Scoot Scoot!

Before we set sail to camp on the sea, we spent a few days just outside of Old town Dubrovnik near Lapad Bay.  On the drive in from the airport we grilled our cab driver on what we should do during our stay. He mentioned a popular boat tour- nope-  we were about to spend a week on a boat, old town (duh, we couldn't wait to see a walled city and pretend we were Game of Throne extras) and a funicular that took you to the highest point and boasted spectacular views. We sort of hummed and hawed over this option until a light bulb went off in our drivers head and he suggested we rent a scooter instead. We can zip up to the highest point on our own time for less then a funicular ticket? Sold. 

Like many university of Wisconsin students, Ryan drove a scooter to and from classes. Why didn't this happen at the better U of W?? That being said, he was very comfortable in the driver seat and I, having never been on a scooter before, was happy to take the passenger role. My preference was to sit behind him and enjoy the scenery rather than worry about tipping over or crashing into a large tour bus. I think we've established I don't have an award winning sense of balance. I also find it weirdly romantic to zip along, the wind in my hair and my arms around my best dude. 

Ryan and his hog...or piglet...

Stylin' in my helmet, which for the record I never took off

We spent the better part of the day zipping up and down the windy roads and making pit stops at beaches that would otherwise have been outside our walking radius. I loved scooting around and gleefully yelled "weeeeeee" in Ryan's ear about 5 times more than I'm willing to admit. Below are a few highlights from the day:

A view from the top

Kings Landing aka Old Town Dubrovnik

While zipping around we saw a sign for this "cute" town and decided to take a 8km detour up a windy road in anticipation of being charmed and grabbing lunch. Instead, we were reminded that only 20 years ago there was a civil war in this country. Osojnik was a ghost town and the only hint of civilization was this memorial listing the names of all the town inhabitants who had died in the war. 

On our adventure we stumbled across Wendy Perrott's dream. This group of 50+ women partaking in a haphazard water aerobics class provided endless entertainment. 

During our sail, we had an opportunity to rent a scooter on Vis and jumped at the chance. There is something incredibly freeing about whipping around a bend when all you can see for miles is the ocean and greenery. I've decided I like transportation better sans windows and Ryan has decided we might just need to pick up our very own scooter when we are back home. Take that, Chicago winter. 

Fun Fact: When in Old Town Dubrovnik, if you take a right after the main church, follow the teaser signs for cold drinks and duck through a large port hole in the stone wall you will find the hidden gem of Buza! The drinks ARE cold, the bar is built into the cliffside, the soundtrack is classic American rock and roll with a little old blue eyes mixed in for good measure and the view is unprecedented. It is also the perfect setting for the end of a heist movie, when the team slowly trickles in to cheers their victory. Go there.  

Follow this sign...

..and you will find this gem of a place

This picture has absolutely no relevance, however it would be a crime to keep it to myself. World, meet Croatian Santa. Croatian Santa, meet the world. You are all very welcome.