Podgorica - Budva 🇲🇪

I left Montenegro's capital this morning on a bus bound for Budva on the coast.  I choose to travel on the local busses rather than the touristy ones and again I think I was the only non local.  6 euro for my 2hr trip.

  The route wound up through the mountains with breathtaking views back to the capital and soon enough we were in snow!! 

A winter wonderland for about 30-40 mins before descending down incredible switchbacks to the ocean with views of the terracotta roof buildings and a huge number of glitzy highrise.

I walked to the old town where I had booked my hostel.  Again a stunning hostel, immaculate, stylish and amazing views of the ocean from my room. 

Just 3 of us in my 8 bed room tonight.  A Croation girl and a German cyclist who is on his way to the bottom of Turkey and then over to Spain to continue riding.
Although overcast, no rain forecast till later and so I set off to do the 10km.coastal walking path along all the beaches and associated beach resort towns.  The contrast between the sea and the soaring snow capped mountains makes for a very scenic walk.  This place would be fabulous in the warm season. I tested the water and it wasn't as cold as I was expecting but 6-8 degrees temp means its a no from me 😂

I caught the bus back to Budva and a Canadian at the hostel recommended a pasta place nearby and given it was raining, took his advice.  Wow!  The young owner hand rolls.out the pasta and prepares it and then cooks it in front of you and then puts the piping hot pasta into a huge parmesan cheese where it melts onto the pasta!!  Mushroom and onions on top for me.  Delicious 😊

Podgorica - Lake Skader 🇲🇪

Today the sun shone, but it was icy cold!  Fresh snow on the mountains and a crispness to the air but some warmth in the sun even though it topped at 6 degrees

I went for a short wander around Podgorica.  It is the administrative capital of Montenegro but doesn't have much to offer the tourist.  A few monuments, a beautiful milky green fast flowing river and the Millenium bridge.

I had booked a boat cruise on Lake Skader and could travel to Virpazar by bus or train.  I decided to give the train a go.  At Euro1.20 it is a bargain.  A heavy old metal train with luxury velvet seats in heated cabins of 6 with big picture windows allowing views to the snow capped mountains and lakes. 

The train station at Virpazar was hilariously inadequate.  Situated 1km out of town with an abandoned train station and the walk to town along the highway with no shoulder 😳. Two old ladies and myself made the walk, but, drivers were respectful and gave a wide berth. 

I ended up with a private boat trip with a knowledgeable skipper.  He said that in summer there are 170 boats on the lake at a time!  Marshlands with lots of Birdlife and then we opened out to the middle of the lake with views to the mountains. 

We went past the ruins of Fort Lesendro where the Montenegrans successfully defended against the Ottoman Empire. The skipper was embarrassed by the recent addition of an electricity tower in the middle of the ruins!

After the cruise, I had 2 hours before the next train and so walked the winding road around the lake with incredible views. Quite a few tourists out for a walk enjoying the rare sunny day.

The sunset with full moon topped off an amazing day 😊