26 Sep 2010 – Perast & Kotor

Sat: Montenegro=Black Mountain is a country of its own just south of Dubrovnik. The drive took app 2hrs and we needed our passports to cross the border. In spite of the rain (all day), one could still appreciate both the beauty and culture here. The history of Montenegro dates back to 9th century with the emergence of Duklja, a vassal state of the Byzantine Empire.

A sovereign principality since the Late Middle Ages, Montenegro saw its independence from the Ottoman Empire formally recognized in 1878. From 1918, it was a part of various incarnations of Yugoslavia. On the basis of a referendum held in 2006, Montenegro declared its independence then. With a pop of 673,180 in an area of 13,812 sq km/5,014 sq mi, this exciting country is a must-see if in the region.

Perast is located twelve kilometers from Kotor and was once one of the most beautiful baroque towns on the Boka Kotorska. But the earthquake in 1979 left almost nothing but rubble and ruins. The two small islands off the coast are Sveti Juraj and Our Lady of the Rock/Gospa od Skrpjela. On Sveti Juraj is a Benedictine monastery; on Gospa od Skrpjela a baroque church built in 1630. Below 3 pix credits to: http://www.galenfrysinger.com/montenegro_perast.htm

Located along one of Montenegro’s bays is Kotor, a city of traders and famous sailors. The Old City of Kotor is a well-preserved urbanisation typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor an UNESCO listed ‘World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’. The Cathedral of Sveti Tripun , a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognisable symbols of the city.

Kotor has been fortified since the early Middle Ages, when Emperor Justinian built a fortress above Ascrivium in AD 535, after expelling the Goths. Today Kotor is one of major tourist destination in Montenegro. It has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic. It has numerous other sites with the ancient walls which stretch 4.5km/2.8mi directly above the city.

There was in a traffic line on the boarder back to Dubrovnik… maybe only red cars get to cross the boarder 🙂 Went grocery shopping and was caught in the storm, nearly got swept by the flooding waters and was totally wet with a broken umbrella! Was later told that it was the worst storm even.

Sun: the day started with pouring rains but cleared up for us on the cable-car to view and say our goodbyes to Dubrovnik/Croatia. It has been wonderful meeting up with childhood friends in this part of the world. Swam 6 days in the Adriatic Sea, walked & crossed beautiful paths and had yummy food. Thank you to all our Croatian hosts and hostesses/Mr & Mrs Zoran Franotovie, Mrs Nada Stražičič, Mrs Ivana Bego and especially to Tomislav Črorič/Viator Travel for their kind services.

Where will 2011 take us???

Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it – Trey Parker