Recently 50 RTA Cork members and friends/spouses spent a week in Dubrovnik , Croatia. Exceptional weather ensured we saw the area at its best and let us partake in so many activities. We stayed at the hotel Valamar Club which had a lovely pool area, near a rocky beach. Nightly entertainment was provided but we made our own, Cork style! More anon.
Our brilliant informative guide, Suzanne took us on a half day tour of the old city of Dubrovnik with its spectacular surrounding walls, harbour area, cafe culture, museums,cable car and quirky shops. Some returned later in the week for concerts and other nightlife.
We had a days boat trip to the Eliphite islands with opportunities for walking, swimming and mighty Craic on board singing along with 2 musicians.
The breathtakingly beautiful , long and winding bay of Kotor, Montenegro.( 25km)
Sometimes referred to as a fjord , it is in fact a ria..a sunken river.
A tour to Montenegro brought us to the town of Kotor with its dramatic fortified walls protecting the old medieval buildings and squares within. A magical place indeed.
The camaraderie among the group was extraordinary. No ‘singleton’was left alone. People grouped and regrouped and shared information on places to go, optional activities, taxi sharing etc. This resulted in exploring Cavtat,a pretty harbour town reached by bus, taxi or ferry, the latter an experience in itself as we sailed into Dubrovnik harbour. A loop walk, swimming, eating and exploring or people watching kept us enthralled.
Some people went kayaking for some hours, others explored the island of Lopud and went on optional day tours to Mostar and Medugorje.
After a substantial dinner buffet each night, some people went back into the city to attend concerts,listen to musicians outdoors and wander around in total safety. The rest of us made our own music outside a nearby pub and a huge thanks to those who had a vast repertoire of songs.
Hurricane Ophelia seemed so far away as we wallowed in 20 deg pristine clear seawater and 26 deg sunshine but concerns about property/power had to be suspended for the week. We arrived back to Dublin as storm Brian was arriving so reality hit immediately but plans are already being formed for 2018. As go brach linn aris le Cunamh De.
Here is a slide-show of memories. Thanks to Eileen O’Driscoll and Mary Barnes.
