Where I'd like to be

Same shot, different time of day.  We do have blue skies and sunshine at the moment, alas not too warm to be sunbathing by the pool though.  Just put a few islands in front, and a few pine trees and the pool could be in Croatia.  It's actually in the Caribbean, see here.   photos

Villa on the Sea

A villa for the summer holiday?  Here is a fabulous villa to dream about summer, located on the island of Brac.  The villa oozes modern comforts and is equipped throughout.  Sourced here.

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 .....

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.

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!)

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!

Dubrovnik Apartments

I spent a delightful afternoon yesterday with Michelle and Andrew, my American friends who bought a property here in Dubrovnik in 2006. They have created a successful business called Dubrovnik Apartment Source which has thousands of satisfied customers over the 3 short years they have their company. From studio apartments up to luxury villas with swimming pools they can find the ideal rental property for holidaymakers coming to Dubrovnik. It was great to catch up with all their news, as I haven't seen them since last summer. As if Dubrovnik doesn't keep them busy this dynamic couple also have rental properties in Prague.

David Hockney's Swimming Pools

Originating from Bradford like the artist David Hockney, I admire some (not all!) of his art especially the ones here - "Day Pool with 3 Blues" and "A Bigger Splash". His permanent exhibition is in Salts Mill in Saltaire, close to the town of Shipley where mum lives.