The country of Montenegro welcomed us with the spectacular Boka Kotorska Bay that with the 3,000-foot mountain peaks on all sides looks very much like a fjord, except that it is carved by rivers rather than ice. It was early morning when Sea Cloud passed the little manmade islet with the Church of Our Lady of the Rock, which was dedicated to mariners. This was our morning tour destination, along with the town of Perast, home to the Catholic Church of St. Nicolas and small but very interesting Maritime Museum as well.
After visiting the medieval town of Kotor, where we were docked, some of us took the opportunity to see the “other side” of Montenegro, driving the 25 serpentine switchbacks into the small village of Njegusi. Situated on the top of the mountain, the microclimate of oscillating winds makes it famous for its cured ham, which we sampled along with delicious Montenegrin cheese and wine.
Our galley staff had been out for the day purchasing delicious fresh local mussels, which they served with homemade pasta in a memorable dinner on board. The Venetian-style town of Kotor beckoned just across the street for those of us who wanted to admire its narrow alleys lit up in the night, and to take photos of the mysterious mist that covered the land and sea for the late evening.
