I normally balk at "touristy" things, but I am glad that we took the cable car up to the Panorama that overlooks Dubrovnik, because it was beautiful and, we got a bit lucky. There is a restaurant at the top and we tried to book for today or tomorrow with no go - all full. But when we were at the top, my wife tried her luck (she is luckier than me, after all, she found me) and was able to get us a table for two hours. Not only that, they had salmon and potatoes for Smallsteps - and a decent mojito.
This image doesn't do it justice, but on one side, it overlooked the Adriatic sea and on the other, the mountain range that runs between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was almost surreal and far too fancy for our poor asses, but there we were, living it up - just for a couple hours.
Thankfully, we were able to still get the lunch menu for my wife and I, while Smallsteps took the salmon from the dinner menu, because the prices were a little higher than we were planning. But, the food was good and plentiful, the dessert far too much and as said, the mojitos were well made. The view is the reason to go there though, and the experience of eating above the old city.
It was a gorgeous view and the cable car only took about five minutes to get to the top. It was quite expensive for the round trip at 61€ for the three of us (27€ for an adult), but it was worth it for sure. It is also possible (and cheaper) to take a cab to the top and down again, and if feeling sporty, there are trails to hike and same ATVs to rent.
It isn't really worth taking photos from the car though, as it is firstly hard to get a view through the window, then shooting through glass can get mixed results and then, the view from the top is better anyway. Just make sure you have a long enough lens. My 40-150 was the minimum - I could have done with the 300mm I didn't bring.
But, for memory sake, a phone camera is fine too and my wife got some pretty nice images with hers, though they are really only usable in small screen digital format. And of course, I wanted to be in a shot too, though I ruin the images.
Which is sad, because in my head I feel I want to be in photos and I try, but I just don't think I bring any value to the picture, so I end up regretting the attempt - It is better if I am behind the camera.
These are the kinds of shots I get to be in.
But, capturing the sunset really requires a better camera than a phone, at least under closer inspection. My wife was complaining about the flare she was getting on hers, but that is the same with every camera and unless you are going to position the sun in the right spot to hide it or edit it out later, it is what it is, Sometimes, the flare adds value to the image too - but not always.
We took the cable car back down soon after the sunset, as did many other people, but we didn't have to wait long for the car. The trip is fast and there are two carriages alternating that hold 30 people each, so we only had to wait about five minutes in a line. Perhaps in peak, peak season, that would be different.
At the bottom, we did a quick walk through the middle of the Dubrovnik old city, which was absolutely packed with people - some very well dressed and stylish people, as well as sweaty tourists tugging along children in tow. The gates are open to all.
And, just one shot of the sunset to close out Dubrovnik.
We have a day and a half left in Croatia and tomorrow we are planning an easy beach day and perhaps a dip in the pool in the afternoon too. We are going to also pack so we are ready for leaving on Wednesday, but we will have more time by the pool as we have a later flight. I will of course have my camera with for much of this, as I never really know when I will need it, as even on lazy days at the beach, there is always something to see.
Hopefully at least. :)
Taraz
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