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Published: June 27th 2011
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View from the Beach, looking back towards the city
This postcard-like photo captures the beauty of the crystal clear water and the spectacular backdrop of the walled city beyond. We pushed ourselves to get up a little bit earlier so that we would have some additional time to enjoy Dubrovnik before our afternoon flight to Budapest. After visiting the breakfast buffet again with its lovely shaded outdoor dining patio, we got directions to a beach within walking distance and headed back across the city again. Exiting on the far side of the city through the Ploce gate, we walked a short distance before finding the staircase down to the beach. In contrast to the beaches at Lokrum with their sharp volcanic rocks, this one had smooth pebbles. The beach was small and crowded but the warm, calm water was wonderful and the views back towards the city were spectacular. The bottom dropped off sharply, so only a few feet from shore one could swim in 20-foot deep, crystal clear water while taking in the view of the city. We paddled around for an hour or so and then headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up. We had allowed plenty of time so of course things went wrong along the way – the hotel safe containing our passports (a second safe held Andrew’s precious chocolates) refused to open requiring
Lauren and Andrew cooling off with Dubrovnik in the background
The small beach is crowded for a reason - beautiful water and beautiful views (here complemented by our beautiful children). us to get help from the front desk -- but in the end we arrived in Budapest on time without too much trouble.
The short hop from Vienna to Budapest was on a propeller plane, making the trip just that much more exciting. At first glance, Budapest is a stark contrast to sunny, warm Dubrovnik with its inviting waters and designer shops geared to wealthy tourists. The drive in from the airport through dilapidated communist era developments was accentuated by gloomy overcast skies. Most streets are fairly narrow and lined with uniform gray three- and four-storey buildings which abutt one another and block the sun, adding to the dreary effect. Upon closer inspection, however, the beauty and detail in architecture quickly becomes apparent, and there is often a striking contrast between the gray exteriors and the lavish gilt or frescoed interiors that appear when one walks inside.
Our hotel is located near the Andrassy Ut, a broad boulevard through the center of town. The hotel has a cool modern relaxed feel, and the very reasonably priced Ambassador Suite will be a great place to relax and get a break from the very urban environment here (and do our
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Our traditional photo of Andrew checking out the local payphones. laundry right in the kitchenette area!). It was late in the evening when we arrived and none of us had eaten anything of substance since breakfast, so we quickly headed back out to a nearby Italian restaurant suggested by the hotel staff. The food was excellent and we were clearly hungry because no one left a scrap. We stopped off at a deli to pick up some laundry soap and snacks. Expecting a potentially challenging transaction in this tiny convenience store, we were impressed at the English skills of the teenage clerk. Back at our hotel we enjoyed the free wireless internet and relaxed for a few hours before bed.
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