Kotor and Budva: Montenegro 'Old Mates'.

After 24 days on the road we’ve now acquired too many ‘old mates’ that during conversation you can easily forget which one you’re actually referring too.

Stepping into what could resemble an antique store (until you meet the crazy Serbian, Ross who would never get mistaken for a 1800 highly sought after gold plate) the Old Town Hostel of Kotor, Montenegro, has felt like a travellers reunion. It seems like everyone makes a pit stop here bumping into an ‘old mate.’

It doesn’t take long for the raki to come out. No one bothers to ask the now redundant question, ‘what are you doing here?’

We’ve spent 5 days in Montenegro. It didn’t take long for us to extend our time in Kotor leaving only a night in Budva. Maybe it was because we just loved having our picture taken. The tourists couldn’t get enough of the lit candle with all the wax beneath it. Sitting on a table, ground level, everyone would take a photo of this candle when walking past, down the alleyway. Poor tourists. I don’t think this is currently listed on the Lonely Planet as a ‘local attraction.’ Particularly when the photo isn’t just of the candle burning instead it features either Kylie, myself or someone else from the Hostel photobombing in the background.

Kotor is a little melting pot for outdoor adventures. During our time here we’ve avoided the mainstream options of caving and paragliding. Instead battled spider webs with a stick during a hike to the top of the ridge that overlooks the famous fort. This proved a test of masculinity for certain members of the group.

I’ve had a real David Attenborough moment. Whilst admiring the views that show 80% of Montenegro from the highest point in Lovćen National Park someone else was enjoying it too. That was the Christmas bug that had taken up residency on my head.

The Gulf of Kotor is also a swimmers paradise. To live like a local you need to check out Lazy Bar. Supposedly it’s renowned for it’s reggae music. I didn’t realise that Barry White and Tom Jones were artists that have had dread locks at some point during their music careers. We’ve had several great days there contemplating life and also trying to work out why so many locals wear Speedos from different countries (even New Zealand was spotted). It’s an unanswered mystery. Speculation is that they may swap swimmers after a water polo tournament.

It’s my second time in the area now. The place still holds so much charm and stray cats. The ‘Cat Shop’ still sells random memorabilia. But I imagine within the next 5 years there’ll be a funicular car that takes you to the top of the ridge where you can sip a Pinot Grigo in the orbiting restaurant. 

It’s been a fun few days making new, but also seeing old, ‘old mates.’ The beauty of travelling is that you never know when you’re going to bump into a familiar face on the road and you can keep saying 'see you later,' as it does still hold meaning. 

Toodle pip x

New Zealand representing (who?) in Montenegro.

Gulf of Kotor. 

Failed attempt at either a jumping shot or Latino dancing. At least the view is nice.

The Christmas Bug. After it was recovered from my hair.

Taking a jump. After discovering the Christmas Bug in my hair.

Lovćen National Park.

Clever way to keep your beer cool. But the toughest decision is which option to go for to quench your thirst.

Cow and a cruise ship. Not often seen together.

Spider and a Fort in the background. Also a uncommon sight.

The path of spiders and stellar views.

Lazy Bar, Kotor.

Kotor - another Lazy Bar.

Budva Old Town.