Highlights-Dubrovnik, Croatia

I took a paid excursion for Dalmatian Coast Wine & Food Tasting. There were three stops not including the essential public bathroom (don’t ask) and rapid strolling through the walled city of Ston. The name has nothing to do with the stone wall protecting the city on the side of the hill next to the town. The name is derived from the Croatian word for still waters of a former swampy area. The wall was dismantled by the Austrians for building material in the 19th century. They’ve been reconstructing it after someone figured out it might attract tourists to the restaurants and bars. Ston is also notable for salt production ponds, which I could have toured. A macchiato in a bar seemed like a better idea. The highlight of the tour was eating fresh oysters and steamed mussels on a boat in the middle of an oyster farming area (where else?). No Tabasco. It’s considered impolite to even ask about sauces. On our return to the cruise ship pier, the driver had to stop at the shopping area in a large garage (“it’s a Port Authority law”). No one had to get off the bus, but he had to open the door and make it look like it. According to the guide, there are cameras for checking. Imagine the pension benefits of the surveillance camera monitoring job. I could have gone to the old city of Dubrovnik after returning to the ship, but that would have complicated Surf and Turf night and the folk dancing and music show. I make it a life rule not to complicate Surf and Turf. Ever.