Willis and Jennie had a quick shoot with their videographer so they had extra footage to put into their wedding video. It was a great opportunity for me to tag along to grab a few pictures of my brother and his soon to be wife.
Anthony and Gabriela's Maternity Family Session in Houston
Anthony and Gabby are expecting their second child and I was honored to do their maternity session literally 2 weeks before their due date! We went to this great spot in Houston with lots of mature oak trees that created the perfect backdrop for this shoot.
Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
in Croatia
For our last day, we decided to explore the nearby country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once again, we were able to sign up for a day tour the evening before. Our tour bus left from Pile Gate at 8 am.
As you can see, most of the city is still sleeping.
Pile Gate
Our first pit stop to use the restroom, get coffee, etc. Up to this point, the drive along the coast of Croatia was incredible. On your way there, make sure to sit on the left side. You'll get the best views.
After about another hour on the road, we ended up at our first destination: Kravice Waterfalls, which is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kravice Waterfalls is a popular place to swim and picnic in the summertime. It's also a beautiful place to visit, year-round.
After exploring Kravice Waterfalls, we made our way over to Mostar. We had about 3 hours to walk around and explore the city.
These outdoor markets will make you feel like you've stepped right into Aladdin. Lots of good shopping and unique gifts for souveniers.
Lots of fine hand-made linens and copper. We bought a hand-painted copper bowl and a copper coffee grinder.
We only had time for one meal in Mostar, and we are so glad that we chose Tima Irma. Authentic, delicious, and fresh Bosnian food.
Cevapi (rolled veal sausages with pita bread and a red bell pepper spread)
Pileci raznjici (grilled chicken skewers with cucumbers, tomatoes, pita bread, feta cheese, and a red bell pepper spread.
The owner was really kind and brought us some cheese spread to try, which can only be found in Bosnia. Before we left, she gave us their postcard and a bottle of local beer.
This is what Mostar is known for, the Stari Most (Old Bridge). Mostar was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who guarded the Old Bridge in medieval times. The bridge stood for over 400 years before it was destroyed in the war. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2004.
The Bazaar in Mostar
Stari Most
Copper and colorful fabrics in the Bazaar
Another view of Stari Most from the bottom of the stairs. The locals will collect money to see if their comrade to jump off the bridge, which seems to be a common pastime.
After returning to Croatia, we stopped at Barba (seafood meets streetfood) for dinner.
They have wooden utensils for eating, but they also supply markers for decorating them and displaying them on the wall.
Fresh Octopus Salad
Octopus Burger
Tempura Prawns
Although we spent the entire day in another country (and added a few more stamps to our passports), we made it back just in time to watch one more sunset in Croatia. The more sunsets we watch, the more marvelous they become. Until next time...
"To travel is to live." -Hans Christian Anderson
Dubrovnik City Wall Walk and Cable Car
in Croatia
If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, I would suggest spending it on the City Wall Walk. It may be the highlight of your visit. It's a 2 km walk around the city with dramatic views of the coast and famous tiled rooftops. The wall was constructed between the 12th-17th centuries and surrounds the entire perimeter of Old Town. The walk can get crowded during the day, so try going early. We went when it opened, which was 8 am.
There are several entrances to the Wall Walk. We chose the one close to the main street (Stradun), which was closest to Pile Gate.
Once we got to the top of the stairs, we headed to the left. This will bring you to a view of Fort Lovrijenac.
The Bell Tower and Onofrio's Fountain
Another view of Fort Lovrijenac
Nature combined with the man-made beauty of historic times creates a lasting impression.
The width of the walls ranges from 13-20 feet on the landward side, but it's much more narrow on the seaward side.
A view of Lokrum Island
The walk takes you all the way around the port on the southeastern side of Old Town.
In the distance, you can see St. Ivan Fortress. It was built in the 14th century and is now home to the Maritime Museum.
The Wall gets pretty high in some places, so don't look down if you're afraid of heights.
Minceta Tower was completed in 1464, now serves as a museum.
The walkway around Minceta Tower, also a familiar scene from Game of Thrones...
Also known as the House of the Undying from GOTs. You may recognize this as the scene where Daenerys goes to get her dragons back.
Another view of Minceta Tower
The walk takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how long you linger and/or take photos. We made it back in time to stop by the outdoor market for some fresh cherries and apricots.
We took the cable car up to the top of Dubrovnik (on Hill Srd) around 6pm. It only takes 4 minutes to get from bottom to top, which is much faster than what it took when it was first constructed in 1969.
The top of Srd is 412 meters above sea level, which provides for some spectacular views.
Cable Car up to Srd Hill
We stopped by Dalmatino's for dinner, which is known for it's seafood.
Black ink seafood risotto
Truffle pasta
Lobster fettuccine
Hidden off of one of the alleyways in Old Town is Dolce Vita, and enticing place for dessert.
Any day that ends with real gelato, probably means that it was a good day. Today was exceptionally wonderful. One more day left on this anniversary trip, and we hope to make the most of it.
Top Photography Location in Dubrovnik, Croatia
in Croatia
One of the best ways to get this iconic shot of Old Town Dubrovnik is to pack a drone in your suitcase. However, if you do not happen to have one, fear not! Follow along to see where you can get comparable (if not better) shots of this magnificent view of Dubrovnik.
Venture outside of Old Town through Pile Gate and head to the left. It won't be long before you spot the majestic Fort Lovrijenac.
It's not a surprise that this impressive spot made it into Game of Thrones. On a quiet day, one can imagine Sansa Stark and Shae watching the ships go by.
Take a journey past the hobbit-like dwellings, up the grand staircase, and you'll find yourself looking at one of the most historic and breath-taking views you will experience...
Take in a breath of fresh air as you marvel at the sights from the entrance of Fort Lovrijenac (which stands 121 feet above sea level).
Fort Lovrijenac dates back to the 11th century. High ceilings and spectacular views, what more could a soldier ask for?
Another popular filming location for Game of Thrones. Do you remember what battle scenes were fought here?
The perfect place to sit and ponder about the talented architects of the Middle Ages. Incredible artists.
Inside the walls of Fort Lovrijenac.
Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac
More views from inside the walls of Fort Lovrijenac. Plan enough time to explore, there's a lot to see!
Don't forget to explore the trails on the other side of Fort Lovrijenac. You'll come across this quiet little lagoon.
Although it seems miles away, Fort Lovrijenac is just a short walk from the city walls. So, you can make it back in time for dinner on the patio.
Unlike Texas, the prime seats are the ones outside. So, expect longer waits for patio seating (if you didn't already make reservations).
Since we're talking about beautiful views, this is the entrance to a unique, cliff-side bar called Cafe Buza (or the "hole-in-the-wall").
Cafe Buza gets crowded in the evenings; t's a great place to watch the sunset.
Sunset from Cafe Buza
A late dinner at Pizzeria Oliva, which is located behind St. Blaise Church
Calzone with peppers, sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella
Neopolitan-style pizza
Onofrio's Fountain at night
People watching is way more interesting in another country. You can observe the different languages, gestures, behaviors, and cultures. One thing that remains the same, though, is love. Can you spot the lovers who stopped to embrace in the street?
When the moonlight hits the limestone, Old Town takes on a whole new glow. One thing about Croatia is that it doesn't matter where you are. The views will likely take your breath away. And you better be ready to stop and savor the moment.