I've been to Montenegro, have you?

We were up early today to make the trip to Montenegro. Our good friend Rick (Steves! Ha! Ha!) recommends it as a day trip from Dubrovnik.




We got our passports stamped as we left Croatia, and as we entered Montenegro. The crossing into Montenegro was interesting. No English from the guy behind the window, and we don’t speak his language (not even sure what it is), and a lady walked up and stood outside the passenger window. Just stood there. Was she begging? She didn’t look like a beggar. We gave passports to the border agent and he was obviously asking for something else. What could it be? “For maccina” Ah! The car rental guy mentioned the “Green card” for the car. It’s an international insurance card. Handed that over. Success. But still the lady standing there. I guess I ignored her long enough and she came around to Tom’s window, and started asking him for money. The guy behind the window didn’t seem bothered so we decided she must be legit. Turns out she was collecting the 10 euro ($15) environmental fee. They give you a sticker good for a year, and apparently everyone needs one. The guy behind the window said something about rental car and 10 euro. Think he might have tried to tell us we can get the money back for the rental car company. Yeah, I’ll hold my breath until that happens.



Montenegro was beautiful. There is a beautiful fjord about 30 minutes into the country that was amazing to look at (and photograph!) We ate a picnic breakfast of melon and yogurt with muesli. What a view, and I love the al fresco dining.



We went as far as the Bay of Kotor, and stopped to see the city of Kotor. As usual, wandering and photos. Montenegro is on the Euro, so another brief change of money.



As we were returning to our car in Kotor, we saw and beach and we went for sand (for my collection). I stepped up a small step by a monument and….the next thing I remember is picking myself up from the ground. It would have been a face plant, but my camera apparently saved me. Did I mention that I am sick?? Insult to injury! Now I am sneezing, wheezing and have a screwed up wrist. Nothing broken. Thank goodness, but my ankle is sore, my wrist hurts (only when I use it though!), and I bet I’ll be stiff tomorrow. A reminder that everything can change in an instant.



My camera lens or filter is messed up, but otherwise all seems to be well there. I would have been lost without that camera, with two weeks left of our trip!



Tom swears my fall was all a devious plot to not take my turn driving today. Boy, that was thinking ahead on my part, eh?



What’s a good day without an adventure?



Tomorrow we drive back to Split to take the night train to Venice. We are really in the groove now, so hope our apartment in Venice is relaxing, as we expect. This beachy atmosphere really works it’s magic on you, and we want to maintain the relaxed feeling.