This morning we began by exploring the old city of Hvar, the main town of the homonymous island known for its lavender cultivation. The Arsenal, the large square, Saint Francis church and monastery, and the tiny but beautiful theatre are all traces of the long domination of the Serenissima, the large sea empire of Venice. The most determined among us braved the challenge of the day: climb to the fort that dominates the Hvar landscape to take in the beautiful vista from the hilltop.
After a delicious Filipino themed lunch and a lavender flavored tea at teatime, yet another challenge awaited the daring. A sailor taught us how to climb up the riggings to the platform on the forward mast of the ship! What a thrill this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was, even for those just watching their adventurous ship mate going aloft!
