DUBROVNIK GALLERY

In 2006, my journey to Dubrovnik commenced, driven by the urgent need for solace in the aftermath of profound grief. The loss of my beloved husband to mesothelioma, a ruthless manifestation of asbestos cancer, left me grappling with the void of his absence after three decades of shared life. Alone and faced with the imperative task of rebuilding my shattered existence, I sought refuge in a destination that would serve as a sanctuary for healing.

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The roots of my connection with Dubrovnik were unwittingly sown sixteen years earlier, when the nightly news broadcast harrowing scenes of the 'Siege of Dubrovnik' into Australian homes. Witnessing the relentless bombardment on this epitome of European history, where lives and livelihoods were obliterated in moments of unforgiving aggression, left an indelible mark on my consciousness. The anguished faces of women and children lingered in my thoughts long after I turned off the television. Despite having no personal ties to the distant land of Croatia, the city's isolation in its battle against the adversary, particularly the valiant civilians entrenched within the Old City Walls, resonated deeply within me.

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In the transformative summer of 2006, a series of serendipitous events elevated Dubrovnik's voice in the chambers of my heart. Since that inaugural visit, I have made an annual pilgrimage, exploring both the inner sanctum and the outskirts of the Old City. Journeying inland, tracing the coastal roads in both northern and southern directions, and navigating the azure waters from south to north, above Split, I succumbed to the allure of Dubrovnik's enchantment, returning each summer without fail.

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The lessons gleaned in this exquisite city are myriad. Dubrovnik emerges as an ideal haven for the solitary female traveler, not solely due to its Mediterranean summer allure. It's the unforeseen encounters, the spontaneous moments that unfold in Dubrovnik, compelling me to revisit year after year. Moreover, it serves as a perfect launchpad for delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Croatia, be it inland exploration or the exploration of the myriad islands, each weaving its own historical narrative against the backdrop of raw, breathtaking landscapes.

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The resilient spirit of Dubrovnik's people, who emerged healed from a tumultuous historical epoch, has imparted invaluable lessons on navigating through grief and embracing onward trajectories. Dubrovnik has been my guide, elucidating the notion that destinations are not stumbled upon haphazardly; rather, they beckon when one is ready to absorb their teachings. Sometimes, these destinations plant seeds within us, latent until the moment arrives to heed the call – to pack a suitcase, secure a ticket, and embark on a journey, despite being unfamiliar with the terrain, language, or the safety of solo exploration.