Our plans had to be quickly altered when we awoke to find it raining quite heavily; this being the first real rain we’d experienced since arriving in Europe.
We waited until nearly 10:00 and the rain abated so we gathered our things and walked the thirty minutes to the old city.
Along the Adema Buca road there were several building still in a state of disrepair as a result of the civil war. Sections of these buildings had been blown apart and other areas showed mortar damage.
Damaged building, Mostar, Bosnia
City Hall, Mostar, Bosnia
The cobblestone walkway down to the Stari Most (Old Bridge) was very slippery and we walked with caution through the narrow street.
When we arrived at the Stari Most we were surprised to find the bridge devoid of humans; not like last night when it was packed with activity. The old Ottoman high-arched bridge was built in 1566 but was severely damaged by Bosnian Serbs and the JRS troops in the 1992-95 war. The reconstruction was achieved through grants from the USA and the UN amongst others and the bridge today now has UN Heritage status.
Gate to Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar, Bosnia
With the weather now quite warm, sunny and humid we then climbed to the top of the tall minaret at the Koski Mehmed-Pasina’s mosque. This afforded us a superb view overlooking the old town and especially the famous bridge and the river. The Neretva River was fast flowing and the sections of cascades and rapids made us think of the tourist potential for ‘white-water’ rafting trips through the old township! Whilst at the top of the minaret, we noticed activity on the bridge and witnessed a diver plunging the 30m into the river below. There are about 100 divers in a club who are allowed to dive and will oblige for a fee.
View from top of minaret, Mostar, Bosnia
Stari Most (Old Bridge) from top of minaret, Mostar,
Stari Most (Old Bridge) with diver in water, Mostar, Bosnia
Stairs in minaret Mostar, Bosnia
As time was limited we had to head back to our hotel and prepare for our departure at mid-day for Montenegro. We had sufficient time grab a quick coffee and to do some sight-seeing on the way back to our hotel.
Our five hour bus trip to Kotor in Montenegro was initially through small farming properties many with dwarf lavender plantations of seldom more than half a hectare. Later we entered mountainous country with high ragged peaks and steep valleys. For the path to the border with Montenegro (MNE) we took minor roads through Ribari and Gacko after which we crossed the border leaving BiH and entering MNE. The officials at the border were quite efficient and even though our passports were stamped accordingly, nobody bothers to check that the ID photos corresponded to those holding the passports.
The road we followed by-passed the capital of Montenegro (Podgorica) and then headed westwards to the Adriatic coast. We drove through many short tunnels and eventually we reached a high point with a spectacular view overlooking the Adriatic Sea. After a photo stop we descended a steep and winding road to reach the sea and we then followed to coast through sea-side villages until we arrived at Kotor which is the tourist centre for Montenegro on the Adriatic.
View over Kotor harbour, Montenegro
Mussel farm, Kotor, Montenegro
We checked into our Hotel Marija which is situated within the old town inside the city wall.
Group gathering outsife Hotel Majira (our room is the one with the balcony), Kotor, Montenegro
We had a one hour walking tour to familiarise ourselves with this ancient town and then after a seafood meal headed back to our hotel where our second floor bedroom has a balcony that overlooks the courtyard in front of the Orthodox Church close by.
West (Sea) Gate, Old City, Kotor, Montenegro
Guduric (South) Gate, Old City, Kotor, Montenegro
Guduric (South) Gate (from inside city wall), Old City, Kotor, Montenegro
Tomorrow we are going kayaking on the bay in front and in the afternoon there is a chance to climb the more than a thousand steps to the high fortress on the mountain behind!