Dubrovnik, Croatia was a wonderful place to be. A view from the top overlooks the whole city. It’s breathtaking. But it was not the picturesque landscapes and roof tiles that made this city quite a memory. It was the mantra its people lived by – Libertas (liberty).

They valued freedom highly. And if you didn’t, you would leave the place converted. The city’s motto is explicit, for people to never forget. Freedom is literally painted on the sides of buses and on famous landmarks. But the best part is that, freedom is not only something they speak and write about for you to read. It’s something they live by and for you to experience.

A warm September night gently covers the old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The yacht I am sailing on is there in the distance, lit up and waiting for my return. It has to wait longer, though. And it did. Freedom, I said. No pressure, no stress – exactly what a vacation should be.

If you’re tied up right now, by whatever full time obligation, break loose and hop on in my little cruise.

Happy Independence Day,

Sandra Ross