This stop on the itinerary was the one I knew the least about. In fact, I'm not sure I would even have been able to pick out Croatia on a map. I am completely embarrassed to admit this, and I ask that you keep in mind the fact that I was "taught" geography (and I use that term loosely) by a 90 year old tenured teacher who used maps nearly as old as he was and referred to most regions of the world by their colonial names. If asked about the current names, he would say something like, "Oh, those countries over there can't make up their minds. They're always changing their names and boundaries and I'm not going to be forced to buy a new map every year just to keep up." His maps were actually missing entire countries in the world as we know it. So, that said, let me continue. 
The "old city" was located on the top of the cliffs over the water, surrounded by a world-renowned wall, which was originally built to keep the pirates at bay. We docked in the newer area, and took a shuttle bus to the old city, where we actually walked through the big gate into the city. 
The streets were cobblestone, the alleys narrow.
This buiding was a monastery, where the priests developed an expertise in all things pharmaceutical. Today it is still used as a pharmacy, maintaining terraced gardens of medicinal plants, and also housing a museum.
Franz is again looking somewhat senior portrait. But it works for him. Notice the height of the doors.
I love walking through open air markets, and Dubrovnik's didn't disappoint. We tried figs and nuts. Everything was so colorful and full of life.
All the guidebooks insist that you must walk the wall. So we paid a few "kuna" (the local currency. Croatia was our only stop that didn't use the euro.) and climbed to the top of the wall.
The wall was in excellent repair and gave us a bird's eye view of the city.
I have to point out, in the picture above, what I'm wearing. No shorts or tennis shoes made it to the ship, so there I am in a skirt (it was super windy on top of that crazy wall, too) and sandals. We walked what seemed like a million miles, all over cobblestone, mostly up and down steps. Good times for all.
The trademark white buildings with red tile roofs were beautiful from above.
Here is a great shot of the height of the wall and the forboding drop to rock and surf below it. If I were a pirate, I would have been dissuaded.
Across the way from us, another beautiful view.
From above, was illustrated how the old city of today was actually built upon ruins of a time before, even more ancient. Excavations were taking place around the city.
After our self-guided tour through the old town, we caught a bus back to the port. We felt so lucky to have stumbled upon a Western style drug store with familiar looking toiletries. God bless Neutrogena. Plus, I picked up some first aid for my blisters. We are now the proud owners of Croatian underwear, shirts, shorts, tennis shoes (Nike), and who knows what else. It was a split itinerary: see the old stuff and find some new stuff before we ran out.
Once again exhausted from our day, we showered and took a quick nap before our formally-attired evening meal. Unfortunately, our wake up call never called, and we rushed to dinner 10 minutes late, looking a little frazzled. I love low-lighting!
This was the night we received the best news of the trip. Our bags had been found and were being re-routed to Athens, Greece - only three more days!
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