Flying and walking home

First leg of the journey was a taxi ride through busy Berlin streets to the airport for our flight to Munich. Nice talk with two American guys while waiting in line to check in. Jumped in a taxi at Munich airport for fast ride to Holiday Inn as poor taxi driver needed to get back quickly to not lose his spot after a 3 hour wait for our tiny fare.

Nice stay at the hotel apart from a drenching we got when we walked to a nice Italian restaurant in the nearby town of Oberling.

 Early shuttle to the airport where our walking began in earnest!

Walked to the furthest part to check in and then sent back some way for customs where some guy insisted we follow him to a "quicker" way. After a trek through terminals, stairs and passageways to clear security and customs we then walked back to where we started! German efficiency.

Half empty flight to Doha was very comfortable and the time flew by as we each watched two movies. Then another trek through the massive airport to get through more security and into transit.

Couldn't believe that we then had to go through more security to get on the plane home. Obviously not a lot of trust in German security or even their own.

Arrived home fitter for all the walking since getting off the boat.

Weather issue

Awoke to a wet day and had a rethink of plan to go to Potsdam. Had a salmon surprise breakfast at our cafe downstairs before new plan formulated.

Gail needed some retail therapy in the Mall of Berlin close to the apartment, while I opted to trudge through the rain to the German History museum. Gail was happy, and so was I visiting an excellent museum with plenty of interpretive stuff and mostly in English, as well as German.

Both of us looking for a quiet sit by the time we met for lunch in a very nice Italian near the Gedarmenmarket. Made it back to the apartment for a little rest and organisation before tackling Berlin again. Beginning to feel at home in Berlin.

Strolled through a few streets we hadn't seen leading to the same Italian called Amici for dinner. It proved a wise choice with excellent food and friendly staff for our last dinner in Berlin.

The long trek home begins tomorrow with a flight to Munich before the Qatar flight the following morning.

In the excellent history museum

Napoleons hat and sword from Waterloo 

Amazing run-in

Drizzling morning and tired legs made for another late start to the day. It is nice having an apartment again to have a relaxed and light breakfast to begin the day as well.

Various plans were considered, but finally decided on a gallery day and a look at the more modern side around Potsdamer Platz. The Gemaldegalerie became our only gallery when we spent several hours getting lost in room after room of Renaissance and Flemish artwork. After a while we had to focus on just the more important works as we began to collapse!

Heading out we walked straight into Ken and Lea Schaefer, who we had been discussing during the trip. We had resolved to contact them when we got back, only to find ourselves doing it in Berlin!

I had first booked into the Riechstag building to see the famous dome and after that we met them again over another Indian dinner nearby. They are on the first leg of their trip while we are on the last.

Amazing meeting

Inside Riechstag Dome

Berlin

Storms had a few flight delays out of Dubrovnik but our Germanwings pilot had us arrive pretty close to time. Lucky, as we only just made it to our hotel before reception closed at midnight.

Late morning start to the day, as checkout was a civilised 12 midday. Left our bages and walked to see the Berlin Wall Memorial and Natural History Museum. Failed to realise that they close on Mondays!

Still was able to enjoy (if that is the word) the outdoor memorial with plenty of signage, listening posts and remnants of the wall. Most moving to see photo wall of those who died in the attempt to get over it.

Moved to our spacious, but sparse apartment near Brandenburg Gate after lunch. Did a few chores before trekking the city centre. Found a surprising number of great older buildings that survived the devastation of the war and many impressive new ones. The city seems to be in a constant state of building and renovation.

Revived with an Indian meal nearby the apartment, then walked around the corner to the Holocaust Memorial and Hitlers Bunker site. Disappointed to see the Brandenburg Gate largely blocked by Coca Cola signs, tents and a sound stage for some event. It and the Riechstag building were still wonderful lit up at night.

Big day of walking and off to bed!

Wall Memorial Park

Berlin Cathedral 

Brandenburg Gate obscured by party stage

Farewell Croatia

With an evening flight to Berlin we had most of the day to kill in Dubrovnik. We had a late breakfast and  moved our gear to the Thorn room to start. While Kez did a Game of Thrones tour we had another wander through the medieval streets before deciding to transfer our bags to the Grahams apartment closer to the taxi stand as thunderstorms were predicted.

Had our last meal together as the crew moves to different parts. The chosen restaurant was Azur which combines local ingredients with an Asian twist. For us missing these flavours it came as a pleasant experience. All happy as we said bye to Claire and Laurie and moved to the Grahams balcony before our taxi to the airport and flight to Berlin.

Croatia had many highlights, but what we most enjoyed was the friendliness of the people and the great service we received everywhere.

Had a little sit and drink here before the rain

Lunch at Azur

Day in Dubrovnik

Leaving our crew of Gulet Linda was a bitter-sweet experience as we have enjoyed their dedication to our enjoyment. Nice things were said to them and returned by them about us. Lots of handshakes, hugs and kisses.

All felt a little flat heading into Dubrovnik as we struggled to get our baggage through the cobbled streets. As well as our bags, we assisted Kerry, Frank, Laurie and Claire. Thankfully Kez and Franks apartment was available and more dragging and lifting got us into a comfortable spot.

While Frank and I sorted ourselves, the rest enjoyed an historic tour of the old town. Met for drinks and the lunch at a nicely situated restaurant where the staff were very friendly with Aussies.

This evening we utilised the large terrace of our apartment to have another get together before going our seperate ways tomorrow. The others are keen on a"Game of Thrones" tour........We will find alternative entertainment in a town with plenty of options!

Final shot of Linda complement 

Approach to Dubrovnik 

Into Dubrovnik

After our stormy evening, we awoke to a day of mixed weather for our final leg to Dubrovnik. Tony suggested spending the lunch stop at a nearby fishing village.

We arrived in the secluded bay under some blue sky and decided to delay lunch so that we could walk around the bay and enjoy this nice village. After a short while we were scurrying for cover as rain set in.

A break got us transported back to the boat for our final three course lunch. We have been spoiled by the quality and quantity of food and wine.

Last couple of hours was spent in rough sea and rain to enter Dubrovnik new port, some distance from the old town. We caught a bus into the walled city for a look, before our departure tomorrow morning.

Dubrovnik is beautiful but very tourist dominated. Will be a challenge!

Linda at anchor

Entering Dubrovnik 

Island hopping

Our journey to Dubrovnik continued under a cloudier sky and stronger winds than so far experienced. It does provide a little variety from the near perfect conditions so far.

As we made our way between the island of Mljet and the mainland the boat rolled about making breakfast a little harder to digest. Several of our party also feeling the effects of the bike ride, and a few others regretting that last bottle of wine.

Skipper Tony found us a nice cove in the lee of a small island for our lunch stop and a leisurely afternoon to swim and rest. A predicted change of wind and possible storm meant we needed to seek shelter closer to the mainland for our Captains Dinner on board.

His study proved useful when we anchored in the bay and an electrical storm hit as we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner which included lobster and crayfish. We toasted our fine crew and talked about our two countries over a few glasses.

Tez flat out at lunch stop

Dinner feast

Our crew - "Jake, Ivan, Carlo and Tony".... Not their Croatian names!

Mljet

Leisurely start to the day as we only had a short cruise to the western end of Mljet Island where there is a national park. Another perfect day with plentiful sunshine and calm seas marked our journey through the narrow passages between the island and into the protected bay where we moored on the water front of the small town Pomena.

Tony gave us various options to get over the hill to the lake on the other side. Some opted for a bicycle ride up the steep slope, but while other options were being discussed, Terry arrived in a little Fiat convertible. Gail and I accepted the ride rather than the free bus.

After a look around, we took the boat to the small island containing a monastery where we joined Kerry and Frank for an enjoyable lunch. Took the boat back to the shore and ran into Laurie and Claire.

Claire had ridden over the hill, but was unwilling to ride the return leg, so I gallantly took her bike and did the return......made it, just avoiding hospitalisation!

Evening on board catered by our crew included black risotto, traditional fish stew and a wonderful chocolate ecstasy cake. Also presented with live lobster and crayfish for tomorrow nights meal!

Another lovely port of call

Maxi Grum and Mini Brum

Lunch on the lake

Korcula Corker

Early morning start for 5 hour cruise to Korcula, the mini-Dubrovnik, in the strait between the mainland peninsula and the island of Korcula. A perfect morning of clear blue skies and calm sea made a very relaxing journey. Breakfast was consumed on the way.

Arrived opposite to the town and dropped anchor in the perfect spot facing the view of the town walls. Settled into another nice lunch and the mandatory afternoon rest before our crew took across the short bay into town for a wander and a light meal.

The Ethos health has been an issue with my back again causing problems and now Gail having a migraine...... In such perfect holiday conditions it is somewhat disappointing! Our crew took us back to Linda a bit early where we at least had a an opportunity to talk to them before the others returned. They are a great bunch of guys and do anything to make the trip enjoyable.

Korcula 

Bay near Hvar

A nights sleep and morning walk through the town of Vis had the day off to a good start. The crew put on another big breakfast and we set out to try for Skipper Tony's favourite little bay near Hvar.

Made good time and found only two small dingies there. Spoiled their quiet time when our large Gulet and crew took over the bay.

Time for a swim and kayak in beautiful clear waters before a sumptuous lunch and wine had us looking for a good spot for an afternoon nap! Tony then arranged for a water taxi to come out from the port of Hvar to take us into town.

Big boats dominated the water front and the bars were jumping with the young and trendy. Spent a few hours before returning to the sanctity of Linda and our quiet little bay fro the evening.

Linda in our private bay

Frantic Hvar

Vis a Vis

Today we headed to the small island of Vis after our apologetic skipper first checked that the youth fleet were not heading there and no discos were planned. Big breakfast served first with Laurie last to arrive after long bike ride. Rest of us made a shower our primary exercise.

Nice cruise to the island under still, sunny conditions. While my back had failed me, the rest of our crew made plans for an island tour and restaurant meal.

All, apart from your correspondent had a nice tour and wine tasting on the island. After a 3 course lunch we agreed that it had put paid to plans for a night meal. Skipper Tony says that Aussies tend to be lighter eaters than other groups. The food Chef Jake prepares is very good so you don't want to offend. 

Port of Vis

Anchors away

Dropped luggage in storage and filled the day in Split in the company of our friends before joining the Gulet "Linda" for our week sailing the islands down to Dubrovnik. Our boat crew of 4 appear to be a happy lot and our crew of travellers were in good spirits as we saile across to the island of Brac.

Our skipper suggested a quiet little fishing port of Milna and all was good until we were joined by around 50 yachts with mostly young crew from a range of countries learning to sail.

Just opposite was a new nightclub that poured out the duff-duff music until 3 am. Hopefully we can avoid this lot from now on. Terry tells me to get used to it, as every port will be full of partying yachts!

Before the party in Milna

Split

Last driving leg of the trip was from Zadar to Split, where will board our boat tomorrow afternoon. A large breakfast became a takeaway lunch, so we decided to find a nice spot near Trogir on the way to sit and admire the coast.

Plan was destroyed by a heavy downpour just before Trogir. We got a car spot and walked onto the old town island. After a brief walk we ran into Terry, Glen and Julie !

A sit in the open lasted only a couple of minutes when another downpour had us scampering for shelter. Little time to waste when rain eased for us to resume drive to leave car at hire place and grab a taxi to our apartment, which proved to be very hard to locate. Thanks to a friendly local who helped.

Had a good walk through the Diocletian Palace area and old town, followed by an excellent dinner in a recommended restaurant.

There will be a chance to explore more tomorrow while we wait for departure. Blog posts will probably be sporadic from here on.

Wet Trogir where we met Grahams 

Part of Diocletian Palace

Zadar

A short drive from Plitvice to Zadar revealed an array of landscapes. Travelled through mountains to the coast ( and in Croatia they do go through mountains) and found our way to the Old Town for a nice wander and lunch. The town is enclosed by walls and the seafront on a small peninsular with Roman ruins and Romanesque churches. A very pretty spot taken over by large numbers of school groups.

After checking into our nice hotel Gail found a hairdresser for a mid-trip spruce up and I checked out restaurants for a dinner return to the centre.

Found a nice one near one of the nicer churches and had a thoroughly enjoyable seafood meal and a walk out to the point to join crowds experiencing the solar light show. Unfortunately seas were too calm for the "sea organ" to be operating as well. Zadar well worth the visit!

Dinner spot

Just before I did my John Travolta 

Plitvice Lakes

Sad to say bye to Hotel Mozart after a nice breakfast this morning. Driving immediately was tricky without a SatNav- I packed mine with downloaded maps, but it has refused to work. Now relying on a map with little detail and instructions from the web. 

The later suggested a shorter, quicker route that took us on a D road .... F more like it! We did get to see the back country villages of abandoned and decaying buildings before getting close to Plitvice when a sign pointed to our hotel. This road was worse than before, but got us to our hotel we thought.

Turned out that there is an Etno House (our) and an Ethno House in completely different parts of the park?? 

Decided to stay and see that part by taking a boat across the lake and seeing the upper falls. We walked along the faces of myriad waterfalls and torrents of water under the boardwalks. It is a spectacular and unique place. Returned across the lake to the lower section and decided find our hotel before looking at this from the other side. 

When we got to Entry 1 however the boardwalk access had been closed due to landslip! Had some nice views from above before a little rest and dinner at Etno, not Ethno House.