June 29- Happy Anniversary

Old Town of Dubrovnik

Yesterday was such a wonderful day. We ate breakfast on the deck after the beautiful sail into Dubrovnik.  It was so relaxing to sit there, enjoy good food, and watch the city moving into action for the day.

For fifty years Jim and I have shared many, many meals and we both expressed our gratitude for our life together. On this day 50 years ago, Jim graduated from Davidson, got commissioned in the army and we got married. A lovely wedding was held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. We have been so fortunate!

 Who would have thought 50 years ago we would be able to come to this part of the world. And this is our third time in this charming city.

Cheeks and Barnetts were off to meet their guide for a half-day tour of old town and a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. They made connection with the guide and they were off. The cable car ride was great and old town was interesting. It was a little more facts than the little children had the patience for so at noon they asked to be on their own and they did their own thing. Will and Ella went to the aquarium and the rest of the crowd walked the ancient city wall. Actually to hear them tell it, it was more like a sprint. They had fun even though it was long and Ethan was not quite tall enough to even see over the top.

Kathryn and Will came back to the ship and put their two in Club Hal and went back into town fro some local wine and cheese. They had fun and thought this would be a good place to come for a longer stay.  The restaurant owner told them the town really got pleasant when the cruise ships left.

Bill and Kate came back and ate lunch in our special Neptune Lounge. Bill went to the Fitness Center and the younger Barnetts went swimming. All afternoon people popped in and out of our suite. The Cheek family arrived to enjoy the hot tub on our veranda. Then the hot tub was filled with the youngest grandchildren. The kids were so cute. Will got his speakers and we had lively music and even some fine dancing by Ella and Jack. They have really connected and are enjoying each other’s company. Jack even asked if you could marry your cousin.

Each family is enjoying this travel experience at their own pace- just exactly what we hoped would happen.

           As dinnertime approached we debated lots of options since the dinner the night before was way too long. Everybody decided to go to the Vista Dining Room anyway and thankfully they had solved whatever the problem was. Our food was great and service excellent. After dinner they brought a huge carrot cake and several of the wait staff sang a Pilipino wedding song. By that time Kathryn had taken the little guys to their suite to watch a movie but those who remained enjoyed the cake.

             People came in and out of our suite until about 10:00. It is wonderful to have all this space as a gathering spot. The cake was delivered and several people enjoyed pieces of the delicious bakery offering.  The clocks were set an hour ahead as we sailed toward Greece and we were off to bed.