This morning, we woke up in Albania! We explored new scenery, foods, and culture as we immersed ourselves in the cobblestone streets of Krujë. Intricately patterned, handmade items like rugs, slippers, and pashminas lined the storefronts on the street. We walked up and into the Skanderbeg Castle and the museum, where we learned about Albania’s hero, George Kastrioti a.k.a. Skanderbeg. After a fascinating journey through the history of Krujë, we scurried to lunch during the beginning of what would be a very wet rest of our afternoon. Determined to learn and explore, we quickly adapted with umbrellas and “leapfrogged” under awnings. Lunch at the Bardhi Restaurant was delightful. We enjoyed traditional foods paired with traditional Albanian music and dancing. The bus ride home to Sea Cloud was quiet with bellies full, but a few troopers amongst us took to exploring some of Durrës to close out a successful first day in Albania.
9/20/2024
Read
Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.