Crowds are insane. You cannot walk at your own speed, you can only slooooowly trudge along with people heading in the same direction, slow-motion dodging those headed in the opposite direction. That said…….it *is* an amazing place.

So. Venice. Hoo boy.

(me, when they announce Indian Market dinner night)

What’s that you say? Tonight is “Indian Market Dinner”?! (my fave) Multiple spicy curries, pakoras, naan, chutneys. Including a pineapple chutney. Must look into this. Rumor has it that pineapples are available in our neck of the woods.

Yesterday we did Krka National Park, from the port of Zadar in Croatia. If you love falling, pounding water, this is your thing. The running river water is not rain-dependent, we’re told. It originates from an underground spring, and thus is not subject to high and low levels.

10:00p onboard. For us oldies, it still seems pretty cool that I can sit here in the suite, sailing the Adriatic, with a nice glass of port, listening to the Guardians/Tigers game, live

Well, I guess you can either come to Dubrovnik to buy Game of Throne souvenirs, or add to your personal rubber duckie collection. To each his own.

I’m also told that one of the reasons for Dubrovnik’s current popularity, is that Game of Thrones was shot here.

But thanks to Google GPS, we found a great place Far from the Madding Crowd. Barbara had a lamb and broadbean salad, I had roasted red peppers with kajmak, honey and walnuts. Yummers. Also, enjoyed it from a table for three.

I think Dubrovnik is an absolutely magical place. We were first here nearly 10 years ago, when we started traveling in earnest. My only disappointment back then was that it was so astonishingly crowded. Difficult to move around or see anything. I hoped that this time, it might be different, as we’re much later into the travel-season than the previous visit. Alas.

Ok, Michelin-one-star place, “Pantagruele”, just off the harbor. Marinated anchovies, cappaletti with “36-month Reggiano cream cheese” (not sure I’ve read about such a thing, but sounds pretty good to me!) and shaved black truffles. Yep. Good choice.

Probably not here either. (although I’d like to think I do southern BBQ pretty well in my smoker at home) Just…maybe…not…here)

Wandering around Brindisi, on the east coast of Italy. Where should we have lunch? Hmmmm, maybe not on this street.

The island of Milos is also where the famous Venus de Milo(s) statue was found.

The unique topography apparently invited lots of fashion photo-shoots. Apparently this one was entitled “take pictures of this skinny young woman’s posterior”. Presented without comment.

The island of Milos. Unique, otherworldly rock formations at the water’s edge.

…and of course, the quintessential image (at least for me)