This morning we woke up thrilled to see that the Adriatic winds had decided to make our sail what it is—a true experience. Sea Cloud danced with them and in one point reached 8.2 knots. We tried to take as many pictures as possible of this beauty’s magnificence. Since it was first day t sea for our group, Lindblad Expedition staff gave an introduction to our tour, ship, and themselves. Morning was definitely a very good start to our voyage during which we will get to know and enjoy Mediterranean.
The lunch we had was to die for. Amongst other treats our chef Mark went to a local market in Dubrovnik a day before and got us some fresh shrimp and John Dory, also known as Peter’s fish, Zeus in Greece, and blacksmith in Croatia. The John Dory is one of the most distinctive fish in the Mediterranean. According to a legend the dark spot on the fish’s flank is St. Peter’s thumbprint. Other legend says that Zeus’ horses lost their shoes and they landed on the seashore from the sky. As the god of blacksmiths did not want to make new horseshoes Zeus did it himself using the tools he made from this fish’s thick bones. It was definitely a divine food.
After lunch we tendered to the island of Hvar, a beautiful Croatian island in the Adriatic sea known for Venetian influence in architecture, vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and vineyards in immaculate harmony between man and nature. The island is the sunniest part of Croatia, hence it’s known as “sunny Hvar.” The name of the island is without doubt Greek in origin, from Pharos meaning lighthouse. Since Hvar lay in the middle of the main sea routes, history has left many traces here. Hvar gained power and glory during Middle Ages being an important port within the Venetian naval empire. Venice left its traces here, which are visible anywhere you look.
During a guided walking tour we visited a Franciscan Monastery, which holds a beautiful 17th century painting, which demonstrates the Last Supper. We strolled the narrow cobblestone streets of Hvar, got to main square which bursts with life and energy, tried to find as many Venetian lions as possible on buildings such as Rector’s Palace. We also came across a Benedictine convent famous for a magnificent lace made of agave leaves that is under UNESCO protection. At the very end of the tour those who were looking for magnificent view, or maybe some exercise after lunch, went uphill to visit a Citadel, a fortress which proudly stands above Town Hvar and protected it for centuries.
An evening started with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party, where he also introduced the crew and warmly welcomed us aboard Sea Cloud.
