Dubrovnik - Croatia

As soon as I caught my first glimpse of Dubrovnik I was taken. Similar to Split, the city expands from the old town. Also like Split, the Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and deservedly so.

Step after step I make my way, like so many people before, up the city walls. The walls in places blend into the rocks that support them. The rocks then drop into the sea below. In modest estimation, I would suggest 750 people are on the walls looking down on the thousands of red slate roofs below. Due to the nature of the 30-minute circular walk, it didn't feel that busy. A few people ahead and a few people behind that's all you saw, with the odd exception of a group that were lingering in the wider areas whilst members of the group were buying 'I love Dubrovnik' mugs and other equally naff souvenirs.

The views have been etched into my memory forever. Especially standing on the South West corner looking North East over the city to the hills behind. A cross has been placed in memory of where the city was bombarded in the siege of 1992. My mind replays images of Sarajevo and images since of Dubrovnik being attacked. The city survived, and there is barely any trace of the war. If it weren't for the signs on every entrance and one pock-marked wall, you would have thought the city had escaped.

Dubrovnik reminds me of ancient history, not recent history. The place is steeped from top to toe with detailed architecture and crafted marble. The main street runs through the heart of the old town it creates images of a simpler time. On either side of the 20-metre walkway are three tiered buildings. The street bustles with tourists.

Some stop to take pictures not realising there is a queue of people behind wanting to proceed forwards. Tourists descend on the old town from all angles. Small boats make endless journeys to and from ferries moored out at sea.

I would love to come back to Dubrovnik and see it without the tourists. I fear that this is the norm though, and a way of life for locals. Dubrovnik is a truly great place to visit but not a place I would like to live.

Part of my afternoon is spent getting to know the locals, just not in the way I would ideally like. I bounce from electrical shop to electrical shop in order to find a USB jack (to replace the one I have misplaced). After a succession of polite but unhelpful "No, sorry's", I decide to learn a bit more Croation. Success... well kind of. A guy points me in the direction of a shop that he is sure will help. The problem is that the shop is shut until Monday. The moral of the story... go out of your way to help others and they will reciprocate the gesture.

I decide that I will stay in Dubrovnik until Monday morning... oh the hardships!!