Srdj Hill

There is something about Srdj Hill, which is overlooking Dubrovnik, somewhat it is nature's answer to a sacred hand of St Blaise, a saint protector of Dubrovnik. The panoramic view ahead acts as an antidote to an eye which is filled with the overwhelming view of the Old Town and the sea horizon. A large number of tourists go here to enjoy Panorama of Dubrovnik and I believe some are acquainted with the fact that this is a shrine in itself as a large number of freedom fighters in Croatia Independence War, gave their lives so that one day visitors can feel that air of freedom.
Once upon the time and long ago, Srdj Hill was dense with oak trees so it does not come as a surprise that this sacred wood was a target of numerous attacks by Venetians, who were seeking any opportunity to expand their own merchant navy fleet by cutting down oak trees, looting them and shipping them back to Venice.
However, very few people know about another peak, Velji Do, which offers even more imposing view, this time of Elaphiti Islands. This is a gem photo opportunity to capture this archipelago which was named after a Greek word ELAPHOS. Apparently, viewed from the bird's eye perspective they resemble a deer, hence a Greek world.
You learn something new every day, so they say!

Not all is fair in ...

I have recently come across a rather negative practice. I spoke to a very good friend of mine who lives abroad and he told me a story about a friend of his who happened to be on a visit to Dubrovnik. The gentleman was a banker for a well known City of London corporation. His hectic style of living meant that his secretary forgot to book a cab for Dubrovnik trip. The banker was going to Dubrovnik having previously arrived to London from a long haul business trip. Once he landed at Dubrovnik Airport he jumped into a cab and rounded his fare to hotel Excelsior to HRK 200. He is accustomed to different currencies as he works on the money exchange. He told a friend of mine that he fell in love with the Old Town. As he is an eager «culture-vulture» beaver, he spent a day in Mostar as he has been told that the town has architectural remains from the Ottoman period.
He was leaving Dubrovnik full of impressions until he ordered a cab from a reception desk to take him back to the airport. Everything was running smooth until he was asked to pay HRK 300. He paid for his fare without batting an eyelid, cool and composed. However, he complained to a friend of mine saying that this malpractice ruins the beauty of Dubrovnik and it is not a way forward to European integration!

Montenegro

Our trip to northern Montenegro was a true adventure for it was snowy at times and we were excited as we do not get snow in Dubrovnik. The scenery on the way to Niksic was breathtaking and one really ought to check it in person as any attempt to describe it words would be pointless. The town of Niksic was depressing and we were glad to have zoomed through it, continuing our journey to Ostrog monastery. The drive that led up to it was the most exciting and at times daunting but it was well worth it. This jewel of a monastery, chiselled in the rocks is a sight that makes you pause and think about human persistence to defend life as the monastery was the legacy of St Vasilije Ostroski, a monk who resisted Turkish rule some 600 years ago. His tomb is visited by many denominations, Christians and Muslims alike who search solace of a prayer for their beloved ones.
Leaving Ostrog we headed for Rijeka Crnojevica. The motorway route, if you can call it one, was ridden with tomb stone fashion reminders of people who died in car accidents. Driving in Montenegro is not for the light hearted, Montenegrins are reckless drivers.
Once we have found the country lane route towards Rijeka Crnojevica we were relieved. Meandering lane was leading us through rocky countryside accompanied by ravines. In one word, truly amazing. As for Skadar Lake and lake estuaries, any attempt to put it in words is futile.
As they say: Seeing is believing!


www.visit-montenegro.com