Dubrovnik: Pinch Me, I'm Dreaming

Since I am having issues loading images, I have uploaded some images to my Picasa account. You should be able to view with the following link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/tina.vasinda/Europe2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMP9sMLjgfPKjQE#

I almost missed out on a bus to this amazing city. The website for bus tickets from Zagreb to Dubrovnik said they would need to be purchased on site. So even though I have preferred to error on the side of overly prepared, I went with it. Guess what! When I arrived in Zagreb, not only was the bus leaving at 21:00 full, but also the 22:30 and the following day at 16:00. There was nothing! I asked the woman at the ticket counter what I could do, she told me to go to the gate and ask the bus driver if there was by chance an opening. So that is what I did....and I got a resounding no, there is no room. OMG! I told him I didn't care if I was sitting on the stairs, I would. He chuckled and then realized I was serious, so he went to work talking to the other people coordinating the buses to Dubrovnik. I, on the other hand, sent a little message to the big man for a little assistance. It all worked. I got a spot!!!

So, now I am in Dubrovnik and I didn't have to sit on the stairs of the bus to get here. It is literally like I have died and gone to paradise. So unbelievable that less than 15 years ago, this area was ravaged by war. Croatia has fought hard for its independence.

I spent today familiarizing myself and getting too much sun. No matter how much sunscreen I put on, it still ate me alive. Well worth it. The scenery is amazing, the beaches are beautiful. There are numerous islands scattered about that daily excursions can be taken to. The old town is gorgeous as well. I have two more full days here and I plan to live it up, and get to know this place. I cannot believe I have not heard more about this place prior to this trip. So incredible. Now to decide what there is time for...cable car to the top of the mountain, island excursion, 1/2 day kayak around the islands, of course the wall tour. Hmm. :)