Stop.
Before you read any further, think first of the most beautiful sights you've
ever seen. Perhaps it is a river flowing through a forest, or a sunset on the
beach, or if you've been lucky enough to travel, the Swiss Alps in the winter. Well
I know a place that I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, would easily take
place in your top scenic sights, if not the top. That place is Dubrovnik, Croatia.
After
traveling for ten days through Albania, we were on to the next leg of our journey:
Croatia. Our first day began by crossing the border in the evening and finding
ourselves floored by the absolute majesty and splendor of the Croatian coast. Thousands
of trees gave the land an immensely green appearance and added to the overall
beauty. All on the bus gazed silently at God's creation, fully
awestruck. Golden sunbeams lit up every ripple in the water so that it
shimmered as though it held treasures untold. Countless islands spotted the
ocean, each one begging to be explored. If time and money had not been an issue,
I would have rented a boat and camped out on one of those islands. Unfortunately,
I had neither time nor money and had to resign myself to watching in wonder as
our bus curved along the Croatian coast.
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| Rounding the final curve until Dubrovnik is in sight |
We rounded
the last bend of cliffs and Dubrovnik was now in view. The Old City sat on the
edge of the water with a grandeur so weighty her presence could nearly be felt.
Her white walls in triumphant prestige encircled her, this lady on the sea. As
I gazed at this remarkable sight, I felt as if I had been transported back in
time, taken on a trip to centuries past. Our tour leader came on the intercom and remarked,
"That's where you will be performing tonight." We couldn't contain our
excitement.
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| The walls surrounding Dubrovnik |
The
twilight hour found our group of 60 striding along the worn cobblestone paths
of the Old City in full concert attire. Drawing the attention of tourists and
passersby, we meandered through the city's confusing streets past lovely water
fountains, interesting shops and enticing restaurants. The smell of freshly
baked pastries aroused my appetite, and I comforted myself with the thought
that it wouldn't be too long until I could indulge. By this time the sun had
fully set and the city lights and antique lanterns began to come on,
transforming the city into an altogether different and seemingly magical environment.
We soon reached our beautiful outdoor amphitheater, with concrete risers surrounded by walls overgrown with ivy. Just beyond the
walls were tall apartment complexes, and locals leaned from the windows into
the balmy night air, eager to enjoy our free concert. The area was packed and
we delivered one of our best performances to the sound of clapping and uproarious
applause. I will long remember the emotions evoked by that night in city of
Dubrovnic, the romance, beauty, and magic, and I encourage anyone yearning to
be taken back in time to visit the lovely lady on the sea.
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