The hotel was actually an apartment, with a separate kitchen and bathroom, although just a shower, nice to have a bit of room.
Another bed that was 2 singles pushed together and 2 doonas. Whoever thought that is a good idea?
Left the apartment to get breakfast and go to the bus station to get the next tickets.
The weather was pleasant, about 18c and sunny although there were a few dark clouds.
On the way through the town we stopped to take some photos. There are loads of cats around, I think Kotor is famous for them because they are on postcards and souvenirs. People put out food for them, and they go in and out of the tables. They all look pretty healthy, although I don’t think they all get on because some had some battle scars.
Song went into a church while I waited outside. After about 10 minutes Song hadn’t come out so I went inside. They were conducting a service, about 10 priests chanting. I couldn’t see Song, so went back outside. Not there. Went back into the church. Nope. Back outside. Not there. Back in the church. Still not there. Ah.
I thought about going down the winding streets but thought it unlikely we’d find each other by chance.
Went back to the apartment and not there either, but I connected to the wifi and used a chat app, luckily Song had the same idea. She didn’t see me outside the church and thought I’d carried on. Managed to find each other and went for breakfast. Found a cafe down one of the streets and I had an omelette (salty), Song had bacon and eggs.
Went over to the bus station, got the tickets, then back through the town to tackle the hill up to the fortress.
The weather was just right for the climb, sunny but not hot, with some cloud. Looking up, it was a bit daunting and I thought we’d get about half way, and that would be an achievement.
The entrance fee was 3 Euro and the ticket seller was cunningly sat at the bottom of the steps, knowing full well that some people wouldn’t make it.
I decided I was going to the top. 3 Euro is 3 Euro.
The path was steep and winding with steps to one side, so it was a case of having to step off if people were coming the other way. Every so often we’d stop at a junction to rest and take photos – as we got higher the views over the town and bay became better and better.
It was quite busy, people of all ages and nationalities struggling up the hill.
The higher we went, the more often we stopped – it was very steep, and the steps were not in the best condition.
It took just over an hour to get to the top.
The views were worth it, took lots of photos. Stayed there for about 20 minutes taking in the views and recovering from the climb.
Headed back down, which was a lot easier, but my legs started to get wobbly and my thighs were beginning to resemble a Tour de France cyclist’s.
On the way down I was trying to decide whether to reward myself with an ice cream or a beer. Then thought ‘why not both?’. There are 1350 steps, so I figured I deserved it.
Luckily our apartment was just next to the entrance so we staggered back, had a shower and collapsed for a while, happy that I got my 3 Euro’s worth.
Song stayed in the apartment but there was an ice cream and beer waiting for me so I went out.
Kotor is quite busy, there were lots of tourists and groups, and the town is actually over 1500 years old.
Slurped my ice cream while wandering through the streets, then sat in a courtyard drinking a beer, replacing the calories I’d worked so hard to lose.
Went back to the apartment and watched some TV before heading out for dinner.
Meandered through the narrow streets, not as many tourists as earlier, taking more photos. Kotor is a very pleasant town, definitely worth a trip from Dubrovnik.
Checked Tripadvisor for a restaurant, the number 2 was a seafood restaurant outside the town but only 5 minutes away, sat right on the water, looking over the bay which is surrounded by hills, the sun going down behind them, the sea perfectly still. A tranquil scene and the best setting for a meal I’ve ever had.
I ordered the fish soup to start, which was delicious – small pieces of fish in a tomato and capsicum broth. Song had a seafood soup that had small pieces of fish, squid and prawns in a broth.
I had sea bass and potato and shard (again, must be trendy). Also had a beer, a dark ale. Cost $72.
The meal was the best of the trip so far.
I’m trying to upload photos to Flickr but the internet here is really slow and it keeps timing out.
Tomorrow is a 4 hour bus ride to Shkoder, Albania.
