A fond Hello to all friends and family. We have had computer problems in posting to the blog, but a quick shot is that we are enjoying ourselves immensely, the scenery is the most beautiful coastline we have ever seen, Dubrovnik was amazing but crowded with tourists who come in cruise ships by the thousands, and the prices everywhere are reasonable. 9/12 After many hours of flying and waiting in airports, we arrived in Dubrovnik in amazingly good shape. A late dinner (we closed the restaurant at midnight after only napping on the plane the night before) and a few good hours of sleep and we were good to go. 9/13. This first day we went to Dubrovnik's Old Town and walked the fortified wall (avoiding the bus loads of tour people). These walls were constructed in the 10th century with modifications in the 13th century (they built things to last!). The views from this wall are spectacular -- beautiful pictures in books but not like being here. If I hadn't accidentally deleted the pictures from my camera I would attach them here :). 9/14. Today is Ted's birthday -- Happy Birthday, Ted!! On our way to Orebic on the Peljesic Peninsula, we went through Trstenik where Mike Grgrich has his winery (google his name and find out his notoriety). We tasted the 2 varietals of the area: Popic (white) and Pavlic Mali (red). For you Marinites, there was a picture of Grgich and Heidi Kuhn of Roots for Peace in the tasting room. We never made it to Orebic because the village of Trstenik had the most inviting harbor that beckoned Dale for a swim. The room and view from our balcony were wonderful.

9/15. We thought about staying another night in Trstenik but decided to move on. First, though, I attended Mass in this cute little church. It was quite interesting listening to Mass in Croatian -- traveling would be a perfect reason for the Latin Mass. sorry, can't link picture now --0 will work on that later). We finally made it to Orebic, where we were to have an apartment and harvest dinner with an American winemaker who now has a winery here. Charitably speaking, the apartment wasn't very nice and harvest isn't happening until next week, so no dinner. So, we opted out and got a lovely apartment by the Sea. The proprietor brought us 2 giant glasses of red wine and Dale and I got some deli food for a dinner on our deck. Later, there was a big thunder/lightening storm. 9/16. We ferried over (with our car) to the Korcuna Island. We toured the city of Korcuna and then we did what we both love doing: head off to the little villages!! The drive was spectacular (I need to work on my adjectives) -- lush green landscape and the most deep blue water. We landed in Prisba and got a nice room, on the water, of course, with the restaurant downstairs, giving Dale a little respite from driving. 9/17&18. We started driving for Split, but stopped on the coast to lay over for the night. A German fellow directed us to an apartment for rent next door to him. We engaged in a lot of conversation with him and his German friends. This morning they invited us over for coffee. Three of them and Dale, then walked around the bay and then swam back across it to the house. More conversation followed and we decided to stay another night here in Klek. Then they invited us for dinner this evening -- "a traditional German dinner" -- what a treat. (They all speak good English).