No more pink

I got enough complaints that I finally changed the color. i actually don't like this format at all, but it will work for now, right?

Today I am trying unsuccessfully I think, to leave Dubrovnik. I just looked at what i THINK is the correct bus schedule and figured out that the only buses that leave today left at 7:15 this morning and then don't leave until 6:00 tonight. I guess I will leave tonight at 6:00, though this is not ideal because I won't get into Split until 10:30, which makes it harder to find accommodation. I guess this means I will have to plan ahead and actually book accommodation online, something I have yet to do so far.

Last night I hung out with my new friend Aaron all night. I felt like I was getting much more of the normal "backpacker experience" - meet someone, share experiences, laugh together, have a beer. It was nice, and I am glad I spotted him and decided to say hello, but I think I might actually like spending time by myself even more.

I do enjoy the short little conversations I randomly have with people. Yesterday I met Jean and John - a retired British couple, living in Spain, who were on a cruise with 74 of their friends (yep - 74 people that they knew). She was HILARIOUS! Told me all about her kids and her life in Spain. When I told her that I was here alone without a plan, she just kept saying over and over, "your poor mother is NOT sleeping! i am SO glad I never had girls!" So sorry mom! I told her how great my host mother has been, and she said, "well - I would do that for you too. Actually - come stay with me in Spain! I have a pool." For about 20 seconds, I really considered it. Everyone has been telling me that Southern Spain can't be missed, and I have never been one to turn down hanging out by a pool. But then I thought better of it. As I got up to leave she just shook her head at me and said she was going to worry about me now, then offered to buy me a gelato. I turned her down (as I said, the gelato man already knows me...I didn't think I needed to make another stop in there), but I did enjoy the interaction.

It is yucky weather here today, which is disappointing. It has been beautiful every day, and i was hoping that summer was really on its way, but I am afraid that isn't the case. I am doing my best to stay away from cold weather. I am a little frustrated that i have gotten myself stuck here, but i have to keep remembering that is what happens when i don't plan (which is so far the only intentional thing i have done on this trip - not plan).

Yesterday I paid for my first touristy thing - i went and walked around the walls of the old city here in Dubrovnik. It was really beautiful. Interesting to walk around and see all of the houses so close to the wall - i would go crazy if tourists were walking by my bedroom window every 2 minutes (and this is the dead season. can't imagine in summer). there were also some really beautiful views of the sea, the islands, and the surrounding towns.

I took about a million pictures yesterday. People keep asking me to take them, but i feel so silly because I will forget i have my camera for days, then i will suddenly remember and take 50 pictures within a 10 minute span. i don't think my photos will accurately represent my trip. but maybe they will help to remind me of some good stories about the trip.