Visiting the World's Youngest Nation--Kotor, Montenegro

Although Kotor has been around since the 15th Century, it only received its full independence from Yugoslavia in 2006.  Sailing into the dock was so beautiful with mountains on either side.   

 

We took an hour bus ride into the old Medieval parts of the city.

 

On the way there, we passed this 15th century fishing village which has now been turned into a very exclusive resort where many of the rich and famous go.

The old city is located right on the water front which makes it even more beautiful. 

 

George laughed when we went by a little shop where he bought his Coke Light.  With retirement looming very soon, he said perhaps he could get a job here.

 

The town has been fortified for centuries by the wall which goes on for three miles, at times 65 feet high and 50 feet wide.  How the people built it is amazing!  We thought the same thing about the Great Wall of China when we were there, but the Great Wall is 5,500 miles long! 

Going in the gate to the very oldest part of the city.

 

Again, you can see the wall above the city.

 

We always had fun with the other people on the tour.  Spending almost two weeks together, you get to know each other pretty well.

 

George and the Kotor pigeons!

 

Inside St. Nicholas Church which is a Serb Orthodox Church.  It was interesting to note the difference between the many Catholic Cathedrals we went into and this Orthodox Church.  We really enjoyed seeing both.

It was amazing to see the street sweepers out along the streets.  You don't find one item on the ground.  Americans could certainly take a lesson from the European cities that made this such a priority to keep their streets spotless.

The Kotor moat and walls of the fortress.



As we headed back to our ship after visiting this very unique country, we were so happy to get to know about it.

As we sailed for the next port, it was really hard to pass by Sicily without stopping.  That is where both Kyle and Craig spent two years on a Mormon mission.  George and I have never been there before and are hoping our sons and their wives will be with us when we go there for the first time.   


For many more pictures and information about Kotor, Montenegro, go to my sister's blog at:


http://sixgirlsoneboy.blogspot.com/2012/02/kotor-montenegro-day-7.html