After our dreamy Valentine’s getaway to Dubrovnik, I just couldn’t shake the memory of that unforgettable Bosnian food at Taj Mahal. So, for my birthday, I convinced Daniel that another trip was absolutely needed. And thus began my 43rd Birthday adventure.
We chose a cute little AirBnB perched on the hillside above the ancient city walls—a perfect mix of work and wanderlust. During the week, we juggled work-from-home with explorations of the public areas and hidden corners around the city walls. We’d already conquered the walls in February. We couldn’t resist uncovering every nook and cranny old-town Dubrovnik had to offer.
The weather greeted us with a dramatic flair this time: wind, storms, and a sea that looked straight out of a painting. I remain completely smitten with those stormy waves crashing like nature’s own epic story over the walkways we once strolled. It was a vivid reminder of how powerful and beautiful the sea can be.
Every evening was a delightful ritual. Daniel, the pups, and I strolled through the nearly empty old-town (March’s calm before the summer rush made it feel like a secret escape), stopping at cozy cafés nestled within the city walls. With tea in hand, slices of cake and pies to share, and the pups at our feet, we savored these quiet moments amid ancient stone and history.
And, of course, the food at Taj Mahal was too irresistible to pass up. We indulged in their culinary magic three times over the week—each visit outdid the last. Every bite was a delicious reminder of why we fell in love with it in the first place.
Adding to the charm of our trip, we treated ourselves to new rings at NAMFLEG. Daniel’s sleek, black piece and my own bright blue treasure matching in their art deco style felt like little tokens of our ongoing adventures together. It was a playful nod to our shared history and a promise for many more journeys to come.
One unforgettable night, a gentle earthquake woke me up. I managed to rouse Daniel, and together we stood in the doorway, half-awake and half-terrified as the tremor passed by. By morning, Dubrovnik was back to its serene self—apparently, these little shakes are just part of the local charm. Even though the city dazzles in so many ways, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet gratitude that we had chosen to call Split home instead of living right on the edge of such seismic surprises.
No adventure is complete without a touch of nature and a hint of the unexpected. On our way home, we made a spontaneous stop to admire a giant, majestic tree that we had missed on a previous visit—the Trsteno Plane Tree. Standing tall and proud, it whispered stories of centuries past, adding yet another layer to our Dubrovnik memories.
In the early 15th century, the sapling was brought from Constantinople by Captain Florio Jakob Antunov, who planted it next to a spring. The tree has survived all would-be conquerors - Turkish invaders, Napoleon’s army and Russian troops - thanks to the mild climate, the life-giving spring, and the care of the locals entrusted with its survival.
—Europe Tree of the Year | TreeOfTheYear.org
Dubrovnik in March is a magical mix of solitude, history, and culinary delights—a quiet prelude to the bustling season that was still weeks away. Our birthday escape was more than just a revisit; it was a reaffirmation of why travel, history, and shared moments with a loved one make life so incredibly rich. I’m always daydreaming about our next adventure together.
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