We are leaving Montenegro on Saturday.  This blog may be a bit of a mess, won't go into details, but it's difficult getting things done online in another country.  At least for Alex and I.

We are sad to leave our little family.  Bill And Heather have been great hosts to us and we appreciate all the help in getting us settled in for two months and then driving us all over this little country.  Little Alex is 3 and a very busy guy.  Thank goodness he has his grandfather Alex's sense of fun and playfulness.  He can joke with you and he can tease, which is very cute.  He is in the WHY phase.  He will keep asking why until you are exhausted.  We will miss him and his asking why.

Montenegro is a very interesting country.  In fact, they have only been a country since 2006.  Their history is messy, long and a pretty sad one.  They are still trying to decide who they are and where they are headed.  Decisions to be made and I hope they make the right ones. It is interesting to look up on the web or the State Department site to learn more about this country. 


When we first arrived on April 7th, the people scared me.  They don't smile and are not warm and friendly in any sense of the word.  After a few weeks and getting to talk to many of them, I have learned to appreciate them and like them.  Most of the young people speak English.  Almost all Montenegrins speak some English.  We have become friends with a few of the waiters in the restaurants we go to and will miss them.  They have been fantastic to us and very helpful.  Little Alex's teachers at daycare, Bilja and Nella, are so sweet and they are fantastic with Alex.


Bill and Heather have taken us on 4 trips around the country and to Croatia in their car.  Driving is hair raising and I'm glad I sit in the back.   We went to Bar and Kotor in Montenegro and Dubrovnik in Croatia.  We also went up in the mountains to see the most famous monastery, Ostrog.  It was a long drive up the mountain, but worth it.


First up is Kotor, first of three anicent walled cities we visited and this is my favorite. It has a sea faring history that you might be interested in.  This is my favorite place in Montenegro.  I love it there and could live there if they would let me. Here's a wiki with some info on this amazing place.  Much better than Dubrovnik!!! At least for me. Click pic to enlarge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotor

Magnificent Venice

We lucked out arriving in Venice.  It was a cool, sunny and bright day.  Alex and I did not sign up for an excursion because we knew we were coming back to Venice on May 30th.

Getting into the basin that goes right in front of Venice proper takes awhile.  The anticipation on board was evident.  The ship slowly made its way in.  Once we got near St. Mark's Square, the ship started playing Andrea Bocelli.  Very dramatic.  If you want one of the most beautiful views of Venice go by a cruise ship.  To see it from up high is amazing and I don't think you would ever get a better view and thrill.

Once docked we did walk in and arrange a taxi to the airport for the next morning.  We are flying to Montenegro to spend about 50 days with Bill, Heather and Little Alex.  A one bedroom apartment reserved by us waits.

Here's the pics and a video.  We will get more when we return.  Click to enlarge.

Naples, Italy

We did go into Naples and we did take a bus tour.  Poor Naples is a hot mess.  It was dirty and much of it in need of repair.  There is some being done, but they have a long way to go.  It did not help that it was a rainy, dreary day.

We did not get any pictures and I feel bad that we are doing a disservice to Naples, but it was a bad day.  Hopefully, someday we will go back on a sunny day.  The guide told us about their Mayor.  He was not happy about this man and made it known.  He pointed out a few things that the Mayor has done and I have to agree with him.  They need a new Mayor!!

Rome and The Vatican, On Good Friday

We were very hesitant to take this next excursion into Rome on Good Friday. Everyone in Italy and many people from around the world would be joining us. They told us that our basic bus tour driver and guide would just have to make decisions last minute depending on traffic and parking.

Did you know there is a huge BUS garage under the Vatican?  It was our first stop.  I was kind of surprised that off we walked to the Vatican.  Once there, we joined the thousands who were lined up to get inside.  We took some pictures and were moved by the devoted mass of people.  We also had our first gelato of many on this trip to Europe.

After 30 minutes we returned to the meeting place and waited for the late people. Once the head count was correct we headed to the bus for a ride around town.

We did get to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and a few others that we drove by but did not really catch what the guide was saying, but that was about it.  One interesting point. The guide told us that they only have 2 metro lines in Rome.  Every time they start to dig another, they find more ruins.  Now they don't even want to try as they will have to excavate yet another.  Hence, the traffic.

We are very glad we went and saw what we did.  It is beautiful and overwhelming. We would like to go back and see much more.  Here's the pics.  Click them to enlarge.