Entries about cavtat

After breakfast, we headed to Konavle. Located in Croatia’s southernmost region, Konavle is the agricultural region of Croatia, and its major crops include corn, wheat, potatoes, barley, soybeans, sugar beets, and sunflowers.

Random fun fact: This agricultural area is also known for, of all things, a style of jewelry, Konavle earrings. This style of earring achieved international notice when they were a favorite style of Queen Rania of Jordan.

Our first stop was the village of Gruda, where we went to a studio where women are trying to preserve the ancient traditions of embroidery. Our hostess was wearing traditional garb.

They are teaching school children how to raise silkworms in the manner of their ancestors

...that will lead to production of the silk thread for their embroidery. The intricate local patterns (which served in the past as nonverbal communication regarding the wearer’s status, are painstakingly intricate. Here are some preserved samples.

Our next stop was Sokol Grad (the castle of Sokol). It was a vigorous climb!

Along the route to the top, we stopped at various rooms that provided insight into the castle’s past.

By now, you should recognize the peka bell oven.

Did I mention that it was a hot and rigorous climb?

A few last shots of the views...

Here is the first runner up for the graveyard with the best view.

Our final excursion took us to meet Ivo, who has lovingly restored his family’s watermills, which were destroyed during the war.

The walk along the water was peaceful.

You may or may not be able to judge the force of the water as it comes down the mountain.

We were greeted with rakia and snacks by women in their traditional garb.

Ivo demonstrated two types of mills. This first one uses large millstones to grind the grain. Ivo demonstrated how he can adjust the mill to alter the texture of the final product.

This second mill pounds cloth to strengthen the fibers.

Our final stop was for a farewell luncheon that took place along a fresh water trout stream. We started with rakia, moved on to prosciutto and cheeses, then salad, followed by a platter of freshly caught grilled trout and one of assorted meats. And, of course, lots of local wine. Then, dessert! We will be lucky if we fit in our airplane seats tomorrow!

Jane said a few final words to wrap up this fabulous adventure.

When we returned to the hotel, we packed up the bags (always sad) and headed out to catch our final Cavtat sunset. We enjoyed watching the yachts
reprovision and welcome their guests (just like Bravo’s “Below Decks”)! We ended our evening all together, back at the hotel for some drinks and handmade chocolate rakia. Everyone else is leaving the hotel at 5 AM, so we said our goodbyes tonight. We do not have to leave until 10 AM!

Photos are tagged Croatia and Cavtat

Today, we had a number of choices regarding how to spend our day. Jane offered a full day optional excursion to Montenegro, which we considered; however, we were the only two people interested. We decided against returning to Dubrovnik, opting instead to spend a leisurely day in lovely Cavtat.

We enjoyed sleeping in this morning! After breakfast, we set out to hike up to the Mausoleum. Along the way, we ran into Jane, who took us on a short detour to see a friend's home, where she and her family have rented an apartment. It was a lovely property that even had a private chapel on the grounds.

It was a steep walk up to the mausoleum...

...but the views were worth the effort.

This graveyard may win the award for the best final resting place with a view.

The highlight was seeing the interior of the Račić Family Mausoleum. The Račić family were wealthy shipbuilders. In 1918, the Spanish Flu claimed the lives of the father, son, and daughter. Mrs. Račić comissioned family friend, the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, to build a tomb in the Art Deco style of the day. It is stunning.

The entrance door is flanked by angels.

The main altar has a scene where Jesus is being removed from the cross, while the statue of Mary and the Infant Jesus above the altar suggests the promise of eternal life.

The surrounding columns feature faces in grief.

Note the carved angel faces floating in the dome, waiting to guide the departed to heaven.

Here are some of the side altar figures, starting with St. Rocco. We have seen many chapels dedicated to this saint in European cities to guard against the plague. He is always shown with a dog who licks his wounds.

Finally, here are some of the other sculptures that adorn the mausoleum:

We had gelato for lunch, which is always a wise choice, and ate it while sitting along the harbor.

At this point, Charlie and Tommy decided to go back to the hotel to finish the remnants of the bourbon, while Maureen and i did some shopping . We then visited the Vlaho Bukovac House, which was the home and museum of the Croatian artist. We can tell you that he was a great lover of the self-portrait...lot of self love there. The walls in the rooms were painted with colorful designs like this one.

Let me also share this rather disturbing portrait of Bukovac’s family members. Or, rather their heads. Food for thought.....

We spied the boys on the balcony as we returned to the hotel.

After a little rest, we went to this seaside restaurant with two other couples from our tour. Jane noted that it is known for its excellent mussels, so Charlie was looking forward to trying them. Of course, they were all out, but there were pork chops, so all ended well. We enjoyed many laughs with our new friends, as well as a memorable sunset.

Photos are tagged Croatia and Cavtat

Before leaving Bosnia, we stopped to see the village of Počitelj, a settlement built by Bosnia's King Stjepan Tvrtko in 1383. The village is considered to be an open air museum. Let us share with you some of the gorgeous sites.

Perched high atop the hill is Sahat-kula, a silo-shaped fort overlooking the village. It was used to house watchmen and military to guard against possible invasion.

You can see the minaret of the Hajji Alija mosque, which was built in 1563. The mosque sustained significant damage in the war, but was restored in 2002.

Here are some views from our walk into the city. Note the fig tree growing through the wall.

There was some significant uphill climbing.

There were many stands with homemade products. Look at these beautiful paper cones full of dates, nuts, and other goodies.

We crossed the border to return to Croatia, taking the coastal route to Dubrovnik. Along the way, we passed through Metkovic, the delta growing area, where the fresh water meets the sea. It has been dubbed "Little California."

We made a stop in the town of Ston, where we admired the Wall of Ston, which is the second longest continuous wall in the world (exceeded only by the Great Wall of China). Only about three miles remain, but they were believed to have covered at least five miles when built in the 14th Century.

Ston is also known for its ancient salt production.

This statue represents the importance of "a pinch of salt."

Here is the arched gate of the town, and a few other views.

The interior of the church was closed, but here is the exterior.

Last, but not least, Ston is famous for its oyster beds, and we had the opportunity to experience these delicious gems. Charlie did not share the enthusiasm of most of the group. No problem, I ate his!

From Ston, we traveled along the "Dubrovnik Riviera" to our hotel in Cavtat. The Greeks established a city here in the 6th Century BC (Epidaurum), and it was renamed Cavtat in the Middle Ages. We caught a glimpse of Dubrovnik on our way.

We checked into our final "home" in Croatia, Villa Pattiera, where we will spend our last four nights.

We had time to poke around the charming seaside town.

The Church of St. Nicholas was open.

We took a long walk all around the peninsula. The area reminded me of Maine. Little beach "clubs" are set up right along the rocks.

Before dinner, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Photos are tagged Croatia, Mostar and Cavtat