Dubrovnik (Croatia) | Hello Balkans - Day 139

For less than the cost of one tank of gas, only 76 euros, I purchased a ticket from Madrid, Spain, to Dubrovnik, Croatia, aboard the Spanish Airline Iberia. The flight to Dubrovnik is approximately 2.5 hours.

Croatia is located on the east side of the Adriatic Sea across from Italy. 

Dubrovnik is the southernmost city in Croatia. The town is near the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and Montenegro to the south.

The Balkans refers to the geographic area that is comprised of the Balkan Peninsula. Nowadays, this includes countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. In addition, portions of Greece and Turkey are also within the Balkan Peninsula. 

However, most people don't include Greece or Turkey when referring to the Balkans. The region is further divided into Western and Eastern Balkan Countries. The Eastern Balkans include Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. While the remaining southern-Slavic countries are commonly referred to as the Western Balkans. This is the region I plan to explore next.

The Western Balkan region has a rich and diverse culture because it was often influenced by all the significant Empires in Europe at one time or another. From the west, there were the Roman and Venetian Empires. Influences from the east came from the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman Empire (Turkish Empire) to the south. Before World War I, the region was influenced by Austria Hungary Empire. Consequently, this has resulted in an area with a rich and conflicted culture. Most of the region is at peace, though political and administrative conflicts remain, with not all countries being fully recognized by others. A great YouTube video explains this in more detail with a satirical twist. The video is a bit lengthy, around 20 minutes. 

I chose this area because I wanted to learn more about its rich culture, fantastic food, and the Balkans are gorgeous! My plan is to explore this region, depending on the weather and transportation.

When I deplane in Dubrovnik, the air feels great, and the surrounding landscape is noticeably void of development compared to other regions I have been to.

I remove the travel bag around my rucksack, as I do after each flight. Sadly, this time, I notice that my bottle of bath soap has leaked all over my bag. Oh well. In the past, I usually removed it from the exterior pockets to protect it. Unfortunately, I goofed this time, thinking it would be safe. Fortunately, I can wash my bag at my Airbnb.

The 20-minute bus ride from the airport to the Dubrovnik bus station is scenic. On my side of the bus, I can see the mountains. On my left, the other side of the bus is the ocean and coastline. It is really scenic here. I am glad to be here and can't wait to wander about.

My phone pings me. It's Vodaphone, my cell service. They are informing me that while I am in Croatia, I can use my data and minutes without roaming fees. I didn't expect this, and it will make it easier to find my Airbnb now that I can use Google Maps. The bus station is about 2 km (1.2 mi) from my studio apartment, so I decide to walk near the harbor and enjoy the beautiful day. 

I hear my phone ring, and notice it is a Croatian number, so I pick it up. "Hello, Martin. This is Mario. I wanted to know when you will be arriving," says a voice. Mario, so nice to hear from you. I decided to walk and am only about 10 minutes from your place. When I arrive, Mario shows me all the ins and outs. "If you are looking for a place to eat, next door is good and not expensive compared to the old town," he says. Looking east across the Adriatic Sea near my studio apartment.

Although I am in the same time zone as Spain, I seem to have lost one hour of daylight due to my new location. I notice that it is only 545 pm, and the sun is already setting. I am a bit surprised by this. Moreover, Sunday morning is daylight savings time change, which means my hours of sunlight are about to get really short. This is the view looking west near my studio.

I step inside El Toro and order a greek salad. I am thrilled to have all these fresh vegetables and vitamins in front of me.

My main course consists of Black Risotto, a local Croatian dish, and a glass of red wine. The waitress also brought me a large glass of local beer. I wasn't clear that I was only inquiring about what was local. I will sleep well tonight.

Black Risotto is a seafood rice dish native to Croatia. The seafood includes shrimp, squid, and cuttlefish. When the dish is ready to be served, black squid ink is added to the plate to give it a distinct black color. This dish is incredible! The red wine here is delicious as well. It is not as heavy as French red wines but has noticeably more body than a Spanish wine. The aroma is lovely, and the two pare nicely for the evening.