TITO'S HIDING CAVE ON VIS

On the taxi tour of Vis, we took a hike of 180 steps of old stone up the hillside to see where Marshall Tito, of Yugoslavia, was hiding for a little over a year. A smaller, different cave was used to hold 'counsel'. Amazing. the next day we took the ferry to Split where we all met at the hotel. We went through the open markets, saw the sites of the city, met for dinner. Time to gather 'stuff', pack and head for the catamaran ferry that was going to Pescara, Italy. It really was a fabulous vacation. One like we'd never had before.

ON TO VIS, CROATIA

Komiza, Croatia (on Vis)
Town of Vis

In order to get to the very small island of Vis, we took the 'very early' ferry to Split, then back to Vis. Playing 'King in 4 Corners' cards, outside on deck, good snacks, fresh air and scenery, made it a fun time. The hotel was air conditioned and had the perfect view. We later walked around the little bay and to the old part of the city, had a delicious dinner, and then headed back, with a stop along the way for some ice cream......very refreshing in the hot weather. The next morning we took a taxi tour around the island, actually it was on the top, down the middle of the island with a couple stops at some seaside villages. One, in particular, Komiza, a very typical old fishing village. The men sailed in and met us in Vis. They took us for a sail and went to one of the coves that was perfect for swimming. The water was absolutely perfect. After a full afternoon....snacking, sailing, ...... some drinks, of course, the 'Skipper' brought us along side and we all went to dinner. We went to our hotel and the guys went on their way..... Ha! You thought I was going to say something else, huh?....... Next..........

KORCULA, CROATIA

Mary, Marilyn, Peggy
Mary & Marilyn

Korcula
We ladies, Mary, Peggy, Sue, & I, went on to Korcula. Venturing out on the island was an experience we'll always remember...... walking, eating, walking, walking, little shopping, more eating. We took an island taxi tour, stopping at a winery for some tasting, and, of course, a purchase. One day we boarded a little water taxi and 'putt-putted' over to a small island, called Badija, where there is only a monastary, a small snack bar, and deer. The deer are so tame they came right up to us and took the food from our hands.

DUBROVNIK AND 'SAILORS AHOY'

Zip, Harry, Bob, Botom row: Marc, Rick, Chip
The sailors had their week, and we had ours.......... they sailed the islands and different coves, we did the island hopping.

CROATIA

What a gorgeous setting!! We took the ferry from Bari, Italy, to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Just like the ads say and what the pictures show.... very blue and crystal clear water, old white stone houses and buildings along the coastline, and lots of green. From the hotel terrace we could see the old city of Dubrovnik, surrounded by the old wall. We walked the old town and saw many pictures and maps showing the damage from the war in the early 90's.

BOAT TRIP TO ISLANDS

This is Procida.......
Sant'Angelo, on Ischia
(above & below)
On a gorgeous, clear, sunny day we went with a special group on a boat to visit a couple islands and have lunch. Procida, out of Naples is the first stop. We wandered around the little village, had a cappuccino, looked through some shops and back to the boat. On to Ischia. We went to the far side of the island to a favorite litte village of Sant'Angelo. After walking up a long hill we had a long, relaxing and fun lunch at a small 'ristorante' overlooking the sea......ooohhhh was that nice! Fresh air, wine, bread, cheese, and some calamari fritti. Delicious. Perfect day.

HERE'S 'N' THERE'S

Every few weeks we head north to Lucca, Pisa...ie: Tuscany, to see some friends and do a little 'passeggiata' (a little walk/drive). They grow and make their own wine and olive oil. It is STUPENDOUS! They are the Dinis. In fact, just to let you know, they have beautiful villas and apartments for rent on their property. Have a look at their website, through Doorways Ltd. http://www.doorwaysltd.com/italy/tuscany/lucca/barbaro/barbaro_prop.shtml They are special friends and we always enjoy being with them. Taking a ride in and around Lucca is not only beautiful but extremely interesting. That's my brother up in the hills near Lucca. A little town where some other friends live. The Ghisellis. The view you see above is from their place. A luscious, tranquil setting.