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We had only one day to explore the city, as we had a deadline to make in Albania (next post explains), so there was a bit of pressure to do Kotor justice! So we woke up early after our stormy night, strapped on our hiking boots and strode out to ramble through old town and up its many stairs, climbing ever higher through the famed Fortress of Kotor. Like many of this region's cities, Kotor has a layered history of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences - each empire imparting it's own culture to the small city. The product of which is an enchanting medieval Old Town, cut into a coastal cliff and a steep network of stone walls & stairs. Fortifications that climb over 1200 feet (1350+ steps!) to the Castle of San Giovanni at the top of one peak.
Luckily for us, the storm quieted and we were left with a pleasantly overcast day. We ate a morning pizza (of course!) and set off, up the mountain first. Despite the height, it was a surprisingly relaxing climb. Because the path was filled with irresistible vistas and locales, our determined climb was intermixed with many pauses. I'm not going to describe the experience too much because the video below provides a taste. But I will say, our greatest challenge was not the climb itself, but that it's enticing views to other mountain trails and embedded ruins and distant locales made me want to stay and explore for weeks! The mountains around Kotor seem to be saturated with grassy hikes, rock climbing and water rafting adventures. Guess I'll have to return for more one day! :D
Cat Museum!? Well, of course!
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Although this image to the left, in my mind highlights the brilliant potential of cat-themed card arts (please look beyond my camera reflection), the museum also contains a plethora of materials from postcards, to celebrity portraits, stamps, children's & adult books, magazines, posters, risque photography and so much more! It was really hilarious.
I think these one's speak for themselves ;) Enjoy!
A few MONTENEGRIN Dishes
Pizza reviews by Nate!
While immersed in the stoic landscape of Mostar with its war-torn vistas intertwining bustling street markets I came to the realization that both the city and I would benefit from having a pizza place in town, but sadly that was not the case. I went pizzaless until we arrived to Kotor.
Of the many outdoor restaurants that seamlessly line the streets through the piazzas in Kotor’s old town, we chose one with an awning to protect us from the looming storm clouds as well as an extensive pizza list.