Sights at Heights
I normally balk at "touristy" things, but I am glad that we took the cable car up to the Panorama that overlooks Dubrovnik, because it was beautiful and, we got a bit lucky. There is a restaurant at the top and we tried to book for today or tomorrow with no go - all full. But when we were at the top, my wife tried her luck (she is luckier than me, after all, she found me) and was able to get us a table for two hours. Not only that, they had salmon and potatoes for Smallsteps - and a decent mojito.
This image doesn't do it justice, but on one side, it overlooked the Adriatic sea and on the other, the mountain range that runs between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was almost surreal and far too fancy for our poor asses, but there we were, living it up - just for a couple hours.
Thankfully, we were able to still get the lunch menu for my wife and I, while Smallsteps took the salmon from the dinner menu, because the prices were a little higher than we were planning. But, the food was good and plentiful, the dessert far too much and as said, the mojitos were well made. The view is the reason to go there though, and the experience of eating above the old city.
It was a gorgeous view and the cable car only took about five minutes to get to the top. It was quite expensive for the round trip at 61€ for the three of us (27€ for an adult), but it was worth it for sure. It is also possible (and cheaper) to take a cab to the top and down again, and if feeling sporty, there are trails to hike and same ATVs to rent.
It isn't really worth taking photos from the car though, as it is firstly hard to get a view through the window, then shooting through glass can get mixed results and then, the view from the top is better anyway. Just make sure you have a long enough lens. My 40-150 was the minimum - I could have done with the 300mm I didn't bring.
But, for memory sake, a phone camera is fine too and my wife got some pretty nice images with hers, though they are really only usable in small screen digital format. And of course, I wanted to be in a shot too, though I ruin the images.
Which is sad, because in my head I feel I want to be in photos and I try, but I just don't think I bring any value to the picture, so I end up regretting the attempt - It is better if I am behind the camera.
These are the kinds of shots I get to be in.
But, capturing the sunset really requires a better camera than a phone, at least under closer inspection. My wife was complaining about the flare she was getting on hers, but that is the same with every camera and unless you are going to position the sun in the right spot to hide it or edit it out later, it is what it is, Sometimes, the flare adds value to the image too - but not always. We took the cable car back down soon after the sunset, as did many other people, but we didn't have to wait long for the car. The trip is fast and there are two carriages alternating that hold 30 people each, so we only had to wait about five minutes in a line. Perhaps in peak, peak season, that would be different. At the bottom, we did a quick walk through the middle of the Dubrovnik old city, which was absolutely packed with people - some very well dressed and stylish people, as well as sweaty tourists tugging along children in tow. The gates are open to all. And, just one shot of the sunset to close out Dubrovnik. We have a day and a half left in Croatia and tomorrow we are planning an easy beach day and perhaps a dip in the pool in the afternoon too. We are going to also pack so we are ready for leaving on Wednesday, but we will have more time by the pool as we have a later flight. I will of course have my camera with for much of this, as I never really know when I will need it, as even on lazy days at the beach, there is always something to see. Hopefully at least. :) Taraz
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A perfect example of "touristy things are toursity for a reason".
Great ambiance and great photos @tarazkp.
disobedient
Yeah - but many have been let downs, so I have started to avoid them. I think without the luck of having dinner in such a location, it wouldn't have been as great.
It's difficult to choose one of those photos, they're all spectacular. Without a doubt, Croatia is a place I must go to, thanks @tarazkp, I won't stop until I visit it 🤩, those photos convinced me completely. The view is amazing, the sunset is equally incredible, I don't think there are words to describe the scene. If it's spectacular in photos, it must be incredible in person
Thank you for showing us those images, what incredible days uh?
It is an amazing view from up there at least. I am glad that we made the extra trip to get up to the top, because we almost opted out.
The combination of your writing and captivating photos in "Sights at Heights" truly took me to those breathtaking views. It's amazing how being at high places offers a unique perspective and allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Enjoy your remaining time in Croatia! It sounds like you have a relaxing plan for your last day and a half with a beach day and pool time. Don't forget to capture the beautiful moments with your camera, as there's always something interesting to see, as you said even on lazy beach days. Safe travels on Wednesday!
There aren't many hills in Finland, let alone mountains (unlike Norway), so it is nice to be able to get a little higher and actually see something, other than more pines! :D
Will be leaving for the beach soon :)
What a nice tour, you got some beautiful images of the city and of the sunset my favorites were the one of your little girl kissing her mother and the family selfie, man you are very handsome you look a lot like your brother, don't be so hard on yourself, you come out looking good.
I'm glad you are healthy enough to go on vacation, and thanks for taking me on this ride with you through hive.
Blessings to you. @tarazkp
You know, this is an interesting point for me. There have been a couple times in my life where I didn't think I would make it this far, let alone be on vacation.
I think the problem with me in photos is an "expectation versus reality" issue :D
Sometimes life hits us with appearances of sickness so that we wake up and see God's blessings.
I know you were very sick, an acv is not just anything, so I am happy to see you with your family enjoying life.
As for the photographic expectations, we become demanding and that takes away our desire to photograph ourselves, but honestly you are still handsome man. @tarazkp 🤭😅🥰🤗
Oh my those walls.... So impressive, can only imagine what it would have been like several hundred years ago approaching those walls... even as a friend or foe... they are very mighty.
I used to teach history and i find ancient architecture/city planning just so interesting. Everywhere we went it Europe i just collected all the old maps/houseplans of the buildings.
thanks for sharing
They are imposing to say the least. I will have to read up on more of the history as to how they were attacked and defended. The main entrance to the city has a drawbridge at least and it all used to be surrounded by a moat.
For me, the family has always come first.... I love to observe the family integration and see those smiles, a guarantee of harmony and that they are having a great time, despite the inclement weather, as you expressed in your publication this morning.
Beautiful shots from different angles... I particularly like to enjoy the sunsets. I have learned to enjoy every season, today I enjoy the summer in this beautiful land that opened its arms to me.
Thank you for sharing with us your happiness. A hug in the distance. Blessings.
The summer in cold countries is so different to in warm, because of the lead in after the winter. I didn't appreciate the sun and warm as much as now, because the winter used to be short and very mild.
What a beautiful family you are and how nice that you were able to take this vacation, it is evident from the pictures that you are having a great time and visiting beautiful places in Croatia.
It has been a really nice trip and I hoe we can do more similar, at different places in the future. If not, at least we managed one. :)
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Dubrovnik is magical, isn't it? Admiring the city from above or from the walls at the golden hour is bliss! I felt robbed when I saw how much the cable car charged, and found out there was a hiking trail from the city up to that restaurant; a steep climb, but the views were even better than at the top! Enjoy! :) !BEER
Oh - that would be a hard climb for sure. At least Smallsteps is not ready (despite her confidence) for that kind of climb. It would be great to have an adult vacation and explore a little more manually.
For sure. Maybe next time you visit; have fun exploring!
Wow this looks really great the photos you have clicked is soo beautiful. The place is also so much beautiful. I hope you enjoyed a lot there with you family. Have a great Day.
It was lovely.
🙄
Such lovely pictures, it looks simply amazing and like you're all having a wonderful time. You deserve it too.
Becca 🌷
:D
It has been a nice getaway. For a three hour flight, it is very different to Finland.
It's so close and so beautiful, it makes sense to be there.
Becca 🌷
Would love to visit this place someday, looks beautiful! 😍
This is exactly how I feel each time, being FOMO since I'm never really in any of the pictures.
Then again I'm no better behind the camera too 😅
Wouldn't it be great to be photogenic? Then I could have an Instagram account and post selfies!
I don't think you're not photogenic at all!
At least you have the confidence of uploading your pics whereas I'm still hiding behind those blurry taken photos of myself 🤣🤣
The houses almost look like Tetris blocks the way they fit together. That is awesome that she was able to swing you a table. I have never had a Mojito, but they sound interesting to me. Beautiful views!
Never had a mojito - the shame!! :D
Many of those streets you can reach out and touch both sides of.
That's crazy! I've always wanted to try one. Maybe one day!
Sunset is looking very beautiful. Very nice views. You have made your vacations very beautiful with your family.
Its my personal experience that whenever I am getting stressed, I just spend sometime with family and forget anything that pressurized me.
Family can also be stressful at times too! :D
I prefer hiding from photos. I'd rather not immortalize that i'm not photogenic. I'll post a few one day to make you feel better about yourself.
Please do. I think the last one I saw was in an ambulance a very long time ago :)
That is an amazing place to travel. I can open my eyes when take a look at your photos. Thank you for your sharing 😍
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Quit yo' bitchin' and just be in the photo. Otherwise you're going to have this adult daughter who is sad to have barely any photos of you for herself and to show any potential descendants because you were whining some bullshit about value (thanks to people obsessing about "value add" not that long ago in the grand scheme I now almost hate the individual words too).
Touristy places are usually touristy for a reason XD Some spectacular views from up there and yay for being able to live it up for a little while and that it was worth the price tag :D
I try to get into photos - but I look so bad, my wife doesn't take any of us. Or she just doesn't want to edit me out later....
It was worth the price tag - though I will think again once back home ;)
I don't believe you XP and she's probably annoyed about you not being in photos either XD
Nah the experience was totally worth it :D
That place is astonishing and the sightseeing seems to be great. Kudos to your wife that tried her shot in getting a place and achieved it!
Have you tried the local small sausages "cevapcici"? With the pepperoni+onion sauce are great!
Plus in Croatia they also have a Honey Liquor called Medeniza, that is very very tasty and not so powerful
Haven't tried the sausages. Though we did have some local one on a pizza - not sure what they were though :)
I should drink more!
Dubrovnik seems much more beautiful than I thought. The view is amazing. What about prices? I hear Croatia has been expensive after replacing Kuna with Euro.
Thanks for the post mate!
Prices are about the same as Finland, or more. The salmon main Smallsteps ate was 36€ - which is more, but that is a local dish in Finland. This was also about as touristy as it gets. In general though, not the cheapest if having to think about allergies. A few taxi drivers have complained about the changing prices since the euro - it happened in Finland too, but that was back in 2001 or so.
I should multiply prices by 28.50, imagine then :)
Oh my God!
The pictures are so lovely
I can imagine how you will be feeling now. You will feel so good just because the place looks like heaven
Awesome pics man. Quite the place.
You should be in more pics with that big smile! None of your snash, get in em all!
My cheap ass loves a good hike up the mountain, so I can spend more on desserts!
The pictures are splendid even with you in them 😜
It is so beautiful there. I would love to go there for a visit now. I was in Bosnia and Croatia years ago in the mid-90's, but it wasn't for pleasure. I am so glad now that people are able to enjoy the loveliness of what they have. It is such wonderful and beautiful place. I used to tell people that I wouldn't mind building a cabin in the mountains in that part of the world. Sure hope you and the family can enjoy the last day and half left and you get some more snapshots for us to enjoy with you.
Even if the food was a little bit expensive but you guys enjoyed it and that's enough because everything doesn't go how we expect.
The photographs of the glasses are looking beautiful especially because of the background.
And for the other pictures, I am just Impressed and I was watching those pictures several times. It was giving me a feeling like I am also enjoying the views with you.
Thanks for sharing.
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Wow I must visit Croatia someday! These photos are very well taken! :)