We received a suggestion on our daily itinerary that it would behoove us to wake up early to witness our entrance. OK. Not wanting to miss anything that’s exactly what I did. I woke up early and just as the sun was coming up I went on deck to see what all the fuss was about.

We entered the Bay of Kotor at sunrise. And then there it was :: the most glorious 60-minute entrance to a city I’ve ever experienced! Kotor itself is surrounded by high mountains and old fortifications :: breathtaking beauty to say the least! Throughout our entrance I found myself without words as the sun came up on the mountainous fjords and water surrounding us. Quiet majesty. What a wonderful surprise to find out that the Bay of Kotor is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

We sailed by a manmade isle called Our Lady of the Rocks on our way into through the bay, jutting out majestically in the middle of the water, boasting a remarkable church which takes up the entire isle. This was definitely a first for me.

Once in Kotor we climbed the 1,355 steps along the ridges of the Castle of San Giovanni also known as St. John’s Fortress (7EU to scale the walls), opening up to unrivaled views over the Bay of Kotor. The castle itself wasn’t overly impressive but the vistas were absolutely breathtaking and absolutely worth taking the time to see.

Tips ::
1. Start early in the day, the sun will come up behind you
2. Bring plenty of water, you will need it, especially on a hot day
3. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours on your climb

Kotor’s main square has a selection of restaurants which give you a perfect view for taking in the beautiful views and architecture surrounding you. And it just so happens to be a great place for people watching. I sat for a while enjoying a refreshing drink (at much more reasonable pricing here than in Dubrovnik) under the shady awning of one such restaurant.

Then… I was blessed with yet another surprise :: I got to witness a Montenegrin wedding procession! The timing was perfect; it was really special to see.

This is Cathedral of Saint Tryphon which was consecrated in 1166 :: older than most, it holds a treasury of great value. This is also one of the largest and most ornate buildings in Kotor in Romanesque-style architecture.

St. Luke’s Church was constructed in 1195 as a Catholic church but it is told that from 1657 until 1812 Catholic and Orthodox altars stood side by side with each faith taking turns holding services here. It was then gifted to the Orthodox Church.

This is St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church of Kotor. It is said that this is the most import orthodox church in Kotor but I was unable to find any other information about it than that.

I’ll end my commentary here only to say that the atmospheric back-streets and cafes are truly something to behold. I found myself walking for several hours along these narrow paths and emotionally enveloped myself into the Montenegrin culture by taking in as many details as I possibly could. I’ll let you enjoy the remaining images of Kotor I captured ::

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I can’t decide if sailing into Kotor through the beautiful fjords was more captivating than the alluring ancient town itself. And although it is small Kotor really packs a punch with photographic opportunities around every corner.

And although Kotor is but a tiny coastal town, this city is no less than a walled jewel and truly left an impression on my soul. And come to find out Kotor is one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It all makes sense to me now.

I would highly recommend a stop in Kotor if you plan to be in or near the Adriatic Sea. You will thank me when you do.

The post Kotor in Photos :: You’ve Gotta See It to Believe It appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Let me tell you why I think you should visit Oahu in the winter ::

#1 :: The rain may keep tourists away from Oahu in the winter…

Maybe. Maybe not. One of the reasons for the beautiful lush green landscape in Oahu in the winter particularly is the rain. But let me tell you :: unlike other destinations the rain won’t interfere with your plans, even in the winter [ho’oilo] which spans from November to about April. That is what is truly remarkable about Oahu. The rain will go away just as fast as it came. There is a saying in Hawaii that goes “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” That is the truth.

Oahu in particular gets about 270 days of sun per year. That leaves about 95 days of overcast skies. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be cold and that also doesn’t mean all the overcast skies come during the winter. It just means that in the winter the sun may not be shining as intensely as in the summer “kau wela.” And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

#2 :: The untouched beauty of nature in Oahu surrounds you everywhere you go!

From the oceans to the mountains Oahu is filled with beautiful nature that will take your breath away. Pictures don’t even do Oahu in the winter justice. You’ll just have to go for yourself to truly understand.

#3 :: The food truck offerings in Oahu are off the chain!

Seriously. I’m not even kidding around about the food trucks. I mean, you probably are thinking I’m not for real right now but you have to try it for yourself when you come to Oahu. The amazing offerings on Oahu’s food trucks are bomb! And if you come in the winter you may not have to struggle with the long lines of tourists.

Oh and you can’t forget the drinks that are so popular. Have you ever had a Mai Tai in Oahu? If you haven’t you need to go and try it because you won’t taste a better one anywhere in the world! Of course there are several others you might like such as Blue Hawaiian, Lava Flow or a Pina Colada. They also make them “virgin” style like I like them. But the drinks in Oahu are not to be missed.

#4 :: You are always “ohana” in Oahu!

“Ohana” means family. Everywhere you go in Oahu you are family. You will be met with smiling faces and friendly people everywhere you go. I mean, what’s not to be happy about living on such a beautiful island especially in the winter when everyone else is shivering? There will be no doubt that you will feel right at home!

 #5 :: Sunsets in Oahu are among the most magnificent in the world!

Incomparable. That’s how I describe the sunsets in Oahu. And in wintertime they are no less beautiful than any other time of year. Breathtakingly beautiful sunsets paint the sky every night. Just amazing.

#6 :: Oahu offers something for everyone!

Where else in the world can you be shopping to your heart’s content in the bustling city in the winter and then 30 minutes later be laying under the island sun on a sandy beach? There are several places I can think of maybe in spring or summer or fall… but winter? Oahu in winter is amazing and somewhere everyone in your family or group can have their way.

#7 :: Romance is not just reserved for summers in Oahu!

Looking for a wedding destination? Oahu in the winter is just as beautiful as ever. You’ll have your choice of amazing resorts in Oahu in the winter when at home the weather is cold and damp.

#8 :: The views in Oahu are just as stunning in the winter!

Picture this :: you open your eyes after a restful night’s sleep and look out your window to see the most magnificent sunrise in the backdrop to a beautiful scene of lush green and crystal blue waters crashing against the rocks. You step out onto your garden and feel the cool morning breeze in your hair as you listen to the waves of the ocean. You look to your left and take in the breathtaking views of the lush hillsides protruding from the vast fields of green. Where are you? You’re in Oahu in the winter! Isn’t it amazing?

We stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort and I highly recommend it. Our condo was located at the expansive resort and the rest of our family stayed in condos throughout as well as the main resort on the beach. It was the perfect location for a family reunion, wedding or for any reason really.

#9 :: Shave ice in Oahu tastes just as good in the winter as it does in summer!

Hawaii is known for its shave ice and I’ve tried to create it at home but for some reason it never comes out as amazing as the shave ice in Oahu. You seriously need to try the shave ice and it’s just as yummy in winter!

#10 :: Every day is casual day in Oahu!

Winter is considered high season in Oahu and when you’re there you will realize why :: the weather is unlike anywhere else in the world during this time of year! And that means there is no need to dress up :: t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, skirts and flip flops are the attire of the day and night. It’s called “Hawaiian Casual.”

Oahu is definitely a destination for you if you are looking to have a great time living the island life in winter. No need for coats or galoshes, you’re coming into the Sun! Bring your flip flops and sunscreen and you’ll be good to go! Enjoy your time in Oahu next winter and you will thank me for the suggestion.

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The post Winter in Oahu :: 10 Reasons Why You Should Go appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.