Close encounters - of the Nelson kind
Dubrovnik sits at the southern tip of Croatia’s Dalmation coast, perched on a scenic rocky promontory right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" it is considered one of the most famous and culturally significant cities in the region.
So it was that my wife and long suffering crew member decided to book a week's holiday as recompense for enduring the boating season. UK Summer Rally, "Go West" voyage, Dutch Summer Rally, weekends spent working on the boat and evenings spent on Club matters.
"I would like a break from all things Nelson", she said pleadingly so as a dutiful husband I was obliged to tag along with her plans.
Our AirBnB was a delightful stone house adjacent to Trsteno Arboretum, less than twenty minute's drive from the city. The weather was glorious, local beer and wine plentiful and cheap so we soon settled in for a restful week of sightseeing and eating in local hostelries.
You might be wondering what all this has to do with Nelson boats - stick with me and I promise you'll find out. Let this tale serve as a warning to all of you reading it.
We decided to visit the ancient town of Mostar in Bosnia. This was not as simple as it sounds. The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have officially removed internal border controls, allowing passport-free travel.
Unfortunately, Bosnia is not one of the above 29 countries so we had to exit and enter the EU to make the trip, both times enjoying the "faster access" afforded by the EES automated digital border management system ("faster" being a rather inaccurate description).
I happened to mention on the NBOC WhatsApp group that we were visiting the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum. The next message I received came from a member of the Club enjoying a tour of European cities by train. "Are you going to Mostar?" he asked, "our train arrives there in two day's time".
Realising that neither of our mobile phones had cell coverage in Bosnia, we arranged to seek out WiFi on arrival if possible and, if all else failed, to meet at Mostar station at 3pm before the train continued on its merry way.
We eventually met up successfully in a small cafe with conversation dominated by all things Nelson related. Voyages, engine problems, overnight berthing costs, winter maintenance, restoration projects being just a few of the many topics discussed over a refreshing drink.
Looking at the faces above you may think I got away with it, however don't be deceived by the happy smile. I've lost all Brownie points and been told in no uncertain terms that the doghouse awaits me for an indefinite period as soon as we return home!
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