When someone says that you are in one of their top five moments in life, that could possibly be one of the best compliments ever said. Think about it. How many moments do we make each day? Each week? Each year? How many memories do we hold in our intricate minds? To collect only five is a hard task to choose from, there are so many! Surely, these five moments can change like our list of five top favorite songs; however, like music there are some songs that I hold dear to my heart, that make me smile, that relax me when times are bad and put life back into perspective. Like a good song, so are our moments. They are memories of who we are, what we feel, and above all else how we lived fully in that moment in time.
The Life I Once Lived January 9, 2009
First off, I just want to say THANK YOU Aaron Timm! There have been so many recent days that I have just wanted to give up on writing my blog, but seeing words of encouragement reminds me how much I actually do sharing my thoughts and words with the world. Thank you Aaron for your constant words of encouragement, you already know, but again your support is priceless and has been like fuel to a slowly fading fire.
So…I’ve blogged about what I have been doing since I have been home, but haven’t touched on what I have been feeling since I’ve been back. How does it feel to be gone for 10 months traveling the globe and living abroad then to re-enter the life I once lived?
Since I’ve been back in the states it’s been like a floodgate of emotions have opened inside me and frankly it’s been hard to control them. On one hand my heart is overflowing with happiness to be around my loving family, wonderful friends and beautiful Seattle; on the other hand, I feel disjointed and overwhelmed.
Wandering around Seattle and the East side is an emotional roller coaster. I pass a park where I use to lay in the sun and read. I smile. I drive past my old apartment where my heart was broken. My insides ache. I walk into my favorite bar which holds a thousand drunken memories. I laugh. I sit on a wooden sidewalk bench where I was kissed. Internal butterflies soar. I idle on the bridge, the water glistens in the sun and the boats below putter by. I yearn for summer days and recklessness. There are so many forgotten memories that escape me as I venture throughout my old stomping grounds, it’s like I am not in the present but watching a twilight rerun of events.
Driving in my car, every turn, corner, street, exit or vista reminds me of my life before I left to travel. It’s my past flashing before my eyes but in real time. It is the same, but different–like my friends, we laugh together as if no time has past, but the onset of wrinkles around our eyes, a few pounds shed or gained and a new haircut reveals that time has elapsed.
Then I leave the familiar city streets to take comfort in my old belongings. I open my dresser drawer and see clothes I use to wear My clothes still fit me like they did before but they feel like a stranger’s wardrobe. I feel disconnected with the things I own, I no longer have an attachment towards them.
Past emotions and feelings I once held also return with full force…which sometimes leaves even me bewildered. “Did I just say that?” I think to myself. “I don’t even feel that way.” But, regardless words come out of my mouth–words that I would have said before I left on my trip, but not now. It’s like I have become a ventriloquist to an alter me–the me from a year ago.
It’s quite ironic that I was half-way done with this blog post when I took a break and went to run errands with my sister-in-law and she, independently, brought up this same topic of conversation, in the sense that surroundings and people directly affect one’s personality and demeanor. Think about how different you act when you go home to your parent’s house for the holidays, you play the role of a child; when you see an old high school or college friend you haven’t seen in a long time, you play out the old nickname they once called you; when you get together with a former girlfriend/boyfriend, you become lost momentarily in past feelings and emotions, making you say or do things you currently wouldn’t do.
It would be weird to watch myself on a big screen right now–my life as a movie. Being home, I am filling past roles when, the real Cindy is back in Italy, where my heart and present life are waiting. And, although I wanted to bring pieces of it with me to share and tell, only so much can fit into a suitcase–leaving a lot of “me” a continent and an ocean away.
Back in the U.S.A December 14, 2008
It was exactly 10 months from today that I boarded a plane for New Zealand. I left my family. I left my boyfriend. I left my friends. I left beautiful Seattle…my home. I challenged myself to take a risk, to be independent, to follow a dream of exploring the world and experiencing culture while it still exists.
I returned to Seattle three days ago with 50 some gigs of photos and experiences that have changed my life. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better trip, better travel companions or better memories while traveling the world.
And, now after 10 months…I am back where I started. I am sitting on a comfy couch in my brother’s warm living room writing on my laptop while the rest of my family (minus my brother Mark who is coming on Monday) sits next to me reading the newspaper or watching t.v. It is as though nothing has changed, everything seems the same. If it weren’t for me being curled up in my blue and green Tibetan shawl I bought in India, I may think that my around the world trip was just a figment of my imagination. But this soft blanket reminds me of all that I have experienced, all that I have DONE in the past 10 months. And, for this I smile.
It was hard to take the plunge and to leave my family, boyfriend, friends and my comfortable life in Seattle. My life was incredible before I left–why would I leave? One word: dreams. Everyone has different dreams and goals. Some people dream of becoming a professional basketball player, while others dream of being the best stay at home mom. There is no wrong dream, it is yours and it is what makes you get up in the morning with a smile on your face and butterflies in your stomach as you quest to fulfill them.
One of my dreams was to travel the world. Ten months ago I was 25, two years into my career but with no car payments, house payments or kids. I was free from the materialistic burdens that tie a person to one place. Besides leaving the people I loved, it was good timing and if I didn’t leave then, I knew I never would.
Now I sit here on the same couch I sat 10 months ago, only this time my body is warmly wrapped in a Tibetan shawl, my head is filled with incredible travel memories and my heart is content that I fulfilled one of my internal passions. I missed many people and things while I was gone, but they were here waiting for me when I got back.
Don’t be afraid to leave the comfort of your home.
Home, is a place you can always return.
1 Week Countdown! December 4, 2008
One week from today I will be flying over the Atlantic Ocean and returning home to Seattle after 10 months of globetrotting the world! This past 10 months has been an experience of a lifetime but there has been many people and things I have missed dearly while being away:
1. My adorable nephew Thomas who was born 2 weeks after I left on my trip and whom I still haven’t met. One week Little Thomas and I will be holding you in my arms! I love you!!!
2. My family: Dad, Mom, Cliff, Jordan and Mark…a.k.a. The Swain Gang. I am SO SO SO SO SO excited to see you all. Thank each of you for every smile you bring to my face when I think about you.
3. My second family: Rambos, Olsons, and Hergerts–I can’t wait to see you all over Christmas! Terra, Kayla, Josh and Kyle…I probably won’t even recognize you kids because you will be taller and bigger than me by now!
4. Friends: To all my wonderful, amazing friends…I have missed you all and am ecstatic to catch up with each of you when I am home!!!
5. My former co-workers: I miss the cube talks, energetic environment and your creative minds. It will be wonderful to see you all again!
6. Morning talks with my Dad
7. Family Fun Nights
8. My BBCB
9. Little Thomas
10. Chicken quesadilla’s from Peso’s, chicken salad from Purple Cafe and Rojos salsa
11. My down comforter
12. The views of Lake Union and Mt. Rainier driving South from I5
13. My snowboard
14. My wakeboard
15. My MAC
16. Il mio nipote
17. Girls nights out
18. Boating on Lake Roosevelt, Lake Union and Lake Washington
19. My clothes, high heels, jewelry and jeans
20. Northwest microbrew beer
21. Sister Zesma
22. Watching the Seahawks in my Seahawk scrubs on a lazy Sunday afternoon
23. Beer Pong
24. My perfumes
25. Throwing dinner parties for friends
26. My blue-eyed munchkin
Daily Challenge: Give Thanks! November 27, 2008
For all you Americans, this will be easy as you have a whole holiday to celebrate the things in life you are thankful for. Even if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, the act of giving thanks is still an excellent idea…stop for a day to think about and appreciate everything you have. Your challenge for the day is to make a list to remind yourself of how many wonderful things you have in life…and definitely don’t be shy in sharing your list. Tell your friends, family and remind yourself of how thankful you are!
I’m thankful for:
My incredible family—The Swain Gang! I LOVE YOU ALL and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My wonderful friends—Regardless if I’ve known you for a day or years, I am thankful that I have met you and shared a common connection, a laugh, a glass of wine or a smile. THANK YOU for bringing joy to my life.
My faith in God–I feel blessed when I wake up each day, I have a new day to explore, to learn, and to celebrate life. I give infinite thanks to God for this incredible experience.
Laughter–I am thankful for the beautiful sound of laughter.
Life–I am thankful to be living. I am thankful for each day. I may die tomorrow, but today, I am blessed with an incredible opportunity to LIVE life and I am happy in this moment.
Poetry, Mottos, Inspirational Advice–I am thankful for the advice others give me. The beautiful words that fill me with hope and strength to always live in the moment and enjoy what I have. Always,regardless of my situation, as I still have a “situation” I am still alive.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! (And eat an extra slice of turkey for me since I am in Italy!)
Star Jumping and Toyota Kicking the world! November 14, 2008
Yesterday marked my 9 month anniversary of leaving Seattle to travel around the world! It was an experience of a lifetime, an epic adventure. I freed the explorer inside me that has been restless since my childhood days when I explored the world in my backyard. I finally had the courage to say to that little voice…go on…PLAY! IMAGINE! CREATE! The world is your playground I told myself, it is a Traveler’s Terrene.
So here I am nine months later with some 50 gigs of photos, unforgettable memories, and a global network of new friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the people I travelled with on different legs of the trip: my older brother “Mohawk Mark” (2 months in New Zealand), college friend and dance extraordinaire Brian (3 weeks in Thailand), my childhood next door neighbor and “Sister Zesma” Suzanne (5 months throughout Southeast Asia, Turkey, Croatia and Italy), my adorable Italian former roommate Ilaria (2 weeks in Milan and a long weekend in England) and the countless backpackers I met along the way where we travelled together for a few days before parting ways (you know who you are…I HEART you…and there are too many too name!)
At some point I’ll upload a wide selection of photos to Picasa and send a link, but for now, here is a snapshot of my trip as I Star Jumped and Toyota Kicked across the world!
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- Mark and Cindy Starjumping North Island_New Zealand
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- North Island, New Zealand
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- North Island_New Zealand
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- Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
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- Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
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- Sipidan Island, Malaysia
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- Ankor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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- Ankor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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- Sapa, Vietnam
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- Luang Prabang, Laos
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- Luang Prabang, Laos
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- Nubra Valley, India
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- 2 week trek through Ladakh, India
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- Two week hiking trek through Ladakh, India
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- Ladakh, India
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- Agra, India
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- Istanbul, Turkey
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- Istanbul, Turkey
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- Dubrovnik, Croatia
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- Dubrovnik, Croatia
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- Dubrovnik, Croatia
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- Dubrovnik, Croatia
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- Dubrovnik,Croatia
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- Dubrovnik,Croatia
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- Dubrovnik,Croatia
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- Dubrovnik,Croatia
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- Twin Day!
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- Verona, Italy
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- Verona, Italy
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- Verona, Italy
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- Verona,Italy
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- San Luca Duomo, Bologna, Italy
Daily Challenge: Congratulate yourself! November 13, 2008
Living in the 21st century, our lives can be described with one word: busy. Each day we’re busy working from 9:00-5:00p.m. (or longer for most people), picking up the kids from school, studying for classes, washing laundry, cooking dinner…the list goes on and on. We’re human ants–always doing something, always going somewhere. But like ants, we don’t usually take the time to pause, step back and look at all we’ve done–hey we’re too busy, and there is work to be done right? But, even aunts need a little congratulations, don’t you think?
My challenge to you is to stop for a moment and reflect on the accomplishments in your life. One minute, five minutes or heck even take yourself out for a 1/2 hour lunch–however much time you can spare. During this time, think about your life in general, or a recent goal perhaps, that you have accomplished. Congratulate yourself on your achievements. Smile. And, if no one’s looking, take your right hand and pat yourself on your back (I literally just did it, yes, I know it’s pretty dorky, but try it! It will at least put that smile on your face.)
Congratulate yourself on your small endeavors and your large ones. Don’t feel inadequate if you are currently not a millionaire or a movie star–you don’t need money and glamour status to be accomplished. To feel accomplished, you only need one thing…to make a true effort in living the life you want to lead. If you continue to chose your path based on your passions then at the end of the day you will have succeeded, you will feel accomplished because it is your life and you are living it in a way that you want.
Remember, everyone finds happiness in different ways and by taking different paths. Don’t think because you are on a different road you are on the wrong road. Whether you like 4bying on a sand dune, slowly winding down a scenic lane, hitting mock speed around a race track or setting cruise control on the freeway–it is solely a matter of preference, not a wrong choice. As long as you are driving the road you enjoy, than you are living a successful life and you should take a moment to say, “Go me!!! Look at all I’ve done, look how far I’ve travelled, and look how far I’ve come.” Congratulate yourself on choosing the road you want to drive, living the life you want to lead. And, if you think you are not on the right road, or are tired of the road you’re driving, who said you can’t put on your blinker, switch lanes, and take the next exit? No one didn’t. You have the foot on the pedal and the steering wheel in your hands, so what are you waiting for–go for it!
So as I challenge you to reflect and congratulate yourself on your accomplishments in life, today, I am congratulating myself on my 9 month anniversary of leaving Seattle to travel the world. (I just gave myself a little pat on my back…ahh…that felt good…) I am following my passions. I am creating life goals. And, I am enjoying cruising by myself (in a convertible with the top down if I had the choice) on a windy road through the mountains, sunlight on my face and green trees for as far as I can see.
Highlights and Memories Sections Updated! November 3, 2008
Phew! The last of the highlights and memories are now posted. These are just the tip of the iceberg so if you want to know more about my globetrotting days send me an email at cgswain@gmail.com or a blogpost and I would be happy to tell you more about my adventure, or answer any travel questions you may have!
My biggest piece of advice to future travellers is not to plan too much of the travelling portion. Definitely get your life together before you leave (contact your bank, cancel your car insurance, make Dr/dentist appts, figure out your budget etc.), but as for the travelling portion, I found it more spontaneous, adventurous and fun to travel on a whim. You could prebook plane tickets like I did, although I ended up changing mine a handful of times and ended up with large change fees, so even those you may want to only plan a few months in advance to keep your options open, as with travelling–things are bound to change.
When you arrive in a country, your first stop should be at the town’s information office or your hostel counter. You can get flyers, brochures and information on the top things to see, meet other travellers and talk to people who have been there and done that. The only pre-research I would suggest doing before arriving is to read up on the history and current state of the country. By reading a few books about the history of a country you get a broader picture of the countries past, which more often than not, has a direct influence of their current situation. It’ll also help give you some perspective on the country’s language, religions, and customs. Briefly reading up on the current state of the country is also important to ensure that you are travelling during a safe period. (When I was travelling I missed the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Chengdu by only a week, was on an island in Thailand when the cyclone hit Burma, and evacuated Srinigar immediately when protests broke out in the city center. Some incidents are unavoidable, like natural disasters or random acts of violence, but others often can be prevented by watching the headlines and making sure that the political situations in the country are deemed safe enough to traveller.) Other than that, just take things as they come and enjoy the ride…not solely the destination!
Italy and London: Highlights and Memories November 3, 2008
1. Meeting two amazing Australian gals, Lotus and Daisy, on our ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Bari, Italy. We instantly became friends and spent 3 days travelling together.
2. Sleeping on the floor of Lilly’s boyfriend’s apartment, a girl we met while walking on the street in search of a hostel. We arrived in Bari like we always do with no accommodation booked. I asked a woman and her daughter for directions to a hostel, and instead of giving me directions they kindly walked us the 4 blocks. Unfortunately, however, it was booked as was the 10+ other hostels, guesthouses and hotels we tried calling. Closing in on midnight, the four of us gals began debating on whether we should sleep in the park or the floor of the train station. Lilly and her mom refused to let us sleep in such a ”dangerous” place, and took us home with them instead. So, thanks to these two wonderful Italian women, we slept under a roof, hooray! The following morning, the mom drove over to help take us to the train station (as we had too much gear to all fit in one car), and brought us a thermos of hot coffee and biscotti for breakfast! Such incredible hospitality. I heart Italians!
3. Enjoying a wine and pizza night in Naples.
4. Walking the old cobblestone steps of Pompei.If you are going to Pompei be sure to look closely at the walls and street as you will find quite “interesting” street signs that point to brothels.
5. Almost missing our train to Rome, we made it thankfully! Unfortunately, however, Suz and I missed our connecting train to Florence. Apparently there is another train station in Rome. Go figure. So, what did we do? Spend money on a hostel for a short night sleep or spend the night on the cold hard floor in the train station? Yes, yes, the train station it was–anything to save a few $$’s. Plus, where else do you get to yell at drunken bums to stay away in broken Italian?
6. Meeting up with Suzanne’s friend Corinne in Florence and going on multiple girl’s nights out! Corinne brought with her the whole MAC counter and we spent a few hours prior dedicated to makeovers, red wine, and gossip.
7. Being spoiled by our favorite waiter Thomaso, who was the spitting image of Jimmy Hendrix or Lenny Kravitz with his gorgeous crazy hair and rockin glasses.
8. Thomaso taking us on a private tour of the restaurant’s wine cellar, where a fresco by an unknown artist had been discovered less than a few decades prior. It’s amazing to think how many Renaissance works of art are probably hidden throughout the city, and throughout Itay for that matter.
9. Being spoiled by our favorite cafe/wine bar owner, Pino, who made us the best panini’s in all of Italy as well as invited us to a wine tasting in his cellar room, during which the connoisseur was being interviewed by a New York Times journalist.
9. Going out to amazing Italian discotecas!
10. Italian coffee, red wine and armarena gelato…the three best things on earth…and all found here in Italy!
11. Speaking Italian… The sounds. The way words roll of my tongue. The challenge. I LOVE it.
12. Making friends with the staff at a restaurant in Verona and being spoiled with free wine, appetizers, entrees and chef hats!
13. Visiting Romeo and Juliet’s balcony, and touching Juliet’s breast….yes, yes, believe it or not it is the main tourist attraction.
14. Suzanne (sister Zesma) and I enjoying our last meal together before she left for Africa. We spent the entire dinner rehashing the past six months of travelling together, and only made it through four months before she had to go. Definitely will finish at our reunion dinner in December. Sister Zesma–Thank you for being such an AWESOME, ADVENTUROUS, and AMAZING travel companion. We had an epic journey, and I can’t wait to start planning World Tour, numero due! Love you!!!!
15. Reuniting with my dear friend Ilaria. She’s from Italy but we lived together in Seattle my senior year of university. I stayed with her for almost 2 weeks in Milan where I explored the city while she worked and went out with her and her friends during the nights. She is absolutely fantastic and I am so happy to see her again!
16. Ilaria and I flying to London to visit our other ex-roommate, Rob for a roomie reunion! Everyone was sick (except me) but we still rallied and had an amazing weekend catching up on the past 3 years! I can’t wait to go out with the stunner shades that I bought us all.
17. Seeing my friend Jan, who I met and travelled with in China, who came down to London for the weekend!
Croatia: Highlights and Memories October 30, 2008
1. Taking the train from Zagreb to Split, and although the countryside was stunning with scattered colors of golden yellow, sun kissed orange and fire red trees, I was frankly more entertained watching the girl sitting kiddy corner from me sucking her thumb as she dozed off in her seat. Now you are probably, imagining a 3 year old. Maybe even a 5 year old at most. Now, scratch that image out of your head….and imagine a 20-something-year-old sucking her thumb. Yes! 20-something. I could not believe my eyes. So, I did like any normal person would do…and stared until she woke up and caught me looking at her.
2. Unexpectedly witnessing a wedding celebration. Right outside the tourism office, and in front of a grand old church walked the groom and wedding party into the middle of the square where music began to play, an accordion danced in circles, and Croatian flags waved inthe air as the groom was lifted to the groomsmen’s shoulders, while everyone chanted a song in unison (it sounded almost like a fight song, perhaps the national anthem or maybe their favorite soccer team won and they just found out the score?) In any case, it was a beautiful surprise to see a square full of people happy and living life with gusto.
3. Getting a haircut and for the first time in 7 months and having my hair blow dryed and straightened. You have no idea how much I’d missed my dryer and curling iron, I felt like a whole new person. I actually felt cute for a change!
4. Suzanne and I renting a car and driving down the Dalmatian Coast! I drove and Suz was the navigator and photographer (as we forgot to put her name on the contract). It was one of the top highlights of the entire trip. Driving a manual on windy roads along the coast, stopping to take pictures whenever we found a scenic spot, and exploring the little towns nestled around each bend as we made our way to Dubrovnik. There is only one thing that would have made the day more perfect: a convertible.
5. Enjoying the view from a seaside restaurant, with a glass of white wine and Black Risotto, a Croatian delicacy made with risotto and octopus ink. The flavor was amazing, but it does momentarily turn your teeth black!
6. Suz and I dressing up as twins for our epic road trip! We wore similar hats we bought in Thailand, identical shirts, jeans, bracelets, shoes and rocked our lovely jewelry we were given in Istanbul.
7. Staying at an adorable Croatian woman’s home in Dubrovnik,where she rented out rooms to travellers. She was so kind and sweet, giving us a welcome vodka shot (or some kind of clear liquor) on arrival and pomegranates from her garden for breakfast.
8. Going out to a wine bar with Tony, who was from Australia, and another guest at the woman’s house. He had been staying there for a few weeks and gave us the lowdown on all the not-so-touristy places to check out.
9. Soaking up the last of the summer rays down by the Adriatic Sea.
10. Meeting Dan and Steven, two other Ozzies, on our walk back into town. Randomly enough, Tony knew Steven from Australia, talk about a small world!
11. Exploring the Old Fort, taking shadow pictures on the wall, and being given a Croatian Welcome Pack by the gentleman at the door. It came filled with brochures, dvds, lavender sachets, a key chain and a Croatian handicraft heart. (Poor guys, they weren’t given much love and only Suz and I received these gifts!)
12. Going to dinner, drinks and dancing with our new friends.
13. Walking the city wall at sunset, a wall that wraps entirely around the Old City that was used to protect the city from invaders but now a days, provides the most stunning views of the sea and town.
14. Going to dinner with the Ozzies, while listening to the Orchestra play music in the background.
15. Waving goodbye to beautiful Dubrovnik and boarding a ferry headed towards Bari, Italy!
