And just like that, we’re back to the Balkans! Nestled between Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania is the tiny country of Montenegro. And while it may be small in landmass and population (roughly the size of Louisville, KY) don’t let it fool you. It more than makes up for its size with soaring fiord-like rugged mountains and medieval villages along the Adriatic coast.
Perast & Kotor Bay
If I wanted to describe this place, I’d start by asking you to close your eyes. But seeing as you have to read this description that doesn’t really work now does it?! But let’s try anyway! Imagine if sky high mountains soaring out from the water were like arms that could wrap around you in a hug. The water is crystal clear and flat, and like glass you can see the mountains and sky in it. The birds soar, people walk by, but there is no sound. The November air is cold, but the sun shines directly on you keeping you cozy and warm. Everything surrounding you is calm and serene and you realize that you could sit and stare into the views for hours.
Our Lady of the Rocks
According to legend, the island was made over the centuries by local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea in the year 1452. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the Bay and over time, the island gradually emerged from the water. The custom of throwing rocks into the sea is alive well, being celebrated yearly on the sunset of July 22nd. Local residents take out their boats and throw rocks into the sea widening the surface of the island.
Sveti Stefan
Our next and final stop in Montenegro is Sveti Stefan. Like much of the Balkans, this tiny island has been under Venetian and Turkish control, then pirated by Serbs, and tossed back and forth a number of times between different countries and powers.
Now the island and it’s pink sand beaches are owned by the luxury hotel group, Aman Resorts. The private island boasts 58 guest rooms, cottages, and suites, as well as a grand piazza and several restaurants.
Skadar Lake
While we here we took a day trip to Skadar Lake at the southern part of the country. The hairpin switchback roads were no picnic, but the views were more than worth it.
Millions of years ago the lake was actually a bay on the Adriatic Sea, but over time it filled in and has now become a fresh water lake. It is home to 270 species of birds, over 50 types of fish, and numerous other animals. It also has over 30 rare and protected trees and plants.
One cool thing about this lake is 1/3 of it is shared with the neighboring country of Albania, they call is Lake Shkodër.
Much of last 10 days has spent working and re-working our travel plans. With boarders closing and lockdowns going into effect, we’ve been working with several different embassies to gain access to more countries and finally have a new leg of our journey set and ready to go. Up next we’re headed to Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary – three countries were very excited about! Sadly due to the full lockdown in Greece we’ve decided we’ll only drive through as it doesn’t make much sense to be stuck in and Airbnb unable to see the sights. We’re also crushed that we can no longer go to Turkey!!! Although our visa was approved some time ago, there are very serious terror plots and attacks on US Citizens. Once we heard in order to travel there we needed to increase our insurance, appoint a family member to serve as a point of contact with hostage-takers, and provide DNA samples we thought….mayyyyyybe we should skip Turkey for now.
But like life, you must always focus on the positive so we’re very excited for the capital cities of Sofia, Bucharest, and Budapest and to travel the farthest East in Europe I have ever been!
From Abroad With Love – AG
