We were up bright and early and waiting at the bust stop at 7.30 for a 7.40 pickup. When someone tells you just a few metres they don't REALLY mean just a few metres they mean at least 200 metres. At 7.39 a minibus with a sign displayed in the front windscreen saying Montenegro sailed past!! Oh shit. Helen quickly rang and the bus returned for us but the tour guide told us we were in the wrong place (it was a bus stop but not THE bus stop). That wasn't the beginning of the trip for she said the Chinese had to get off because they couldn't pass the border. Also another couple had got on our bus by mistake and the ones who were supposed to be on were left behind. All was sorted (except for the Chinese people who didn't go). Finally we were on the way. We followed the coast along passed many little towns hugging the shoreline at the base of these towering mountains. When we got to the Bay of Kotor we got the ferry across rather than driving all the way round. Had to go through 2 checkpoints. Apparently there is a strip of no mans land between Crotia and Montenegro where the people pay electricity to one government and water to the other!! It is being sorted we were told. We stopped at a place called Budva for lunch and set off to explore the old town. It was interesting but different from other places we've seen. We were to be back at 1.30 but we got lost and were late!! Everyone else was waiting!! Back on the bus and then we went to Kotor, a UNESCO listed town and one of the oldest and best preserved towns. There was a church (Built in 1518) perched half way up the mountain. We decided to walk up. Quite a hike but the view was spectacular. You could see right across Kotor, the sparkling water of the bay and to the beautiful mountains. Wow!! We had a guide in Kotor who told us a bit about the old city. There are 3 gates into the city. The oldest church was built in 1166. Another next to it in 1221. One is Catholic and the other Orthodox. We were told that all the groups live together there. On the way back we stopped at Perast. There are 2 islands, one natural and one man made. We decided not to go over (we have seen many islands with churches on them) so just had a walk around the town and a cuppa!! It was very pretty nestled at the foot of the mountains on the waters edge. We headed home after that and after going through 2 checkpoints again, finally reached Dubrovnik at about 6.30. Lucky for us we were the first drop off. It was an interesting day with beautiful scenery.
Little village on the way
Ferry crossing
Budva
Calamari and squid for lunch at Budva
The beginning of our climb to the church
From right inside the church
Once again I am doing a bulk catch-up of your blog posts. You have been to some of the most amazingly beautiful and old places. My bucket list is growing! Australia will feel quite new and raw to you when you return won't it?
ReplyDeleteWe've certainly been steeped in history Ann, but we are still looking forward to the comforts of home and not loving out of a suitcase!
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