We were surrounded by a sea of blue, sky of blue, deck of blue and Sarahโs new โHokusai” dress …of blue. ๐ ย ย
โฌ Sarah wearing her new โHokusaiโ dress! โฌ
view our full cruise from Croatia
Tag Archives: Thomson Spirit
โ๏ธ The Blind Sightseers Melt In A 41หC Heat Wave In Montenegro! ๐
February 13, 2021 
2 Comments
โ๏ธ #41 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Kotor, Montenegro”๐ฒ๐ช(2017)
ย ย Hiย friends and welcome to Day 41 of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers tour….!ย ย
Good Morning friends! (dobro jutro) ๐ ย
Are you ready for a scorcher today? Itโs going to hit 41หC as the heat wave moves in! โ๏ธ Also i had no idea (until looking) that itโs our 41st day of our lockdown memory tour, fantastic! ๐ ย ย
We booked the โBlue Cave Speed Boat Tourโ for today but this tour was cancelled (last minute) yesterday evening. The excursion team told us the Montenegro officials read that your were blind and said โA blind person cannot board a speed boatโ so they cancelled it! We said โWeโve done much more challenging things than stepping onto a speed boatโ but weย acquiesced and asked if there were any other tours left.
They only had โHighlights of Montenegroโ a 10-12 hour tour with lots of walking. I said โWow this is going to be magnificently burning hotโโฆI wasnโt wrong! ๐ฐย
Well letโs see what weโll be doing…ย
The port of Kotor finds a home on the worldโs southernmost fjord – or the โBride of the Adriaticโ, as itโs also known. As places go, itโs beautiful. Think blue seas. A stony shore. Green mountains. All drenched in the heavenly scent of lemons, oranges, mimosas and camellias. And hereโs your chance to explore this gorgeous part of the world.
First youโll stop at the mountain village of Njegusi to taste the regionโs delicious smoked ham and cheese. Stomach full, youโre ready for…
Cetinje. Known as the โValley of Godsโ, it was once the smallest European capital and itโs filled to bursting with beautiful buildings. Here you’ll visit the King Nikola’s palace before having some free time to stroll around. Next youโre off to…
Budva – the most popular tourist destination on Montenegroโs map. And quite rightly so. Beautiful architecture meets seductive sandy beaches in this spot. Perhaps thatโs why lots of millionaires decide to live here.
Leaving the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
After another lovely breakfast we stepped off the ship. โWoahโ i said whilst leaving the lovely cool ship and walking into a hot oven. โHow can it be this hot already?โ Sarah quickly replied โOohhh thatโs better the ship was freezingโ. ๐คฃ ย
On the coach…๐
Yay, the Thomson excursion team has made sure the tour guide saved us the front seats on the coach. The first challenge (for the excellent driver) was to climb the famous Kotor serpentine road. The road was simply amazing, and witnessing the driver expertly navigate the hairpin turns and narrow road was incredible. The guide passed a picture (see below) around the coach and Sarah took a photo of it so i could zoom in on my iMac at homeโฆThanks Sarah ๐ฒย
Arriving at Njegusi…
ย The serpentine was pretty quiet and didnโt have much traffic as it was still early morning. Iโm not sure how he guided this massive coach up and around those bends without flying off the cliff, but iโm glad he did, lol! ๐ ย
We reached the top and the view was simply breathtaking! Sarah was stunned on itโs beauty and said โWow you can just make out our ship all the way down thereโ. ๐ย
YayโฆIโm here too! I thought iโd add a photo of me just to make sure you knew i was here, and didnโt collapse into a pool of molten flesh after leaving the ship, lol! ๐คฃ ย
ย The group headed into the mountain top restaurant and sat down at tables overlooking the stunning view. I donโt think anyone was hungry as the waiters place a humongous baguette filled with the legendary local ham and cheese in front of all of us. Everyone kept saying โWeโve only just had breakfast about an hour ago on the shipโ, even i was struggling and iโm never full! ๐ The ham and cheese was super tasty and it wouldโve been nice to take some home with usโฆBut it was time to go!
ย We had a few more minutes to take some photos of this stunning place as people were filtering onto the coach.
ย Ok just one more shot of Sarah waving and saying hello to you guys, then we really do have to get back on the coach. ๐ ย
On to the next stop…
It was late morning now and the serpentine started to get a little busier.
And then…
The coach hit the brakes, our group said โWooaahhhโ and the drivers sorted out a way to carry on. Our coach had to reverse (no idea how he did it) up the hill and around some corners until he found a little pull in. It had taken our driver over half an hour to pull off this manoeuvre, and after a round of applause he drove on. ย
We arrived in Cetinje…ย
Leaving the air conditioned coach and stepping out into the centre of a bubbling volcano (thatโs what it felt like to me)we followed our guide towards the museum, but on the way he quickly stopped to talk to us about a church building.
Vlah churchโฆ๐ย
Walking along a track the guide pointed out this lovely old church building and started talking about itโs history.
Fromย Wikipedia…
The church was initially made of “plot” (Serbian: ะฟะปะพั), i.e. of sticks, switches and mud. It was rebuilt three times. First as “suvomeฤa” (Serbian: ััะฒะพะผะตัะฐ), which means of stones without mortar; then of “klaฤena” (Serbian: ะบะปะฐัะตะฝะฐ), which is stones with lime mortar; and finally, in 1864 the church received its current form. A guard rail around the church was built in 1897 using barrels of Ottoman rifles captured in 1858 during the Battle of Grahovac.ย
The part about the guard rail using barrels of Ottoman rifles captured in 1858 really stuck out to me. I hope my two quickly taken photos showed the guard rail? We didnโt get any closer as the guide was moving fast! ๐ข
Walking towards the Museum of King Nikola…
Wow it was hot, iโve never experienced heat like this ย before! The Caribbean heat is much different and there is always a cool breeze, but here there was no breeze and it just felt like my bones were being steamed in a cauldron of boiling water, whilst my skin was being attacked by a million angry wasps with mini switchblades ย cutting into me! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Then out of nowhereโฆ๐ฒ ย
I heard cars whiz past and stop close to us, car doors flew open and there was lots of commotion.ย
ย
I said โWhatโs happening? It sounds like the NCIS team has just pulled up and Gibbs and his special agents have just rushed out of their cars?!โ I wasnโt too far wrong as it was the President of Montenegro and his bodyguards.
ย
ย
The guide told us to stop and take shade under a tree for a while and heโll go and sort out what to do next. He was away for quite a while and whilst he was gone Sarah said โHey Steve thereโs a statue over there letโs go and take a photoโ i replied โitโs boiling out there iโm staying under this treeโ, of course this reply didnโt work and Sarah stood me in front of the statue, lol! ๐ ย ย
The guide returned and told us that the President will be inside the museum we were about to be guided around. So weโll have our break now of about an hour as another group was before us and will be first to go inside the museum. We wonโt be able to go back to the lovely air conditioned coach but there is the main square just over there, and there are some shops and a cafe. As the group separated we walked towards the square.
Sarah said โThere is not much here but this looks like a souvenir type shop. Letโs get you out of the heat before you explodeโ. It was a souvenir shop and we bought a lovely painted plate with Montenegro written on and it hangs above the doorway to our kitchen. ๐ ย
Heading out of the shop we walked around the corner and Sarah said โOOooohhhh look at that dress!!โ I knew exactly what the noise meant (as i canโt see what iโm looking at, lol) and we walked towards the shop. The dress was hanging up outside the shop and Sarah was completely taken with it. she said โlook at the designโฆitโs all handmade stitching, the colours are beautiful and itโs simply exquisiteโฆI love it! ๐ย
Inside the shop…
Minding the step into the shop Sarah had a little look around to see if she could see the dress (the one outside) anywhere inside the shop. The local woman behind the counter said โYou like the dress?โ as she held up a black dress that Sarah didnโt want or like. โNo i wanted to ask about the dress outsideโ Sarah said whilst pointing out of the window. โThis dress would look really nice on you!โ the woman insisted, โno i donโt like that dress itโs too dark for me, do you have the orange and red flower dress thatโs hanging up outside in my size?โย
The woman continued in her heavy accent โYou donโt like? Why do you not like? It look lovely on you!โ Just as I was thinking that weโd never get out of here without even looking at the dress the woman said โThere is only 1 of the dress outside but this dress (the one she was holding) we have many. Sarah said whilst looking a little disappointed as there was only 1 of those amazing dresses โCould i have a look at it please and try it on?”
The woman finally put down the other dress and got the one from outside and passed it to Sarah. โWow this is amazing but itโll never fitโ Sarah said whilst trying not to get too excited anymore, but she went over to the changing rooms and tried it on anyway.
โWow, you look stunningโ i said knowing sheโs about to tell me i canโt see it very well anyway, lol! โIt fits perfectly, i thought there would be no way it fitsโฆIโve just got to have itโ Sarah said with a beaming smile on her face.ย
Leaving the shop with Sarah (sheโs super excited) still stunned that she’d got the only dress of that kind available and it fitted perfectly, we headed back towards the cafe.
The cafeโฆโ ย
It was really busy and it was the only cafe open around this square and everyone seemed to be here. There was a man selling cold bottles of water under a sheltered bit so we went and bought a couple. Sarah found the only 2 chairs left which were in the sun. As we sat down with a bottle of water each…
Sarah shouted โAArrggghhhhโ and flew up out of her seat (i thought iโd accidentally pushed the ejector seat button like in James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5). At the same time half of the contents of her water bottle hit me in the face and covered mostt of my shirt (i was glad of the cooling down). But i said โWhatโs just happened?โ โAwww the burning hot arms of the chair scorched my forearms as i sat down!โ OuchโฆI can still feel it as iโm typing this! ๐คย
Leaving the cafe it was time to meet up with the group to have our guided tour around the museum. On the way Sarah found some art and a fantastic building.
Museum of King Nikola…
This fascinating Museum used to be the royal palace of the Montenegrin King for more than 50 years. So once the president had left we had our chance to see it. ๐ ย
The museum guide took us around the house and explained the significance and rarity of many of the items on display. She brought it all to life with a passion and pride that left a lasting impression.
The museum has many rooms which were presented as they would have looked when used as a royal palace, including the king’s and queen’s bedrooms, reception rooms, official meeting rooms, etc, and the various displays included clothing, weapons, furniture, medals and flags and other regalia from this historical royal house.
The temperature outside was 41หC but inside it felt even hotter. We were told not to lean on any hanging wall paintings but the heat coming off any one of our group couldโve melted the painting (and the frame) from 10 feet away! The museum was incredible but everyone was so hot they all just wanted to leave.ย
Just enought time to take one more photo of my beautiful and lovely wife Sarah! โค๏ธย ย
Back on the coachโฆ๐ย
โAww feel that air conditioningโ i said whilst trying not to melt Sarah with the heat emanating from me! โ๏ธ
Wait a minuteโฆYes itโs that time again!ย
The coach stopped just long enough for Sarah to take a couple of wonderful panoramas.ย
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING…ย
Arriving in Budva…
The guide flew off the coach and continued walking at breakneck speed for about 10 minutes. Sarah and i were tripping up little curbs, dropping down slopes and even started falling away from the group at one stageโฆBut then he stopped to ย show us this beautiful place…
The guide said we had an hour free time and to meet him back in the main square ( i think i know where that is, lol). ย
Sarah instantly found a coffee shop and wondered if they did iced coffees like the ones we’d had in Greece? They did even better than that! Sarah got me a massive one and said โIf you stand here in the shade of the coffee shop, iโm going to go and see if i can get onto the beach. โOk iโll not moveโ.
DING DING DINGโฆ๐ ย
Yes itโs that time againโฆThe sound of the โBlind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboardโ bell has just rang as this iced coffee hits the top spot! ๐ช๐ผ ๐ย
I didnโt need to move as this iced coffee was incredibleโฆIt even had 2 scoops of vanilla ice-cream with a double espresso poured over the top. I talk about this coffee as many times as i can. WowโฆThe ice cold coffee contrasting that scorching sun, mmmmmm. โ๏ธย
Yay, Sarah managed to get onto the beach and put her feet on the sand so we were both very happy! ๐ ย
Not sure why i took this photo of the path?
We met up with the group and followed the guide back to the coach, the air conditioning wasnโt even cooling me anymore i was just too hot. Iโd been boiled for about 10 hours and i think itโs going to take about a week to cool down. ๐ย
Back on the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
Wow what a day! 41หC is the hottest Sarah & i have felt so far on our travels, and we always talk about this day. But first itโs time to meet Brian & Ann for the final time on this cruise .
Youโll never guessโฆ??ย ๐ฒ ย
During our lovely 4 course evening meal Brian & Ann gave us this lovely Montenegrian design wooden box as a gift. Ann said โWe didnโt go on any trips today so we looked around the town. We found a craft store and found this lovely box, i knew youโd love it and we just had to buy it for you! We were blown away with their kindness and friendship and we keep this box on our sideboard in our living room. Oh we also still have the 2 chocolates inside which Ann was handing out on her birthday! ๐ ย
Back in the cabin…
We were disappointed not to find a folded towel creature on the bed on our last day of this wonderful cruise. But this was the first of 2 cruises Sarah managed to book at the same price as the Barbados cruise and stay we had to cancel. Sarah managed to book them a couple of months apartโฆBut weโre going to jump ship (Thomson Spirit) and climb a board the Thomson Majesty and sail away to our next destination! ๐ โ๏ธ โ โด
We hope youโve enjoyed being on this โClassical Greeceโ cruise with us? Did you have a favourite place
Hope youโve enjoyed the adventure todayโฆLet me know your favourite part?! ๐ค Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
๐ย Join us:
- Tuscany Tour
- Transatlantic Sunset Cruise
- Matlock Bath
- Mayan Treasures Cruise
- Classical Greece Cruise
- Treasures of the Mediterranean Cruise
- Seven Isles Cruise
- Barbados – Southern Palms #1
- Tough Mudder 5K
- Tropical Delights Cruise
- Barbados – Southern Palms #2
- Aegean Shores Cruise
- Ancient Kingdoms Cruise
- Ultra Step Challenge
โ๏ธ The Blind Sightseers Have Coffee, Cake & Conversations in Corfu!
February 12, 2021 2 Comments
โ๏ธ #40 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Corfu, Greece”๐ฌ๐ท(2017)
ย ย Hiย friends and welcome to Day 40 of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers tour….!ย ย
Good morning friends!ย (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน) ๐ ย
Wow what a day yesterday, itโs time for a little relaxing todayโฆ.
Glyfada Beach is a Blue Flag strip of sand on Corfuโs west coast. Youโll have three hours to enjoy it during this trip. The soft, golden sand unravels into a crystal-clear lagoon. While behind it, dramatic, tree-peppered cliffs tower over a smattering of shops and restaurants. You can be as relaxed or active as you like โ top up your tan as you lie on a sunlounger*, or get stuck in with watersports*. Thereโs windsurfing, waterskiing and pedal boats up for grabs.
How does that sound for a relaxing day at the beach! โ๏ธ ย
On the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
After another lovely breakfast we got off the ship and met up with the excursion team who kindly showed us to our coach. This excursion is a really short one ย and is only 3 hours long, but we thought that Sarah could swim and play in the sea whilst i had a lay down on a sun bed and go to sleep . ๐ด ย ย
The coach dropped us off miles away from the beach and we had no idea which way to go. Sarah quickly guided (dragged) me as we needed to follow the other people from the coach. The other people soon split and went in multiple directions and we were soon left on our own. After a few wrong turns (about 15 minutes) we were walking along a path parallel to the beach. โThis looks more like itโ Sarah said as we were walking down the side of a white hotel looking place. โWait a minute, they said there would be lots of shops and cafes etc and there are none hereโ. We continued walking towards what appeared to be an empty beach and Sarah said โNo, not this way either, weโve already been off the coach for about 30 minutesโ.ย
We started heading back to the parallel path and back down the side of the hotel when…
We heard โThereโs Sarah and Steveโ and a few seconds later Brian and Ann (friends we met on the captains night evening) were stood in front of us. โNo wayโ i said โFancy meeting you here?! How areyou doing?โ They were not impressed and said โWe were on the bus before yours and weโve walked around the whole place and nothing is open! Weโve paid good money to be on this trip and there is nothing here worth while, weโve wasted our moneyโ. Sarah said โWeโve also been walking around for ages and your rightโฆThere is not much here. Shall we walk down here and see whatโs on the beach?โ.ย
Shortly after reaching the beach Ann said โThereโs a cafe type bar over there, let me treat you both to a drink and we can chat for a while and then see what else we can doโ, โWow thank you so muchโ. โ ๐ ย
The Cafeโฆย โ ย
It was a lovely little cafe/bar facing the sea (i think thatโs what the photo shows above?) and when the waiter had put our drinks down on the table, Brian said โWe enjoyed the meals you left when that huge man stole you from our table, lolโ Ann said โOoohhh yeah tell us what happened. Did you get arrested?โ ๐คฃ ย
We had a great time unfolding the events of that evening and told them it was also our 10th wedding anniversary. they both said โWeโve been married 42 years this year, we married in 1975 as teenagersโ. โWowโ i said โCongratulationsโฆI was born in 1975 and itโs amazing to be married for that longโ. ๐ ย Brian and Ann were from Yorkshire so when Sarah said she grew up in Yorkshire and her family were still there, the conversation kept flowing and we connected really well! Time also flew by as we were chatting, laughing and having a fantastic time after the day had started badly, and we were already half way through our excursion time.
Ann said โHeyโฆWeโve been chatting for ages donโt let us stop you having your time at the beach. Go and have some time to yourselves. You can leave your bags with us so you donโt need to carry themโ. Brian added โIโll get my iPad mini connected to the internet and show you some Facebook photos when you get backโ. Sarah replied โIโm also on Facebook so we can add each other as friends too and stay in touchโโฆAnd we have! ๐ย
The beachโฆโ๏ธ ย
I love this photo of Sarah (above) i can spend ages just soaking it in. Sarah works in London and commutes for 3 hours (round trip) into the dull grey and back into the lush greens of home. Her eyes get burned out with all of the close built up areas of London, and they work hard focusing on all of the close up objects and this results in lots of eye strainโฆBut when she is on the ship or on the beach she says โMy eyes totally relax as they love not focusing on close up objects but they rest whilst looking into the distance”. ๐ ย
Knowing all of this, i donโt need to tell you that Sarah really enjoys herself when in the sea…ย
Oh yes I forgot to let you guys knowโฆIโm actually here! Iโm burning hot again but my tactical sun hat is working well! ๐ฐ ย
Back at the cafeโฆโ ย
We returned to the cafe after rinsing off the sand under a tap attached to the wall. Ooohhh that was a lovely cold tap, lol! ย Brian said (whilst looking sad) โThe cafe doesnโt have Wifi so i canโt connect my iPad to the internetโ as Sarah said โOh thatโs a shame i was looking forwards to seeing some of your photos, and also searching for my profile and adding you as a friendโ. I thought for a momentโฆโWait a minute! I think i can do a โPersonal Hot Spotโ on my iPhone if i have a cellular connectionโฆIโll just checkโ.ย
I sat down a pulled my iPhone out of my pocket, plugged in my earphones and listened to my Voiceover screenreader. โHey Brian, it says i have 3G so youโll be able to connect and use my connectionโ โWhat? I donโt understand what youโve just said?โ After Sarah talked him through connecting via hot spot โWow thanks, iโm not sure what youโve just done but thanksโ and he opened up Facebook! ๐ ย
Ann turned to me and said โHow did you just manage to use your phone?โ I turned down the speaking rate to normal and unplugged my earphones, i said โCan you hear it reading out the name of the apps on my home screen, it even puts a box (Voiceover Cursorโ around the app itโs reading out so you can follow along if you have low vision too. โWowโ Ann said โthatโs amazing how it does thatโ. I said โAnd if i tap 4 times with 3 fingers it puts on a screen curtain โItโs gone offโ Ann said โNo, it appears that way but it has just made the screen black so i can have privacy too while iโm using my phoneโ. “Can you read messages too?โ Sarah said whilst laughing โOh no donโt get him started, we only have about an hour left and he’ll go on for agesโ. We all started laughing. ๐คฃ ย
Time was simply flying by, and after more lovely conversations on an omnifarious amount of topicsโฆIt was time for us all to head back to the coach.
Back at the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
Walking off our coach(Brian & Ann had a different ticket) ย and towards the port shop. Sarah said โMaybe this shop will have some souvenirs as all of the beach shops were closed?!โ โI hope soโ i said whilst following Sarah into the incredible air conditioned shop! โHello againโ Brian and Ann said โWeโre looking for souvenirs as the beach shops were all closedโ I said โYeah thatโs why weโre in here too, lolโ.
The handโฆ
Brian, Ann and Sarah had already exited the shop, i was following a few steps behind as i let a man through as he seemed in a rush. I heard Sarah say โCome on Steveโ and then a huge fit of laughter burst out of AnnโฆThen BrianโฆAnd finally Sarah! They were still doubled over in giggles as i got there. โWow what happenedโ i said as iโd just carefully navigated the step upon leaving the shop. Ann said whilst giggling โSarah just grabbed that other mans hand and pulled him out of the shop thinking it was youโ Sarah still with an embarrassed laugh said โCome on you, youโve caused enough trouble , lol!โ Now we all burst out laughing! ๐คฃ
Back on the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
Before heading back to our cabin Ann said โItโs my 70th Birthday todayโ โWhat?? You kept that quietโ Sarah and i said together whilst both in shock. Brian said โWe booked this cruise for Annโs 70th Birthday treat! Would you like to eat with us later to celebrate at the usual place? We meet you at 7pm outsideโ. Sarah said โYes of course that will be lovelyโฆAnd Happy Birthday Ann!โ ๐ ย
Sarah instantly crafted a plan…The plan was to wait until the ship leaves the port so that the shops can open. Then we can find a birthday present for Ann before we meet them at 7pm outside the restaurantโฆShe executed her plan perfectly and the present was lovely, Ann loved it! ๐ ย
Annโs Birthday meal…
โง Brian & Annย โงย
We met up with Brian and Ann and sat down at a table for 6. There were another couple sitting down too (sorry forgot their names) but they were also from Yorkshire. Sarah & i thought they must be Brian and Annโs friends but Ann said theyโd just met them before we came in and we asked them to join us. ๐ ย
Brian whispered โDonโt say anything but iโve arranged a special birthday cake for Ann and she doesnโt know.โ โAww fantasticโ i said. And after our starters and main mealsโฆIt was time!
A small group of waiters led by a guitar player and all singing โHappy Birthdayโ they arrived behind Ann. She started laughing as they played (and we all sang a long) the birthday song, and when we’d all finished another waiter placed the cake in front of Ann. She was beaming and happily surprised and thanked Brian profusely! โค๏ธ
After a while Brian and Ann said โWe canโt have the rest of the cake as it will make us ill, and the others donโt want itโฆWould you like to take the rest back to your cabin?โ Sarah said โWooahhh itโs pretty much all creamโฆSteve youโll love itโ i said โWell what can i say? If it will help you out then iโll take this burden from you!โ ๐๐ย
Back at the cabin…
We returned once more to our cabin and were met with yet another folded towel creature. ๐ย
What a fantastic day! We thought this day would be one of the worst, as we only book a beach break when there are no other excursions available. But today was great and spending it with Brian and Ann was lovelyโฆOh they are also our Facebook friends now too. ๐ ย ย
Our Routeโฆ..๐ณ ย
On Tuesday evening Thomson Spirit sails to the port of Kotor, Montenegro. Where weโre expected to arrive on Wednesday morning having travelled 185 nautical miles at an average speed of 14 knots
Hope youโve enjoyed the adventure todayโฆLet me know your favourite part?! ๐ค Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
๐ย Join us:
- Tuscany Tour
- Transatlantic Sunset Cruise
- Matlock Bath
- Mayan Treasures Cruise
- Classical Greece Cruise
- Treasures of the Mediterranean Cruise
- Seven Isles Cruise
- Barbados – Southern Palms #1
- Tough Mudder 5K
- Tropical Delights Cruise
- Barbados – Southern Palms #2
- Aegean Shores Cruise
- Ancient Kingdoms Cruise
- Ultra Step Challenge
โ๏ธ #41 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Kotor, Montenegro”๐ฒ๐ช(2017)
May 19, 2020 3 Comments
Good Morning friends! (dobro jutro) ๐ ย
Are you ready for a scorcher today? Itโs going to hit 41หC as the heat wave moves in! โ๏ธ Also i had no idea (until looking) that itโs our 41st day of our lockdown memory tour, fantastic! ๐ ย ย
We booked the โBlue Cave Speed Boat Tourโ for today but this tour was cancelled (last minute) yesterday evening. The excursion team told us the Montenegro officials read that your were blind and said โA blind person cannot board a speed boatโ so they cancelled it! We said โWeโve done much more challenging things than stepping onto a speed boatโ but weย acquiesced and asked if there were any other tours left.
They only had โHighlights of Montenegroโ a 10-12 hour tour with lots of walking. I said โWow this is going to be magnificently burning hotโโฆI wasnโt wrong! ๐ฐย
Well letโs see what weโll be doing…ย
The port of Kotor finds a home on the worldโs southernmost fjord – or the โBride of the Adriaticโ, as itโs also known. As places go, itโs beautiful. Think blue seas. A stony shore. Green mountains. All drenched in the heavenly scent of lemons, oranges, mimosas and camellias. And hereโs your chance to explore this gorgeous part of the world.
First youโll stop at the mountain village of Njegusi to taste the regionโs delicious smoked ham and cheese. Stomach full, youโre ready for…
Cetinje. Known as the โValley of Godsโ, it was once the smallest European capital and itโs filled to bursting with beautiful buildings. Here you’ll visit the King Nikola’s palace before having some free time to stroll around. Next youโre off to…
Budva – the most popular tourist destination on Montenegroโs map. And quite rightly so. Beautiful architecture meets seductive sandy beaches in this spot. Perhaps thatโs why lots of millionaires decide to live here.
Leaving the ship…
After another lovely breakfast we stepped off the ship. โWoahโ i said whilst leaving the lovely cool ship and walking into a hot oven. โHow can it be this hot already?โ Sarah quickly replied โOohhh thatโs better the ship was freezingโ. ๐คฃ ย
On the coach…
Yay, the Thomson excursion team has made sure the tour guide saved us the front seats on the coach. The first challenge (for the excellent driver) was to climb the famous Kotor serpentine road. The road was simply amazing, and witnessing the driver expertly navigate the hairpin turns and narrow road was incredible. The guide passed a picture (see below) around the coach and Sarah took a photo of it so i could zoom in on my iMac at homeโฆThanks Sarah ๐ฒย
Arriving at Njegusi…
ย The serpentine was pretty quiet and didnโt have much traffic as it was still early morning. Iโm not sure how he guided this massive coach up and around those bends without flying off the cliff, but iโm glad he did, lol! ๐ ย
We reached the top and the view was simply breathtaking! Sarah was stunned on itโs beauty and said โWow you can just make out our ship all the way down thereโ. ๐ย
YayโฆIโm here too! I thought iโd add a photo of me just to make sure you knew i was here, and didnโt collapse into a pool of molten flesh after leaving the ship, lol! ๐คฃ ย
ย The group headed into the mountain top restaurant and sat down at tables overlooking the stunning view. I donโt think anyone was hungry as the waiters place a humongous baguette filled with the legendary local ham and cheese in front of all of us. Everyone kept saying โWeโve only just had breakfast about an hour ago on the shipโ, even i was struggling and iโm never full! ๐ The ham and cheese was super tasty and it wouldโve been nice to take some home with usโฆBut it was time to go!
ย We had a few more minutes to take some photos of this stunning place as people were filtering onto the coach.
ย Ok just one more shot of Sarah waving and saying hello to you guys, then we really do have to get back on the coach. ๐ ย
On to the next stop…
It was late morning now and the serpentine started to get a little busier.
And then…
The coach hit the brakes, our group said โWooaahhhโ and the drivers sorted out a way to carry on. Our coach had to reverse (no idea how he did it) up the hill and around some corners until he found a little pull in. It had taken our driver over half an hour to pull off this manoeuvre, and after a round of applause he drove on. ย
We arrived in Cetinje…ย
Leaving the air conditioned coach and stepping out into the centre of a bubbling volcano (thatโs what it felt like to me)we followed our guide towards the museum, but on the way he quickly stopped to talk to us about a church building.
Vlah church…
Walking along a track the guide pointed out this lovely old church building and started talking about itโs history.
From Wikipedia…
The church was initially made of “plot” (Serbian: ะฟะปะพั), i.e. of sticks, switches and mud. It was rebuilt three times. First as “suvomeฤa” (Serbian: ััะฒะพะผะตัะฐ), which means of stones without mortar; then of “klaฤena” (Serbian: ะบะปะฐัะตะฝะฐ), which is stones with lime mortar; and finally, in 1864 the church received its current form. A guard rail around the church was built in 1897 using barrels of Ottoman rifles captured in 1858 during the Battle of Grahovac.ย
The part about the guard rail using barrels of Ottoman rifles captured in 1858 really stuck out to me. I hope my two quickly taken photos showed the guard rail? We didnโt get any closer as the guide was moving fast! ๐ข
Walking towards the Museum of King Nikola…
Wow it was hot, iโve never experienced heat like this ย before! The Caribbean heat is much different and there is always a cool breeze, but here there was no breeze and it just felt like my bones were being steamed in a cauldron of boiling water, whilst my skin was being attacked by a million angry wasps with mini switchblades ย cutting into me! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Then out of nowhere…
I heard cars whiz past and stop close to us, car doors flew open and there was lots of commotion.ย
ย
I said โWhatโs happening? It sounds like the NCIS team has just pulled up and Gibbs and his special agents have just rushed out of their cars?!โ I wasnโt too far wrong as it was the President of Montenegro and his bodyguards.
ย
ย
The guide told us to stop and take shade under a tree for a while and heโll go and sort out what to do next. He was away for quite a while and whilst he was gone Sarah said โHey Steve thereโs a statue over there letโs go and take a photoโ i replied โitโs boiling out there iโm staying under this treeโ, of course this reply didnโt work and Sarah stood me in front of the statue, lol! ๐ ย ย
The guide returned and told us that the President will be inside the museum we were about to be guided around. So weโll have our break now of about an hour as another group was before us and will be first to go inside the museum. We wonโt be able to go back to the lovely air conditioned coach but there is the main square just over there, and there are some shops and a cafe. As the group separated we walked towards the square.
Sarah said โThere is not much here but this looks like a souvenir type shop. Letโs get you out of the heat before you explodeโ. It was a souvenir shop and we bought a lovely painted plate with Montenegro written on and it hangs above the doorway to our kitchen. ๐ ย
Heading out of the shop we walked around the corner and Sarah said โOOooohhhh look at that dress!!โ I knew exactly what the noise meant (as i canโt see what iโm looking at, lol) and we walked towards the shop. The dress was hanging up outside the shop and Sarah was completely taken with it. she said โlook at the designโฆitโs all handmade stitching, the colours are beautiful and itโs simply exquisiteโฆI love it! ๐ย
Inside the shop…
Minding the step into the shop Sarah had a little look around to see if she could see the dress (the one outside) anywhere inside the shop. The local woman behind the counter said โYou like the dress?โ as she held up a black dress that Sarah didnโt want or like. โNo i wanted to ask about the dress outsideโ Sarah said whilst pointing out of the window. โThis dress would look really nice on you!โ the woman insisted, โno i donโt like that dress itโs too dark for me, do you have the orange and red flower dress thatโs hanging up outside in my size?โย
The woman continued in her heavy accent โYou donโt like? Why do you not like? It look lovely on you!โ Just as I was thinking that weโd never get out of here without even looking at the dress the woman said โThere is only 1 of the dress outside but this dress (the one she was holding) we have many. Sarah said whilst looking a little disappointed as there was only 1 of those amazing dresses โCould i have a look at it please and try it on?”
The woman finally put down the other dress and got the one from outside and passed it to Sarah. โWow this is amazing but itโll never fitโ Sarah said whilst trying not to get too excited anymore, but she went over to the changing rooms and tried it on anyway.
โWow, you look stunningโ i said knowing sheโs about to tell me i canโt see it very well anyway, lol! โIt fits perfectly, i thought there would be no way it fitsโฆIโve just got to have itโ Sarah said with a beaming smile on her face.ย
Leaving the shop with Sarah (sheโs super excited) still stunned that she’d got the only dress of that kind available and it fitted perfectly, we headed back towards the cafe.
The cafe…
It was really busy and it was the only cafe open around this square and everyone seemed to be here. There was a man selling cold bottles of water under a sheltered bit so we went and bought a couple. Sarah found the only 2 chairs left which were in the sun. As we sat down with a bottle of water each…
Sarah shouted โAArrggghhhhโ and flew up out of her seat like iโd just pushed the ejector seat button! At the same time half of the contents of her water bottle hit me in the face and covered mostt of my shirt (i was glad of the cooling down). But i said โWhatโs just happened?โ โAwww the burning hot arms of the chair scorched my forearms as i sat down!โ OuchโฆI can still feel it as iโm typing this! ๐คย
Leaving the cafe it was time to meet up with the group to have our guided tour around the museum. On the way Sarah found some art and a fantastic building.
Museum of King Nikola…
This fascinating Museum used to be the royal palace of the Montenegrin King for more than 50 years. So once the president had left we had our chance to see it. ๐ ย
The museum guide took us around the house and explained the significance and rarity of many of the items on display. She brought it all to life with a passion and pride that left a lasting impression.
The museum has many rooms which were presented as they would have looked when used as a royal palace, including the king’s and queen’s bedrooms, reception rooms, official meeting rooms, etc, and the various displays included clothing, weapons, furniture, medals and flags and other regalia from this historical royal house.
The temperature outside was 41หC but inside it felt even hotter. We were told not to lean on any hanging wall paintings but the heat coming off any one of our group couldโve melted the painting (and the frame) from 10 feet away! The museum was incredible but everyone was so hot they all just wanted to leave.ย
Just enought time to take one more photo of my beautiful and lovely wife Sarah! โค๏ธย ย
Back on the coach…
โAww feel that air conditioningโ i said whilst trying not to melt Sarah with the heat emanating from me! โ๏ธ
Wait a minuteโฆYes itโs that time again!ย
The coach stopped just long enough for Sarah to take a couple of wonderful panoramas.ย
Arriving in Budva…
The guide flew off the coach and continued walking at breakneck speed for about 10 minutes. Sarah and i were tripping up little curbs, dropping down slopes and even started falling away from the group at one stageโฆBut then he stopped to ย show us this beautiful place…
The guide said we had an hour free time and to meet him back in the main square ( i think i know where that is, lol). ย
Sarah instantly found a coffee shop and wondered if they did iced coffees like the ones we’d had in Greece? They did even better than that! Sarah got me a massive one and said โIf you stand here in the shade of the coffee shop, iโm going to go and see if i can get onto the beach. โOk iโll not moveโ. I didnโt need to move as this iced coffee was incredibleโฆIt even had 2 scoops of vanilla ice-cream with a double espresso poured over the top. I talk about this coffee as many times as i can. WowโฆThe ice cold coffee contrasting that scorching sun, mmmmmm. โ๏ธย
Yay, Sarah managed to get onto the beach and put her feet on the sand so we were both very happy! ๐ ย
Not sure why i took this photo of the path?
We met up with the group and followed the guide back to the coach, the air conditioning wasnโt even cooling me anymore i was just too hot. Iโd been boiled for about 10 hours and i think itโs going to take about a week to cool down. ๐ย
Back on the ship…
Wow what a day! 41หC is the hottest Sarah & i have felt so far on our travels, and we always talk about this day. But first itโs time to meet Brian & Ann for the final time on this cruise .
Youโll never guessโฆ??
During our lovely 4 course evening meal Brian & Ann gave us this lovely Montenegrian design wooden box as a gift. Ann said โWe didnโt go on any trips today so we looked around the town. We found a craft store and found this lovely box, i knew youโd love it and we just had to buy it for you! We were blown away with their kindness and friendship and we keep this box on our sideboard in our living room. Oh we also still have the 2 chocolates inside which Ann was handing out on her birthday! ๐ ย
Back in the cabin…
We were disappointed not to find a folded towel creature on the bed on our last day of this wonderful cruise. But this was the first of 2 cruises Sarah managed to book at the same price as the Barbados cruise and stay we had to cancel. Sarah managed to book them a couple of months apartโฆBut weโre going to jump ship (Thomson Spirit) and climb a board the Thomson Majesty and sail away to our next destination! ๐ โ๏ธ โ โด
We hope youโve enjoyed being on this โClassical Greeceโ cruise with us? Did you have a favourite place?
To be continued…ย
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
โ๏ธย Start From #1ย ๐ Or join the adventure at:
โ๏ธ #40 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Corfu, Greece”๐ฌ๐ท(2017)
May 18, 2020 0 Comments
Good morning friends!ย (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน) ๐ ย
Wow what a day yesterday, itโs time for a little relaxing todayโฆ.
Glyfada Beach is a Blue Flag strip of sand on Corfuโs west coast. Youโll have three hours to enjoy it during this trip. The soft, golden sand unravels into a crystal-clear lagoon. While behind it, dramatic, tree-peppered cliffs tower over a smattering of shops and restaurants. You can be as relaxed or active as you like โ top up your tan as you lie on a sunlounger*, or get stuck in with watersports*. Thereโs windsurfing, waterskiing and pedal boats up for grabs.
How does that sound for a relaxing day at the beach! โ๏ธ ย
On the dock…
After another lovely breakfast we got off the ship and met up with the excursion team who kindly showed us to our coach. This excursion is a really short one ย and is only 3 hours long, but we thought that Sarah could swim and play in the sea whilst i had a lay down on a sun bed and go to sleep . ๐ด ย ย
The coach dropped us off miles away from the beach and we had no idea which way to go. Sarah quickly guided (dragged) me as we needed to follow the other people from the coach. The other people soon split and went in multiple directions and we were soon left on our own. After a few wrong turns (about 15 minutes) we were walking along a path parallel to the beach. โThis looks more like itโ Sarah said as we were walking down the side of a white hotel looking place. โWait a minute, they said there would be lots of shops and cafes etc and there are none hereโ. We continued walking towards what appeared to be an empty beach and Sarah said โNo, not this way either, weโve already been off the coach for about 30 minutesโ.ย
We started heading back to the parallel path and back down the side of the hotel when…
We heard โThereโs Sarah and Steveโ and a few seconds later Brian and Ann (friends we met on the captains night evening) were stood in front of us. โNo wayโ i said โFancy meeting you here?! How areyou doing?โ They were not impressed and said โWe were on the bus before yours and weโve walked around the whole place and nothing is open! Weโve paid good money to be on this trip and there is nothing here worth while, weโve wasted our moneyโ. Sarah said โWeโve also been walking around for ages and your rightโฆThere is not much here. Shall we walk down here and see whatโs on the beach?โ.ย
Shortly after reaching the beach Ann said โThereโs a cafe type bar over there, let me treat you both to a drink and we can chat for a while and then see what else we can doโ, โWow thank you so muchโ. โ ๐ ย
The Cafe…ย
It was a lovely little cafe/bar facing the sea (i think thatโs what the photo shows above?) and when the waiter had put our drinks down on the table, Brian said โWe enjoyed the meals you left when that huge man stole you from our table, lolโ Ann said โOoohhh yeah tell us what happened. Did you get arrested?โ ๐คฃ ย
We had a great time unfolding the events of that evening and told them it was also our 10th wedding anniversary. they both said โWeโve been married 42 years this year, we married in 1975 as teenagersโ. โWowโ i said โCongratulationsโฆI was born in 1975 and itโs amazing to be married for that longโ. ๐ ย Brian and Ann were from Yorkshire so when Sarah said she grew up in Yorkshire and her family were still there, the conversation kept flowing and we connected really well! Time also flew by as we were chatting, laughing and having a fantastic time after the day had started badly, and we were already half way through our excursion time.
Ann said โHeyโฆWeโve been chatting for ages donโt let us stop you having your time at the beach. Go and have some time to yourselves. You can leave your bags with us so you donโt need to carry themโ. Brian added โIโll get my iPad mini connected to the internet and show you some Facebook photos when you get backโ. Sarah replied โIโm also on Facebook so we can add each other as friends too and stay in touch”.ย
The beachโฆโ๏ธ ย
I love this photo of Sarah (above) i can spend ages just soaking it in. Sarah works in London and commutes for 3 hours (round trip) into the dull grey and back into the lush greens of home. Her eyes get burned out with all of the close built up areas of London, and they work hard focusing on all of the close up objects and this results in lots of eye strainโฆBut when she is on the ship or on the beach she says โMy eyes totally relax as they love not focusing on close up objects but they rest whilst looking into the distance”. ๐ ย
Knowing all of this, i donโt need to tell you that Sarah really enjoys herself when in the sea…ย
Oh yes I forgot to let you guys knowโฆIโm actually here! Iโm burning hot again but my tactical sun hat is working well! ๐ฐ ย
Back at the cafe…
We returned to the cafe after rinsing off the sand under a tap attached to the wall. Ooohhh that was a lovely cold tap, lol! ย Brian said (whilst looking sad) โThe cafe doesnโt have Wifi so i canโt connect my iPad to the internetโ as Sarah said โOh thatโs a shame i was looking forwards to seeing some of your photos, and also searching for my profile and adding you as a friendโ. I thought for a momentโฆโWait a minute! I think i can do a โPersonal Hot Spotโ on my iPhone if i have a cellular connectionโฆIโll just checkโ.ย
I sat down a pulled my iPhone out of my pocket, plugged in my earphones and listened to my Voiceover screenreader. โHey Brian, it says i have 3G so youโll be able to connect and use my connectionโ โWhat? I donโt understand what youโve just said?โ After Sarah talked him through connecting via hot spot โWow thanks, iโm not sure what youโve just done but thanksโ and he opened up Facebook! ๐ ย
Ann turned to me and said โHow did you just manage to use your phone?โ I turned down the speaking rate to normal and unplugged my earphones, i said โCan you hear it reading out the name of the apps on my home screen, it even puts a box (Voiceover Cursorโ around the app itโs reading out so you can follow along if you have low vision too. โWowโ Ann said โthatโs amazing how it does thatโ. I said โAnd if i tap 4 times with 3 fingers it puts on a screen curtain โItโs gone offโ Ann said โNo, it appears that way but it has just made the screen black so i can have privacy too while iโm using my phoneโ. “Can you read messages too?โ Sarah said whilst laughing โOh no donโt get him started, we only have about an hour left and he’ll go on for agesโ. We all started laughing. ๐คฃ ย
Time was simply flying by, and after more lovely conversations on an omnifarious amount of topicsโฆIt was time for us all to head back to the coach.
Back at the dock…
Walking off our coach(Brian & Ann had a different ticket) ย and towards the port shop. Sarah said โMaybe this shop will have some souvenirs as all of the beach shops were closed?!โ โI hope soโ i said whilst following Sarah into the incredible air conditioned shop! โHello againโ Brian and Ann said โWeโre looking for souvenirs as the beach shops were all closedโ I said โYeah thatโs why weโre in here too, lolโ.
The handโฆ
Brian, Ann and Sarah had already exited the shop, i was following a few steps behind as i let a man through as he seemed in a rush. I heard Sarah say โCome on Steveโ and then a huge fit of laughter burst out of AnnโฆThen BrianโฆAnd finally Sarah! They were still doubled over in giggles as i got there. โWow what happenedโ i said as iโd just carefully navigated the step upon leaving the shop. Ann said whilst giggling โSarah just grabbed that other mans hand and pulled him out of the shop thinking it was youโ Sarah still with an embarrassed laugh said โCome on you, youโve caused enough trouble , lol!โ Now we all burst out laughing! ๐คฃ
Back on the ship…
Before heading back to our cabin Ann said โItโs my 70th Birthday todayโ โWhat?? You kept that quietโ Sarah and i said together whilst both in shock. Brian said โWe booked this cruise for Annโs 70th Birthday treat! Would you like to eat with us later to celebrate at the usual place? We meet you at 7pm outsideโ. Sarah said โYes of course that will be lovelyโฆAnd Happy Birthday Ann!โ ๐ ย
Sarah instantly crafted a plan…The plan was to wait until the ship leaves the port so that the shops can open. Then we can find a birthday present for Ann before we meet them at 7pm outside the restaurantโฆShe executed her plan perfectly and the present was lovely, Ann loved it! ๐ ย
Annโs Birthday meal…
โง Brian & Annย โงย
We met up with Brian and Ann and sat down at a table for 6. There were another couple sitting down too (sorry forgot their names) but they were also from Yorkshire. Sarah & i thought they must be Brian and Annโs friends but Ann said theyโd just met them before we came in and we asked them to join us. ๐ ย
Brian whispered โDonโt say anything but iโve arranged a special birthday cake for Ann and she doesnโt know.โ โAww fantasticโ i said. And after our starters and main mealsโฆIt was time!
A small group of waiters led by a guitar player and all singing โHappy Birthdayโ they arrived behind Ann. She started laughing as they played (and we all sang a long) the birthday song, and when we’d all finished another waiter placed the cake in front of Ann. She was beaming and happily surprised and thanked Brian profusely! โค๏ธ
After a while Brian and Ann said โWe canโt have the rest of the cake as it will make us ill, and the others donโt want itโฆWould you like to take the rest back to your cabin?โ Sarah said โWooahhh itโs pretty much all creamโฆSteve youโll love itโ i said โWell what can i say? If it will help you out then iโll take this burden from you!โ ๐๐ย
Back at the cabin…
We returned once more to our cabin and were met with yet another folded towel creature. ๐ย
What a fantastic day! We thought this day would be one of the worst, as we only book a beach break when there are no other excursions available. But today was great and spending it with Brian and Ann was lovelyโฆOh they are also our Facebook friends now too. ๐ ย ย
Thank you all for joining us in Corfu. I hope you had a lovely time? ButโฆWeโre not finished yet,
To be continued…ย
Our Routeโฆ..
On Tuesday evening Thomson Spirit sails to the port of Kotor, Montenegro. Where weโre expected to arrive on Wednesday morning having travelled 185 nautical miles at an average speed of 14 knots
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
โ๏ธย Start From #1ย ๐ Or join the adventure at:
iChristian 
Recent Comments