Budva, Montenegro & “Jetski” Harbor (say “Yetskee” in Montenegro!)
03 August 2010 | 42 16.3'N:18 51.3'E
Once one leaves the protected, mountain terrain surrounding the Bay of Kotor, anchorages along the SW coast of Montenegro are generally rather open bays that don't guard much against the swell or the relentless powerboat and jetski wakes. We spent many a day and night with roaring mega horse 'wave-runners" jetting around the boat with blaring techno music entertaining the packed beaches. Not our idea of a holiday or romantic evening anchorage, but we swam close to Sangaris and, with a good "hook" off St. Nicholas island, ventured into Budva for a look around the old city.
The city walls and fortress were a nearby walk from quayside dinghy tie-up so we found our way through narrow windy alleys to the entrance and were welcomed by a young women in traditional Montenegron costume who encouraged us to first visit the library. We reckoned that might be interesting yet not very understandable given our lack of Serbian language skills and were very pleasantly surprised by the vast collection of Historic maps, ship models and many, many English text books describing life in the Balkans in the early 20th century. If only they had a lending policy we'd have gladly learned more about the interesting subjects and titles behind the glass cases.
A waterfront fish grill restaurant offered a shady respite and 'fuel' to take care of the Sangaris and Deep Blue crew before another stock-up at the local "Panto" supermarket. Coming away with just about more than we can carry and then walking half a mile is our usual routine ... no difference here!