Highlights of Montenegro

I pulled into Budva and got horriby lost finding my accommodation. But like all things on this trip it meant I met some lovely people – this time Dutch former Croatians – who taking pity on me in my ‘state’ helped me finthe hostel. Having missed my noghts accommodation the night before due the bad information  Nicholas the host had me sleep in his digs. A tiny room at the top of the stairs – one would usually use as a broom cupbard. Can you imagine being in a full resort town on the Mediternaian and having a room to yourself for €12! I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Embrace the Harry Potter within I ventured into the old town of Budva to see what all the fuss is about. It really is a pretty little spot I ventured into the Citadel and saw some of the restored rooms of the City councillors of days gone by. The view over the bay was just stunning – and made me appreciate the room even more. Thousands upon thousands of bodies littered the beach taking in every ray possible. I have never seen so little body fat on men as I did in Budva. Renowned as a Russian resort this was definitely true in my experience with few people speaking English at all and asking for German as the closest alternative. I took my gelato on the beach in the shade and made tracks for the nearby town of Kotor.

Kotor is the largest and deepest inlet in Continental

 Europe being likened to the fjords of Norway (no-one here even considers that we have Fiords in our neck of the woods…good thing too. I like them as our little secret!)

Kotor and its harbour from the fortress

The twenty minute bus ride took us over the mountain range through tunnels and into a picturesque town with a marina full of super yachts and cruise liners. I made my way up. And by up I mean over 1350 steps up to the Fortress overlooking the inlet.

A stunning view of the inlet and an impressive feat for the locals to use as a fortification…I only want to do those steps once in a lifetime but through the generations many have traipsed up there daily and more. I was rewarded with water on my return down in the stifling heat.

Kotor Inlet - twas lovely and worth the hike

I really enjoyed my taste of the Mediterranean Montenegro and I am sure it would be more enjoyable outside peak season.

Lady working up the Fortress. Hats off to her!
(and her enterprising expensive water)

My time in Montenegro cannot be surmised without taking into account the stunning beauty of the Durmitor National Park UNESCO site. I was able to enjoy the park on my bus ride to Sarajevo the following day. As we twisted our way up from Budva the money shot came whilst staggering up the mountainside – with my when in transportation no pictures it means I have no snapshot of this image but they are a dime a dozen on the internet so feel free! The view over the two bays of Budva and Sveti Stefan was something else. And the development over the last 20 years is evident. I hope it doesn’t overtake more than what it has already! A few dull hours later with a snorting, chewing window seated fellow in my line of sight we reached the national park…and conveniently this stop so I muscled into the window seat for a piece of the action. And I was rewarded. As we twisted our way down the mountains of  Tara River Valley the views over Black Lake was like nothing I have ever experienced before from a bus. The blue of the lake with the gradient of the mountains surrounding was just amazing.

We forged through the valleys many tunnels to the Bosnian border where the national park continued along the worst roads I have experienced in Europe. The road was single lane, simple tarmac with plenty of fords and gravel sections to keep you alert. It should be noted this was for two way traffic despite the width and I was in a bus…small but a bus none the less. Fun!

Reiterating my Lake call from the other day for sure…I’m like a pig in muck here….man I can’t wait to come home to enjoy the goods more often! Let me know if you’re up for any walks or adventures while I’m back in NZ as my midweek activities are limited to running and cooking Mum dinners!