** this blog was written while waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower.
Arrived at Gatwick, bought some food from Marks & Spencer (the only thing open) and “checked in” for the evening. i had 4 lovely benches to myself – oh, the luxury. i ate my food, then went to sleep (if u can call it that) but between the bright lights and constant arrivals of more people, i finally gave up at 4:30 and just got up. I’m amazed at how busy that airport is at 3am!! I brushed teeth and hair, attempting to look less homeless, and then checked in for my flight. After going through security, I found s new bench and slept until 6:45, when they posted by departure gate.
It was nice to be on real plane again (as opposed to Ryanair & Easyjet). I felt civilized again.
Touched down in Dubrovnik and caught a shuttle bus for 35 kn. when anyone asked how much, the guy said with a straight face “1000Euros” no one even batted an eye! Hahaha
Arrived at Pile Gate (pronounced pea-leh) which is the main gate for Old Town. Wow! It was amazing. I can see why it’s called the Pearl of the Adriatic. It’s opulent past was obvious from the marble streets! I almost felt bad walking on them in my dusty shoes.
I walked down Stradun, the main street, and turned onto one of several side streets that head up the hill. Still marble. Found my hostel, which had been kept I the traditional style of the building, with MORE marble and travertine on the inside, and exposed rock walls as well.
Met a couple of girls from Ireland who were on their way out to sit in the sun and invited me along. We walked around the outside of the city wall, found some flat rocks and soaked up the sun for a few hours. After having so many go-go-go days, it was fabulous. We then walked a “short distance” to a beach Denise had heard about (and turned out to be 45min each way) and sat at that beach for another hour. Walked back to Old Town, had dinner, hung out and went to bed.