Saturday 10th

Arrived in Dubrovjnic after meeting the Donnellys at Zagreb. Pick up by our B & B host Ivan and taken to our accommodation overlooking Dubrovjnic harbour. Drinks on the balcony and an informative talk from Ivan before bed in our room overlooking the Harbour.

Sunday 11th

Breakfast Sunday morning on our own private patio before catching a bus to the old walled city. Trekked around the top of the city walls with thousands of other tourists, before descending into the centre of the city to walk amongst the old buildings (parts dating from the 13th century) on flagstones worn shiney by time and traffic. Very interesting although after a coupld of hours of 28 degree temperatures and thousands of people we were ready to board our cruise ship.

Ivan's wife collected us from outside the old city walls and took us to the port to board our ship the Marija Magdalena.

On board to unpack and prepare for our 6 days of crusing amongst the islands. The ship is around 30m - a ketch rigged motor sailer with average accommodations but only a small group of passengers (Sth Africans, Australians, English, Scottish and a couple from Singapore) so should be quite pleasant.

First night on board we gathered on the aft deck for a meal with local wines and introductions etc.

Monday 12th We left port whilst having breakfast and within minutes we were amongst islands set in the most azure sea imaginable. After 4 hours of this hell we motored into port at a little Island called Mljet. After lunch we went ashore and walked around the few shops, had a swim and generally lazed about. This whole island is a national park with a fresh water and a salt water inland lake (not sure how that works) Anyway a relaxing day with an 8km run late afternoon to try and sweat off some of the excesses. Ran around a gravel road past beautiful bays with some luxurious yachts anchored - no doubt sheltering from the recession!. Back for a beer before dinner in a local bar on the water and another walk for coffee and dessert at another cafe after dinner. Tomorrow Hva