A Heartfelt Zbogom: My Farewell to Dubrovnik & the Balkans
#mytraveldiary
I just said "Zbogom" to Dubrovnik—and to the Balkans—a region that gifted me ancient walled cities, turquoise seas, dramatic mountains, and stories etched in every stone and smile. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a deep, soul-stirring journey through history, resilience, and breathtaking beauty.
What Made This Balkan Journey Special?
· Dubrovnik's Old Town: A UNESCO treasure with marble streets, Baroque churches, and city walls that glow in the sunset.
· The Balkan Spirit: A complex, powerful blend of Ottoman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences seen from Croatia to North Macedonia.
· The Adriatic Sea: Crystal-clear waters that hugged the coast from Slovenia to Albania.
· The Mountains: From the Dinaric Alps to the Accursed Mountains, raw and majestic.
Why the Balkans for Solo Travelers?
· Safe & Authentic: Traveling here alone felt real and welcoming.
· Affordable Adventure: Incredible value for money compared to Western Europe.
· Compact & Connected: Easy to hop between countries by bus, train, or ferry.
· Unforgettable Moments: Whether listening to seagulls in a hidden cove or sharing rakija with locals, the memories stick.
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My Final Solo Itinerary: The Perfect Zbogom
Morning: One Last Walk on the Walls
· Woke up early to walk the Dubrovnik City Walls alone—almost silent except for the sea below.
· Took one last look at the orange rooftops and Lokrum Island from the Minceta Tower.
· Drank coffee at a café in the Old Port, watching fishermen and early boats.
Afternoon: Souvenirs & Sweet Goodbyes
· Bought a final souvenir: maybe lavender from Croatia, handmade filigree from Montenegro, or ajvar from Serbia.
· Ate lunch at a konoba (tavern) outside the walls—black risotto or octopus salad with a glass of Pošip wine.
· Wrote postcards or journaled at a quiet spot like Buža Bar (cliff bar).
Evening: Sunset and Reflection
· Took the cable car to Mount Srđ for a panoramic sunset over the Elaphiti Islands.
· Remembered other Balkan sunsets: over Lake Ohrid, the Bay of Kotor, Belgrade's rivers, or Sarajevo's valleys.
· Had a farewell dinner—maybe peka or fresh fish—and thanked a local for their kindness.
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4. Learn to Say "Thank You":
· Croatian: Hvala
· Serbian: Hvala
· Bosnian: Hvala
· Montenegrin: Hvala
· Albanian: Faleminderit
· Macedonian: Благодарам (Blagodaram)
· Slovenian: Hvala
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Final Thoughts
Saying "Zbogom" to the Balkans wasn't easy. This region—with its heartbreaking history and joyful spirit—taught me about resilience, beauty, and the power of human connection. As a solo traveler, I felt embraced, challenged, and forever changed.
The Balkans don’t say “goodbye” forever—they say “Doviđenja” (until we see each other again). And I know I’ll be back.
#Zbogom #Dubrovnik #Balkans #SoloTravel #Doviđenja