Dubrovnik

Another bus; it seems like I’m in them so often. Such a wayward life.

Dubrovnik lies at my back. The two nights I spent there were lovely; it gave me one full day to see the city, which is really all I needed, I think, to see what I wanted to see—in short, Old Town, which lies on an outcropping of the rocky Dalmatian coast. Surrounded by walls, Old Town is like a castle, surrounded by turrets and ramparts.

I like to wonder through places like Old Town; places where the streets wander like casual conversations, slipping in and out of shadows and happening on small, pleasant discoveries. Though clearly a historic site, Dubrvnik (like Splt) is alive with activity: restaurants and little shops, and even people living within the walls in apartments, hanging their laundry out to dry on lines between stonework buildings.

I walked the Old Town walls, which ring the entire city, and as I looked out over the red tile roofs, I imagined what life would have been like here hundreds of years ago, what it would feel like to be in such a place: from food to clothing to shelter, all one’s material needs could likely be met without ever having to leave the protection of town.

But then again, man cannot live on bread alone.

On the east site of the city lies the port, where ships and their crew could find haven and respite. I imagine what it would be like to be a merchant sailor here, how comforting to return home after a long trip abroad—to come back to the safety of these strong, tall walls after so long at sea.

We don’t build walls of brick and stone anymore. But I think the safety we derive from walls, be they physical or emotional, can’t be denied. Like food and water and clothes, safety is one of our most basic needs—the presence of which gives us courage to take risks, meet challenges, and make extraordinary discoveries.

For me, my adventures are possible only because I have the safety of emotional walls, built by the love and support of my family and friends. I can set sail to distant places because I know I have that kind of home to return to.

And in about a month, I will, after 28 months away.

Right now, it’s hard to think so far ahead. Right now, my mind is all filled with Kotor, and what new adventures and discoveries it might bring.