Farewell Hrvatska!

So, Croatia is actually Hrvatska and this is our last day on this trip. 

Dinner last night included many toasts and we all took turns recalling vacation highlights. 

The Whiton relatives are grateful to grandma Franulovich for planning and saving to pay her way to America more than 100 years ago. Uncle Will told us how grandma worked bringing food to fishermen as a young girl, carrying meals to them on a goat trail. She hid money behind a rock on the trail as a saving account. 

One day, her father announced that he would go to America to try to find work and grandma said she would go with him. Her father said that wouldn't be possible because the family didn't have enough money for her travel but she brought out her savings and joined her dad in the U.S.  She met and married our grandfather in America and we are all here as a result!

This morning, we said goodbye to the crew and boat. A private bus took us to Dubrovnik, stopping to taste oysters along the way. 

We are staying at the Hotel Croatia away from the crowded and touristy walled city. 

This has been a fantastic trip!

Dan and I walked around the hotel grounds near the beach and out onto a beachfront promenade. We are all feeling relaxed today and will begin our trip home tomorrow with a 6:00am flight. 

Vela Luka and Korčula

Our last full day on the boat!

Our boat made a special trip to Vela Luka today so that our family could see where grandma Franulovich grew up. 

We motored for a few hours this afternoon before stopping near Korčula for swimming. 

In the late afternoon, we arrived in Korčula. 

Marco Polo was born here. 

We are grateful for all we have experienced on this trip. 

World Cup

If you couldn't be in Brazil last night, the next best thing must have been to be on the island of Biševo in Croatia. 

Our boat docked there for the evening so we (and the crew) could catch the first game in the contest:  Croatia vs. Brazil. 

We went into town with our guide and everyone was wearing some version of the Croatian flag. 

Crowds gathered at outdoor cafes where televisions broadcast the game. It was very spirited and celebratory. 

Dan and I stayed long enough to catch the first, and only, Croatian goal. We were content to walk back to the boat after that while most others stayed out until the end of the game. 

Back on the boat, the game was on--who even knew we had a tv?  Our Australian friends were sharing some delicious dark chocolate, so we stayed up a bit longer but turned in before the game ended. 

Just like in baseball, there apparently can be unfortunate calls by soccer umpires. This morning, several crew members lamented "bad judging". We understand their pain!  

Blue cave in Biševo

We often ask each other, "What day is this?"  Every day is a good one. 

This morning we sailed to another beautiful island and took a small boat into a cave. 

There is no artificial lighting in the cave, but sunshine on the water just outside the cave provides a blue light. 

Then there was a hike where we saw a mother goat with three babies. 

We saw the home where our guide, Josko's, grandfather was born. 

We hiked to the top of the island and down the other side. 

Our boat was waiting for us when we descended. 

There was swimming and jet skiing after lunch. 

More jet skiing

Girls were thrilled to jet ski again. Perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. 

Morgan wiped out first, dumping herself and Margaux in the sea. 

Then, Madeline hit a big wave and she and Morgan toppled in unfortunately close proximity to another boat. 

Margaux drove the ski back to the boat safely. 

I was out with a crew member on a Zodiac so we were able to get to girls quickly after mishaps and help them reunite with the ski. Marin, the dinghy driver, said he had never taken the Zodiac out to hover while guests used the jet ski, but he was glad he did. Us too!

Hiking downhill

Some of us opted to do a hike from the top of the island to the sea. 

A van took us to the top and we walked down about 5-6 miles. 

It was hot, mid-90s, but beautiful. 

Dan and a few others stayed mostly on the boat relaxing (others) or making dessert for tonight (Dan).

A/B

Wednesday morning, some people went back to spend more time in the town of Hvar. 

Margaux, Michal, Marilyn and Dick went up to an old palace above the city. 

Hvar town

Tuesday night, we went into the town of Havr on the island of Hvar. A bit like Venice. 

We went to shops along this long staircase. And in little alleys off of a place similar to San Marcos square. 

We returned to our boat around 8:30pm and the sunset was beautiful. 

Toward the end of dinner, someone caught an eel. 

Cooling off

After another huge lunch, everyone took to the water. 

Madeline and Uncle Will kayaked. 

Morgan and David jumped in. 

Margaux, Michal and Paul did their tricks. 

I lounged in the tube. 

Petar Hectorivic's house

This was Madeline's favorite stop thus far. Poet Petar Hectorivich's house was built in the 15th century.

Pool with lots of fish.

 Natural yet curated gardens.

Second floor patio view.

Tavern break

Once we traversed the Stari Grad plain, Josko took us into the town of Stari Grad. 

We stopped for fresh squeezed lemonade at his friend's tavern. 

An awning provided shade and the lemonade tasted great!

Hvar hike

Very warm today!  

We disembarked the boat in a cute town and visited a fishing museum, electing not to go to the nudist camp.  

We walked through a cute town and entered the Stari Grad plain, which is a UNESCO Heritage Area.