The Road Less Traveled

The journey began with a sense of anticipation, a familiar feeling that accompanies me on these solo ventures. As the minivan pulled away from the bustling streets of Dubrovnik, I found myself reflecting on the path that led me here. The end of a long-term relationship had set me adrift, and travel became my anchor. The road to Kotor was long, but the company of our driver, Ivo, made the hours slip by unnoticed. His ability to switch seamlessly between English and Spanish was impressive, a testament to his self-taught linguistic prowess. As he navigated the winding roads, he shared stories of Montenegro’s rich history, painting vivid pictures of the landscapes we passed.

The journey itself became a metaphor for my own life—navigating through the twists and turns, finding beauty in the unexpected. Ivo’s patience and knowledge were invaluable, turning what could have been a monotonous drive into an enlightening experience. The camaraderie among the passengers added to the journey’s charm, each of us sharing a piece of our own story, united by the road ahead.

Perast: A Moment of Stillness

Our first stop was Perast, a small town that seemed to exist outside of time. The early morning light cast a serene glow over the bay, the waters calm and inviting. As we boarded a small boat to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The mountains stood as silent sentinels, their reflection mirrored in the glassy surface of the water. It was a moment of stillness, a pause in the chaos of life.

The simplicity of Perast was its charm. There were no throngs of tourists, no bustling markets—just the quiet beauty of nature and history intertwined. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet moments, away from the noise of the world. As we returned to the minivan, I carried with me a sense of calm, a reminder of the beauty that exists in simplicity.

Kotor and Budva: A Tale of Two Cities

Kotor, with its cobblestoned streets and medieval charm, was our next destination. Yet, as I wandered through the old town, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. The streets, littered with cigarette butts and in need of repair, seemed to mirror the disarray I sometimes felt within myself. It was a stark contrast to the pristine beauty of Dubrovnik, a reminder that not all places live up to their romanticized image.

Budva, however, was a different story. The town exuded a sense of vibrancy, its well-managed streets and lively promenade offering a stark contrast to Kotor. As I sipped coffee at a quaint café, watching paragliders dance across the sky, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Budva was a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there is beauty to be found. It was a fitting end to the journey, a reminder that life, much like travel, is a series of contrasts—each experience shaping us in ways we may not immediately understand.

As the minivan made its way back to Dubrovnik, I found myself reflecting on the journey. The road to Kotor had been more than just a physical journey; it was a journey of self-discovery, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world and within ourselves. Kotor Tour was not just a tour—it was a reflection of life itself, a journey through the landscapes of the soul.