Even though I don’t live in my hometown for quite a few years now, I keep coming back to it, not only to visit my family and friends but also when I’m in need of comfort or a little escape from problems and challenges that all of us have to face from time to time.
There is something soothing and comforting in Dubrovnik’s old narrow streets full of history and stories from the times long gone, in its squares and picturesque corners, in the sounds of church bells and birds flying over Stradun in the early evening hours, in the fresh breeze coming from the sea, in the golden light that reflects on those beautiful red roofs…
I believe that all of us have our safe and happy place. You know, the one that just feels right, that gives us a warm embrace like a mother to her child, the one where we can hide from all the worries and stressful times, a place where we feel safe. Dubrovnik has always been that place for me. Even when I lived in the far away countries across the continents, in high mountains and vast Asian steppes, I always kept coming back and taking that time to feed my soul with beauty and peace.
It was the same on this sunny but cold winter day when I took an afternoon off to just be alone with my hometown as companion. I walked those majestic City Walls feeling the sun on my face, the wind in my hair and had secret and silent conversations that only the stone walls and red roofs could understand. I leaned against the wall facing the open sea, watched the golden sun reflection in the water and seagulls doing their mesmerising dance like nobody is watching. And in that exact moment everything felt just right and as it should be. It felt safe and free and after a long time I was able to take a deep breath and just let go… I’m not sure for how long I stood there, I suppose that’s not important after all. The time was still for a moment and I just allowed myself to be, to feel, to move forward…with my hometown by my side. Thank you Dubrovnik for always being there for me when I need you and for always giving me so much. I promise to always keep coming back to you…
