I’m going to be honest with you – my time in Dubrovnik has been harder than I would have expected. With being on edge in my hostel and in Old Town, I felt like I’ve been holding my breath for days.
On top of that, when I start getting in melancholic moods, I begin getting homesick. I start thinking how I miss the comforts of home and the familiarity of friends.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not booking a ticket back home anytime soon. However, it did throw me into a somber mood.
So what was my cure for homesickness? The ocean and solitude. I booked a ticket taking the ferry to a nearby island called Lokrum Island.
As the ferry swam along, the boat rocked and bobbed throwing water into the air and filling my nostrils with a salty aroma. I looked out across Old Town as it slowly got smaller, and I felt my spirit lift as my hair whipped around my face in wild directions.
If I had a million lives to live, one life would be a sailor.
Upon landing on Lokrum Island, I was immediately introduced to Mr. Peacock and Miss Bunny, and I knew that I was going to enjoy my time here.
I set off in exploration of what the island offered. I found paths that led to fortress ruins and preserved monasteries – botanical gardens and wishing wells. But my greatest find was a boulder beach that I had entirely to myself.
I was there for hours. I ate my picnic lunch, continued reading my book, closed my eyes and let the sun kiss my eyelids. Everything was perfect.
Well … perfect until I slipped on a steep boulder and busted my knee. I figured that was my alarm to head back to the city.
I was thankful to this island for steering me back to solid ground. My head was a bit clearer and my spirit lighter. It’s amazing how water can make me feel so stable.