Blogs from Montenegro, Europe - page 14

After many border crossings we finally made it to Plav, Montenegro. It was such a struggle to find our hotel as it was tucked down back streets that slanted dangerously and had more pot holes than actual road. It turns out it was signposted but only in the local language, which is Montegrin, nevertheless we eventually found it after getting lost several times. I have never seen the point in spending a lot of time or money on hotels, but I could have spent forever and my riches at Hotel Kula Damjanova. It was more of a lodge than a hotel. It was on two floors with a spiral type staircase, and was made entirely from wood. It was perched on the lakes edge, and was decorated by oriental rugs hanging on the walls. It was ... read more

Saying goodbye to Andreja saw me settle back into the usual groove – you know what that is - slow and steady and lots of photo taking but with a bit more restraint than I’ve shown in the past. Somewhere along the line, I left the Tara River and joined the Moraca River. I think this happened after Kolasin – not sure. But there it was, another river and yet another spectacular canyon. Nature is amazing. Just when you think it can’t possibly get any better it does. In fact, I would have to say that the Moraca Canyon is the most beautiful I’ve seen so far. Big call. But getting there involved a pass (manageable) and then, well, as before a whole vista opens out in front. Mountain, after mountain, after mountain for as far ... read more

July 15 We chose Kotor because the photos of the bay looked extremely inviting, and also because of rich cultural heritage and a possibility to swim. We flew with JAT Airways from Beograd to Tivat, took a taxi to Kotor Old Town for 15 Euros (rather expensive for such a short distance – quite reachable by foot but there is a long tunnel through the mountain), and, having grasped a map at Tourist Information Centre, entered the fortress gates while following the printed hostel directions which proved helpful – our feet came directly to its door within no time and not a single deviation from the correct path. The old town immediately left a deep impression on me, it felt so cozy though narrow and with lots of outdoor cafes and crowds of tourists, but nevertheless, ... read more

In my last post I said I was Skadar Lake bound the following day. Well, wouldn’t you know it, I changed my mind. Instead I took the bus up to Centinje, the ‘royal’ capital of Montenegro to catch a glimpse of a Henry Moore exhibition they had there. You would too if it was only an hour away. And so I stayed another night in Podgorica (yes, another night!!!) to do this. Confident that the gallery would be open after being told that in Montenegro public offices are not open on the weekend as people don’t like to work on the weekends and so it was best to go on Monday. I’m sure you know what happened next. First off, there was nothing, no flyers in windows, NOTHING, to indicate that this exhibition was on. Also ... read more

After a seven and a half hour bus journey from Ohrid, Macedonia, I finally arrived in Budva, Montenegro! Upon my arrival at the bus station, I was immediately greeted by taxi drivers all willing to take me to my destination (Mojo Hostel). Instead, I opted to follow the printed map and walk to the hostel. Since the reception officially opens at around 9am, I decided to hop online for a while and explore the wonderful world of the internet! lol After sending some emails and updating my travel blog, I had a breakfast that consisted of an orange, changed my clothes and decided to head to the atm for some much needed cash, get a local sim card, and walk around the Old Town/beach area. Budva is extremely touristic compared to Ohrid. It's only June 27th ... read more