Returning vicariously to Budva, Montenegro in this post last week was so inspiring, that I have to linger a bit longer today.
Visiting in the spring was perfect. Glorious weather and hardly any tourists allowed us to wander the Old Town of Budva at our leisure. We clambered up stone steps, stood atop ancient stone walls and gazed out to sea, basking in delicious sea breezes, blistering hot sunshine, and the dazzling turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Although this ancient city – believed to be the oldest settlement on the Adriatic Coast – was destroyed by a a devastating earthquake in 1979, it has been almost completely restored to its original form.
I loved wandering the narrow streets, stopping to peer in glistening shop windows, pausing to wonder why all the stones on one wall were numbered in red paint.
One of my favorite parts was the library, housed in the building below. Filled with tufted, red leather sofas, the walls are lined with glass cases full of books on Balkan history. I could’ve spent days there.
This doorway enchanted me. Hidden down a dark alley it led to a seaside restaurant that served up delectably fresh seafood under a shady awning.
My brother Ryan and I shared this enormous platter of goodness, and loved every last morsel.
The views from Budva are magnificent, taking in brilliant blue ocean, hazy green mountains, and rocky islands.
I’d love to return to Budva one day, and time to linger in that lovely old library, swim in the Adriatic, and explore nearby villages.
How about you, dear ones? Is there a place from your travels that you long to return to?
OK….you’ve convinced me! I’m going! I didn’t realize that the towns were as cute as this. Thanks for the great photos Krista
Hooray! Hooray! 🙂 So glad to hear that, Jenny. I’d love to see your pics when you get back. 🙂
That’s always a quandary. Go somewhere you have been and enjoyed or go somewhere new. Good question.
I concur, Ben!! It’s such a hard one for me. I want to go back to the Balkans, but I still haven’t seen Bulgaria and Romania and I simply MUST! 🙂
Croatia is stunning. The Adriatic sea is stunning too. I would love to return.
Cheers to traveling.
Velva
I love Croatia too, Velva. 🙂 SO much!! I hope we both get to go back one day. 🙂
Beautiful, Krista! I want that yellow convertible! I love these photos – just stunning. I’d love to go back to La Paz in Bolivia and spend more time there 🙂
Isn’t the yellow convertible fabulous, Katy? 🙂 It made me grin to see it sitting there next to those ancient walls. 🙂
Utterly stunning pictures, Krista! I’ve never thought of visiting Montenegro before – I am now though.
Oh good, Kate!! I hope you absolutely love it. 🙂
Stunning photos, Krista! Love the turquoise water and numbers on the wall. I’m nostalgic for Paris today – it’s been far too long between visits.
After reading your comment now I’m nostalgic for Paris too, Corinne!!! 🙂
You’ve made me want to go so badly! I’m not much for returning to places especially when there is so much of the world to see, but I would like to go back to Spain. Although I loved the food as a 13 year old, I think I would love it even more as a 30-something.
It is my dream to go to Spain one day, Duchess. 🙂 And your descriptions of the wonderful food make me want to go more than ever. 🙂
I like to explore new places, but it seems I return to cities I’ve already been to more. I’m getting tired of being jealous of your vacations.
It is such a quandary isn’t it, Deanna? I fall in love with places so thoroughly that I want to return again and again. I think you need to go adventuring again soon so I can see the world through YOUR lens and descriptions. 🙂
Gorgeous looking town with wonderful character. Once again, you’ve taken some wonderful photos here 🙂
Thank you, Samuel! I had such a wonderful time exploring this beautiful little town. 🙂