swimming pool and gardens ...

Mallorca: one of our previous apartments with a smidgen of sea view ... and view of the neighbours swimming pool ...

Dubrovnik: where we live now ... er ... no, you didn't think I would show you where I live now did you? Might get the paparazzi ... needless to say we live in a stone house with a red roof ...

Mallorca: My man's former place of work ...

Croatia: my man's former place of work last year. I love blue hulls on yachts ...

Croatia: My man's current place of work .... well over 60 metres ... but currently not in Croatia

Mallorca: The beautiful Puerto Portals marina

Mallorca: The gorgeous Puerto Portals promenade with expensive restaurants ...

Mallorca: another view of the marina with the glorious turquoise sea

Croatia: the ACI marina in Dubrovnik, sleepy little place until summer, when it's full of action. Great restaurant too and not expensive as Mallorca!

Mallorca: our old beach and sunbathing area. The clear waters are stunning

Mallorca: one of my favourite places of Maioris, overlooking the Bay of Palma

Croatia: a deserted cove on the Peljesac Peninsula .... a little piece of heaven

Croatia: My view at dawn .................................. great start to the day when you see this

Croatia: fabulous Adriatic Sea and sunshine

Croatia: Azure Croatia! (NB I did not post a pic of our view in Mallorca, as we did not have a view as such, just onto a neighbours villa ....)


So, 7 years ago today we made the big leap over to Croatia ... lots of great memories of Mallorca of course. Croatia is the longest time ever in one place, since I began my travels in 1987. Just by seeing some of the above photos and reading this blog makes you realise what has captivated me and kept me here for all those years .....

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!

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.

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.

Zaton Veliki

Well it seems I tend to be returning to this gem of a place - Zaton Veliki - just 15 minutes drive north of Dubrovnik. Peaceful bay with waterfront restaurants (Konoba Kasar), delightful stone houses and crystal clear water for swimming, or in our case - fish watching! The affluent aristocratic Dubrovnik families used to come to Zaton during the past century for their summer holidays, so built these imposing coastal stone villas.

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!

Kobas, Peljesac Peninsula

Sailing and staying overnight in the little bay of Kobas on the Peljesac Peninsula, October 2008 was magical. Waking up to see this mirror-like sea was incredible. Just a few yachts around, several shacks of (great) casual fish restaurants, and best of all ... peace and quiet. A place to return to. In future posts I'll show some more sailing photos.