NorbertsNiece

I head for Gregory Nin's statue. The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing. I then go to Froggyland. They charge for entry and photography inside isn't allowed so I grab pics from the entrance. It's a truly bizarre place. Here's their website : https://froggyland.net/ I buy postcards there to send to my grandkids. Then spend a good half an hour looking for the post office 50 metres away 🤦‍♀️

There are shops within and without the walls. Game of Thrones merchandise is everywhere here as in Dubrovnik. The Avars badly damaged the palace, but, when their incursion was over (c. 614), the inhabitants of the nearby ruined city of Solin (Salona; Diocletian’s birthplace) took refuge within what remained of the palace and built their homes, incorporating the old walls, columns, and ornamentation into their new structures (that area now comprises the nucleus of the “old town” of Split. The heavens open and I sought refugein a gift shop. Those cobblestones are treacherous when wet! Sheltering from the rain I hear Sir Paul singing, "Simply having a wonderful Christmas time"! I bought a plastic mac for €10. A decent lightweight waterproof jacket in a shop was €109!! Mine of course is in the cabin 🤦‍♀️

Here's a pic of our current location. Whilst not cold out the wind was really evident in town and certainly I got soaked at one time! There are all sorts of issues involved in berthing overnight unexpectedly in a port not least the fact that the berth may be needed for other craft and the cost incurred.

Find out more about the Sphinx here. The palace was built as an imperial city-palace and a sea fortress, as well as a country house of vast proportions and magnificence, covering an area of 7 acres (3 hectares). The north-south walls extended 705 feet (215 metres), with walls measuring 7 feet (2 metres) thick and 72 feet (22 metres) high on the Adriatic side and 60 feet (18 metres) high on the north. There were 16 towers (of which 3 remain) and 4 gates: Porta Aurea (Golden Gate) in the north, Porta Argentea (Silver Gate) in the east, Porta Ferrea (Iron Gate) in the west, and Porta Aenea (Bronze Gate) in the south. The roughly rectangular ground plan was like that of a Roman military camp—i.e., with four arcaded avenues 36 feet (11 metres) wide meeting in the middle. Guards, slaves, and household servants were accommodated in the northern quadrants. The imperial apartments (state rooms) were in the two southern quadrants, along the width of which ran a 524-foot-long and 24-foot-wide arcaded grand gallery (probably for promenades and the display of art) that was open to scenic views of the sea and the Dalmatian coast. The Temple of Jupiter and the mausoleum of Diocletian were located in courts of the imperial section. The mausoleum was converted to a cathedral in 653 by the first bishop of Split; it is noteworthy for its fine frescoes, marble pulpit, and Romanesque carvings. The Temple of Jupiter was subsequently transformed into a baptistery, to which a beautiful Romanesque campanile was added in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Fab four were fab!! Sound and harmonies pretty spot on. Humourous exchanges between them, and the audience, spot on. This was early Beatles, the next show will feature a later repertoire. I find the accoustics in the MDR difficult as I wear aids in both ears. We both prefer the ambiance in the Grill. We're simply not hungry for afternoon tea! We indulged once on our previous cruise and it was lovely. I may have lapsed in my GF diet back then but there is no way I can these days sadly 😭

Just announced. Due to the high winds in the next 24 hours and with consultation with HQ, Split and Dubrovnik authorities it has been decided that it would not be safe to proceed to Rovinj tomorrow as it's a tender port and getting us ashore would be a feat in itself! All excursion payments will be refunded to our onboard accounts.

Was very windy when I disembarked this morning. Sea spray high but I was to get wetter later! Found my way to and into Diocletian's Palace which was built between 295 and 305 CE at Split (Spalato), Croatia, by the emperor Diocletian as his place of retirement (he renounced the imperial crown in 305 and then lived at Split until his death in 316). The palace constitutes the main part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that was designated in 1979. It is the largest and best-preserved example of Roman palatial architecture, representing a transitional style half Greek and half Byzantine.

Day 11 Split Good morning and thanks for following! Bit blowy out this morning and cooler. I've done some research on where I want to go so let's see if I can actually achieve it!

I took this pic from the wall but wanted to research it before posting. This is Fort Lovrijenac, a medieval fortress which some will recognise from 'Game of Thrones' as the Red Keep in King's Landing. Chronologists date the fort to 1018 or 1038. However first records of the fort's existence are from 1301 when the council voted on the Commander of the Fort. According to legend in the 11th century Venice planned to entrench its troops at this rock in front of Dubrovnik and build a fortress in order to conquer the City. However Dubrovnik learned of this plan and the citizens were mobilized to build a fortress at the very spot before arrival of the Venetians. They were successful with the building project and as the Venetians came with ships carrying troops and supplies, much to their surprise, they realized their plan had failed.

Tomorrow we're in Split. Geoff is going on the included Panoramic excursion. I'm winging it. Plan to visit Diocletian's Palace, the stuffed frog museum and rub some dude's foot.... it's a statue ok! 😉 ------- Split, Croatia Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John's Church, and the Archaeological Museum. ------- PANORAMIC DALMATIA – INCLUDED EXCURSION Leaving the port, you drive first to a picturesque rest area overlooking Krka River. The rest area is situated on the left side of the river Krka where the bridge connects two banks, on the rocks from which a beautiful view is extended on the Lake Prokljan, magnificent bridge, the river Krka and especially on the town of Skradin. The area is situated in a horticultural environment where, among the fields of immortelle, lavender, rosemary and sage, a hundred years old olive trees stand out. Here you will have time for a comfort stop and to enjoy the view. Conclude your panoramic tour with scenic return drive to Split along the Adriatic road with magnificent views over Dalmatian Coast, passing by the town of Sibenik and making panoramic stop in Primosten before returning to the port. Please note: This is a coach-based excursion with the majority of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at any short photo stops will be at your discretion.

Walkabout on board. After a long nap on return! There's a cruise ship blocking the view of the bridge! The secret garden. I've been watching the stream from the Playhouse whilst writing this up. Soooo good!! 🎵🎼

The Rector's Palace. The Old Pharmacy in Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik is one among the oldest pharmacies in Europe. It was founded in 1317 as an in-house pharmacy for Franciscan friars which was later introduced to the public servicing the whole Town’s population and even beyond the town’s walls. Photography in the Old Pharmacy not permitted. Check out some of the signatures on the country flags of visitors!

This is where I leave the guide to do my own thing in the time left.

There are defense lookout points that look more like tiny prisons on the wall.

Susan Calman has a lot to answer for. Her cruise programme visiting Dubrovnik and climbing the wall had really bothered me. It really shouldn't have. Yes, there are steep steps at the outset and in the heat the description of this being a strenuous excursion was accurate. Had we had more time I would definitely have walked the whole wall but time was short and I descended after walking the southern part. The following pics show houses close to the wall. Kitchens are on the top floor to avoid burning down the whole building in the event of fire. Shared gardens. Shrapnel marks in walls. Quite a photo blast. More to follow.

After descending the cable car we walk downhill to the Pile Gate entrance of the old town.

Guided very efficiently by Natasha and accompanied by ship photographer Stefan. This first load of pics is from our trip on the cable car. Video riding up here Video riding down here

I've had a wonderful morning in Dubrovnik. Quite exhausted after an early start and wall climb. The old city is stunning, full of character and atmosphere. It was very packed with tourists by the time our tour bus picked us up for the return journey at 1230pm. View from the bus. 14 in our group. I think 12 of us managed the walk up and round the south side of the wall.

Berthed. View from balcony. Virgin's Resilient Lady entering port.

Day 10 Dubrovnik Good morning and thanks for following. Dobro jutro i hvala na praćenju. It's Wednesday. Still assembling thoughts in video! The video should have gone in here! It's here instead!

Oh! We were by the window lol. Currently catching up with the 'Elephant Man' talk on the TV. Beatles tomorrow!!

Formal night. Had the best steak I've had in a very long time. Cooked to perfection. More like a fillet than a tenderloin but what do I know 🤷‍♀️😋😉

Back, or forward, to today at sea. Popped up to the library which was full of people reading or assembling a jigsaw. There's a coffee service there. I was pleasantly surprised to see the craft room in full swing with artists. My understanding is that the resident had pulled out at the last minute so there were no classes. A guest had put word out and she was joined by others who were happy to group up and share equipment. That really moved me. Such a community spirit on board! And so talented. I sneaked a peak at the crew setting up the Oktoberfest lunch in the Supper Club. I went to craft and choir in the afternoon after losing at scrabble! Am not going to stretch class tonight. My back has been playing up so I missed line dancing today too🤦‍♀️

Tomorrow we set foot in Dubrovnik. Geoff is taking a trip to Cavtat and I'm on a walking tour. Dubrovnik, Croatia Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th-century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views. ------ CABLE CAR AND CAVTAT You’ll travel by coach to the Dubrovnik cable car, which first opened in 1969 and has recently been refurbished. The cable car ascends to a height of approximately 1,500 feet and provides spectacular views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town. At the upper station there is a café, restrooms and souvenir shop, as well as a spacious terrace with coin-operated telescopes where you can admire more of the view. You’ll head back down to the lower station where you’ll board your coach for the journey to Cavtat. This is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Dubrovnik region, and as you explore on foot you’ll see the legacy of its Greek and Roman history and medieval buildings. Afterwards you’ll travel by coach back to your ship. Please note: There is approximately 300 yards of walking at the cable car stations, with a few steps. The cable car takes a maximum of 30 passengers per trip. Walking in Cavtat is at your discretion. DUBROVNIK IN DEPTH You’ll first head to the Cable Car Station in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, which will provide incredible views over the city, including its distinctive red-tiled rooftops. After returning back down to the main station, a guided walking tour will explore the Old Town. The city’s historic building and 13th-century walls are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll ascend the stairway at Pile Gate to the top of wall and continue along the southern part of the walls to see the Minčeta Fortress, St John’s Fortress, Bokar Fortress and the Maritime Museum. Upon reaching the Stradun, you’ll arrive in the very centre of the Old Town where you will have some free time to explore at your leisure before the return transfer back to your ship. Pease note: You will need to walk up to approximately 1700 yards over cobblestone and paved terrain with continuous inclines and more than 280 steps.

Sailaway. Dinner. I had GF banana fritters from the special menu. They were not good. Soggy. Think this could be the very first time I've left a dessert!