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Adriatic Roots Tour
  • TravelwithClass.ns
  • Dennis Classen
May – Jun 2019

Adriatic Roots Tour

Dennis & Myj traveled to the Eastern European countries along the Adriatic sea, including
Slovenia, Croatia and a little of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Myj's grandparents are all from this area, thus we dubbed this trip the "Adriatic Roots Tour." Read more
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  • Adriatic Roots Tour
    Cocktails before dinner: gin with cranberry Sichuan pepper garnish
    Our amuse bouche: foie grass truffle, artichoke chip with parmesan mascarponeBreads with truffle butter and beetroot butterDennis's starter: SCAMPI Kaddaif / Jerusalem artichoke / Scampi cappuccinoMyj's starter: RISOTTO Saffron / Veal tail / 24 months aged parmesanMyj's entree: LAMB Shoulder, ramsteak & belly / Beetroot / Blue cheese / Lamb jusDennis's entree: TUNA Potato & garlic cream / Veal / Green tuna sauce / CroquetteThe main dessert (of 3): CHOCOLATE Coffee / Chocolate mousse / Orange / Raspberry sorbetOur table viewed from another part of the Old City walls

    Restaurant 360 Dubrovnik: What we ate

    June 15, 2019 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    There were too many photos of the view to fit the pictures of the food. Look and drool!

    Not pictured:
    Myj asked the Sommelier (female, by the way) to pair a wine with her courses. She chose a beautiful Slovenian rose' to balance the salt of the cheese in the risotto, and a Syrah for the lamb.
    We didn't get a picture of our "pre-dessert" gelato (to refresh the palate) or our "post-dessert" sweets. Yes, there were THREE dessert courses!    Read more

  • Adriatic Roots Tour
    Entering the Pile Gate into the Old City.
    The Strada of DubrovnikGreater Onofrio's Fountain with its little dog.Different faces, or masks, are all around Onofrio's FountainLocal guide Roberto was very expressive with his hands while telling about his city.Cathedral of St. Blais, Dubrovnik's patron saint.Our Rick Steves guide, Darija. She was fun but efficient. She managed to keep Dennis in line.

    Last Day with Our Tour Friends

    June 16, 2019 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Today was the last day with our tour group. We started early to beat the heat, with a walking history tour of the Old City of Dubrovnik. The Old City is completely surrounded by the walls. Local guide Roberto, who was born and still lives within the city walls led us through the narrow streets, relating stories about life here in the Middle Ages up until now. He is passionate about his home and recounted the stories with humor.
    We did some shopping along the Stradun, the wide main street, and explored the narrow side streets to find a good spot for lunch. It's hard to capture all of the charming small nooks and crannies, as well as the impressive architecture of the large squares, fountains churches and the Rector's Palace. And of course, all around are the massive walls and towers familiar to fans of Game of Thrones. We might have to watch a few episodes, just to say "hey, we were there!".
    A little rest back at the hotel and then it was time for our final dinner with our Rick Steves Tour group. We were so busy talking and eating, Myj forgot to get pictures, but we have the memories. As with our Scotland tour, everyone got along, there weren't any grumps, and we formed good friendships with several people.
    Some of the tour members are leaving first thing in the morning, some are traveling on for a few more days or weeks in other Paris, Munich, Dublin or other destinations. We have one more day in Dubrovnik before we fly home.    Read more

  • Adriatic Roots Tour
    Steep stairs up and steep stairs down!We made it to the tippy top!

    Walking the Walls of Dubrovnik

    June 17, 2019 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    We were up early to say one last goodbye to some of the tour members who hadn't left yet, then to conquer the City Walls of Dubrovnik. We did the entire circumference of 2 km (1.24 miles), which doesn't sound like much, but it's the steep ramps and 1080 stairs that get to you! Additionally, it was about 84 degrees with about 80% humidity. But we made it to the highest point: the large round tower of fort Minčeta. The views of the Adriatic and the beautiful city were amazing!
    Part of the fun of these medieval cities is getting lost and finding interesting corners, shops and konobas (tavern/restaurants) that feature rustic local cuisine. We have enjoyed the wonderful seafood, vegetables, cured meats, and great wines. Myj has had lamb prepared multiple ways. With the exception of our splurge at 360 Restaurant (which wasn't much more than we'd pay at a good, but not Michelin restaurant at home) an excellent meal in Croatia and Slovenia is very reasonable.    Read more

  • Adriatic Roots Tour
    The almost-full moon was still up as we left our hotel this morning at 5am.
    The girls Facetimed with Dad on Father's Day.Dennis gave Darija a hard time, but she kept him in line!

    Doviđenja!

    June 18, 2019 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Our trip is almost at an end. We left Dubrovnik this morning on Croatian airlines and are now waiting at the Frankfurt airport for our flight home. This has been an amazing journey. One guidebook refers to Slovenia as "Europe in miniature " because of the German, Austrian, Hungarian and Italian influences and geography of Alps, plains and seacoast. We experienced an amphitheater and an emperor's palace built by the Romans, early Turkish tombstones, castles of Germanic kings, medieval cities built by the Venetians, Austrian cathedrals and villas, roads and bunkers from World Wars I and II, towns destroyed by more recent wars, and religious sites of several religions. Mark Twain said "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer" and these experiences have definitely made us richer in unforgettable memories.
    For Myj, seeing and learning more about her ancestral homeland, and renewing connections with some of her relatives was priceless. More than just being "along for the ride" Dennis fell in love with Ljubljana and Slovenia too.
    And of course, we met some fun and interesting new people. The quote we put on our profile is fitting: "A journey is best measured in friends, not miles." We are still fans of the Rick Steves travel mode. If you want luxury, it isn't for you, but if you want local experiences in the thick of things and a little learning along the way, go for it! The hotels are comfortable, close to the action, but are sometimes "quaint and quirky." You do need to travel light, as you may have to carry your bags a half mile down a narrow lane or up a hill to a castle where the bus can't go. The guides are amazing!
    We're ready to go home to beautiful Oregon and see our family, friends and pets. The PDX carpet will be a welcome sight! But...there are still a few places on the bucket list. Where next?? Hmmm, Myj did hear Dennis say "Maybe Ireland next year" and there were a whole table of tour friends as witnesses!    Read more

    Trip end
    June 19, 2019
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