Podgorica – Montenegro 24/7/16 – 27/7/16

Another 3 hour bus journey from 1 country to the next. We set off at 6pm so had great views of the best reddish sunset ever. The journey took us north from Tirana, through more mountains and villages. The further we went the more evidence of a post communist society was revealed. The areas got poorer looking, with buildings in a bad state all across the land, until we came across Lake Skadar with a town of the same name at the top of the lake. From here it was not long until we hit the boarder between the countries. As before the crossing was very relaxed and easy as we handed our passports over to the driver who went to each booth in turn, then returned them back to us. A very comfortable experience. Once across into Montenegro, we followed the bank of the lake a little further, watching the sun setting behind more mountains, turning the whole sky through colours of gold, orange, then a deep red turning the clouds into a lush velvety texture. A very rare sight and a wonderful experience. We arrived at our apartment and got settled in. It was dark as by now outside so we didn’t really get a chance to see the surroundings.
The following day we set off in search of the sights and found the bus station, (where we bought our next bus ticket to Ulcinj), and the famous Millennium bridge which was opened in 2005 and the very old Ribnica bridge which lies above the old medieval township of Podgorica. It is said to be the oldest bridge in Montenegro, being built in the Roman rule which underwent major reconstruction in the 18th century. The views from here are magnificent. A great day out walking the city.
The city was once called Tito grad from 1946 to 1992 when it was part of the former Republic of Yugoslavia. The destructive Yugoslavia wars bypassed Montenegro, but the entire country was greatly affected economically lasting throughout the 1990s. After the successful independence referendum in 2000, Podgorica became the official capital.
Another walk around the city in the evening we found the best Italian sea food restaurant in Montenegro (according to Trip adviser), called MK or Ahh…Riba , both names are present in the restaurant. A very nice place indeed. A restaurant where you go to a counter and say “that one please”. There not alive but already boned etc on ice. We both had the salmon with potatoes and a side dish of spinach and onion, accompanied with
a couple of glasses of Montenegro Merlot and lovely Rose wines. Utterly delicious and all for €30. Further along our twilight tour of the city, we found the streets where all the bars are and ventured into a couple. Quite a few people around also, especially as its a school night! A great evening.
The following day we searched Dr Google for places of interest nearby, and deep in the depths of the Internet we came across Montenegro’s own Niagara Falls just 10 minutes outside of town. So we booked a taxi and got dropped off outside a restaurant. A further wonder around the restaurant we came to the most clear river we had ever seen. A beautiful wooden building, the restaurant resembles any high end apre ski lodge, beautifully adorned with magical carvings everywhere, also with an indoor waterfall. A few people were swimming further up the river and it looked like an infinity pool. We then carried on around and came across lots of boulders etc with the waters running over them. Once passed this the waterfall appeared. A beautiful cascading amount of water flowing over the rocks edge. Further along another smaller waterfall still as impressive, then another, and another. The whole place was magical and wonderful, an oasis of paradise. The sun was shining above, clear blue skies and not a single waft of breeze, pure stunning, and it has the local mountains as its back ground. As we walked back we came across several caves on the river bank, so crept inside one to have our breakfast picnic. Other than the swarms of flying insects and ground crawling bugs, a very pleasant experience. Then into the restaurant for a cold sprite and a walk around its cavernous interior, we took in its spectacular sights. A real get away. What’s more there are no sign posts anywhere directing you to the falls or restaurant, so I guess if your in the neighbourhood and want to visit this natural wonder, (which I fully recommend you do), then call a taxi or talk to the locals. Oh and don’t forget your swimwear as its a perfect swimming location. Again I’m sure it will be as stunning or in fact even better in winter time, as there will be more water flowing, and snow on the mountains.
Podgorica is a decent little city, it has a main square with a waterfall, shops and a few little side streets and a good few bars and restaurants.