We were up early and ready to drive 45 minutes to the town of Kotor, recommended to us by Rafal Pierkaski.
An absolutely stunning medieval old town, even compared to the others we've seen so far. And the entire old town area, including the side of the mountain, is encircled with an ancient defensive wall designed to fend off invaders back in the day.
At the top of the mountain fortress is the Castle of San Giovanni. And there's only one way to get there - hike up the approximately 1,350 stone stairs to a height of almost 4000 feet.
It was at this point that Lynn made one of the best decisions she's made in a long time...to stay in the shade of an outdoor cafe in the Old City while the rest of us climbed to the top.
We took off on the adventure and it wasn't long before I questioned my sanity. To give you some context, I later read a review about this place where the writer said, "this isn't a hike. A hike is where you go to enjoy the nature around you. This is a huff and puff climb."
Oh, and did I mention that Daniel and I both had flip flops on?
But we climbed; all three of us, with multiple oxygen stops...for an hour and a half before reaching the summit.
It was painful.
But the view was spectacular.
These formidable fortress walls date back to medieval times, built on and off between the 9th and 19th centuries, by different conquerors from the Byzantines to the Venetians. The ramparts appear dilapidated in some places but they are actually remarkably well preserved. And, as a history buff, I find it intriguing to imagine all the human interaction that has happened inside these walls over the last millenium.
Lots of great pictures taken and then its time to start back down. Nowhere near as challenging on the lungs but after the weariness in my legs from the climb, and an already seriously sore knee, this was unexpectedly difficult to endure - basically 1350 two foot drops to the bottom.
Upon reaching the bottom, two and a half hours after starting, I'm not sure I remember the last time I was this worn out. It felt good to join Lynn and the Wawrzyniaks at the sidewalk cafe and rehydrate.
We drove on to Perast, the next town along this natural fjord. Everything here is so...Mediterranean. Enjoying every minute of it.
Even when I can't breathe.