Kotor, Montenergro

We arrived in Kotor, Montenegro just a few minutes before the sun peeked over the mountain tops, so not much of a sail-in for photos, plus it was a chilly 64. This was to be a brief, 5-hour stop today before heading to Venice for two days. We made the mistake of eating breakfast in the Lido - it was crawling with passengers trying to rush their meals and report for their tours that were to start as early as 8:15. The lines were long and tempers were short, but we managed a simple meal and fortunately made one of the first 'tenders' to shore. We didn't have a plan for the morning, but a land tour sign caught our eye on an open-air bus that was to take us to multiple small villages along the coast and return by noon, so we spent the $40 and were on our way.

Kotor itself, is the largest of the cities at 23,000, and represents one of the best preserved medieval urban settlements built between the 12th & 14th century. Among the numerous narrow streets and town squares, Kotor is home to medieval palaces, churches, and the cathedral of St. Tryphon - a monument of Roman culture and probably one of the most prominent symbols of the town.

As I mentioned, it was only 64 when we arrived. We both wore jackets but even with the extra layers, we were cold when we left Kotor, heading for Risan. Only about 15 minutes down the road along the coastline, Risan's the oldest town of Boka Bay. When the Romans arrived, they constructed several palaces with stunning marble details and sculptures, as well as mosaics.

Then on to Perast...just another marvellous little coastal town... and the architecture very quickly takes you back to medieval times. Perast is definitely one of the most peculicar yet loveliest places of Boka Bay.

Last but not least, Bajova Kula - it's basically a beach community. Well, not so much a community but rather a stretch of beach about a mile long with crystal-clear water, surrounded by beautiful laurel trees. No, we didn't go swimming, but the area was sure inviting.

Folks are really isolated in this region. We didn't realize just how isolated it was until we sailed back toward the open sea, and it took us nearly two hours to get there. The scenery is breathtaking, but the little villages are really nestled in and between towering mountain ranges. We'd both go absolutely stir-crazy if we stayed for any length of time - but it was neat, clean, folks were very friendly - no issues with language. It reminded us of a few ports in New Zealand, though the mountains aren't quite as tall there.

Our 'tender' ride ashore this morning was quite an experience - a first for us. Tenders (or lifeboats) are normally tested very frequently to ensure proper operation in the event of a real emergency. This morning, #16 had some severe engine issues, and we were shaken around like toy dolls - every direction but straight! We obviously made it to shore, but not without a few bumps & bruises - nothing serious for anyone, but very uncomfortable & uncharacteristic for Holland America.

A formal night this evening - we very much dislike dressing for these events, but normally, once dinner is over, we're both in our jammies and human again by 8:00. And especially tonight - the ship is broadcasting the presidential debate live at 3am. Cheryl won't be up for it, but I wouldn't miss it. We're one of only a handful of American couples on this voyage and I think I mentioned it before, but we're constantly asked about the upcoming election. And something else. They understand terror threats...they understand terrorists...they understand Isis, and they understand the threat they pose worldwide. But you know what they don't understand...they DON'T UNDERSTAND why Americans can't get along with Americans. And I don't either. I can talk politics with them all day long. But I can't begin to explain Fergusson, Baltimore, or most recently, Charlotte. And they ask.

I don't have a rational answer for them...