June 24 - 5:30 PM Journal

I landed in Dubrovnik, Croatia last night after spending a view nights in the metropolis of Vienna, Austria. As the bus winded through the mountainside, the sun was setting and the view of the fortress city of Dubrovnik appeared on each turn. The sky was pink and blues, the ocean shimmered greens and blues with the old city in the middle took my breath away. It is so beautiful here!

I arrived at the Dubrovnik bus station with no accomodations. Crossing my fingers that the private accomdations would offer me my listing of BBQ, view of the ocean, terrace and a private bath. Not much to ask from a beach town, so I thought. As the old women approached, I could not help but to take a view of the new Hilton Hotel across the street. The white terrace beams, pink and yellow lit walls welcoming to a life of my past. I felt a bit like a local, wanting a view inside of the candy store but as the women approached, I snapped back to reality and negotiation. I found a view, of the brick tiled roof tops, no terrace, the bathroom was shared and down a flight of stairs and there was barely a kitchen to use..much less a BBQ. The amendity I did have was a lovely family of 4 ladies, the grandmother, the daughter and her two daughters. Each holding the character of their generation and the strong will of women living together.

As I fell in the comforts of this warm house and the chatter of bickering women, I was reminded of my Aunt Ceci and grandmother from years past and a smile crossed my face as I fell fast asleep.