April in Montenegro - Celebrating Birthdays

April would be our last month in the marina in Montenegro as our six month contract was set to expire on May 1st which is the beginning of "the season" for most sailors. It is a busy time for boaters as we all prepare our vessels, finishing up (hopefully not just beginning) jobs that we need or want to do before we set sail for the next 6 months. 

At the beginning of the month, our first priority was to celebrate my birthday and Finnegan's birthday. We have the same birthday, April 2nd (no lie)! Neil had asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate since it was going to be a significant one and, with the weather forecast suggesting it was going to be a beautiful sunny spring day (finally after all the rain we had experienced), I decided I wanted to hike up the mountain in Kotor to the infamous "cheese shop" on the back side of the mountain. I am not convinced this is how Finnegan would choose to spend his birthday, but I figured he could celebrate with extra treats once we were at the top. Many people had told us about this little shop and had given us a vague idea as to where to find the path, so we headed out.

Birthday hike

The hike up was lovely as we meandered along the switchbacks surrounded by colourful spring wildflowers, some of which we had never seen before. We were also welcomed (or maybe not) by goats along the path. They were vocal, but perhaps that was just to tell us to get the heck out of their hood while keeping a close eye on the dog!

View of Bay of Kotor



The "cheese shop" is a little covered patio attached to the owners' house where they serve drinks and their homemade goat cheese with fresh bread. This can be enjoyed while taking in the stunning view of Kotor Bay in the distance. We received a warm welcome from the owner, who spoke very little english, and were quickly served a very cold beer, the famous cheese and some fresh bread. Being "low" season, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was an absolutely perfect spring day up there with the sun shining and a lovely, gentle breeze. The owners' house is attached to the shop and they live there with their kids and grandkids. Supplies are carried up by donkey along the path. Beautiful flower gardens surround the patio and cats can be found lounging everywhere. 

After paying our bill, the owner suggested, by raising a bottle and giving us a big smile, that we might wish to try a shot of his homemade schnapps. Why not! Immediately 3 shot glasses were produced. It became quite clear that his strategy is to offer schnapps to his guests as an excuse to have a shot himself! It was tasty, yet potent stuff!


Živeli! (Cheers!)

A well-earned reward!


Looking good for 12 years old!

...not 12 years old

View of Kotor and the bay

Restroom at the cheese shop, perched on the edge of the cliff. Notice how it is secured.


Later in the month, my birthday was recognized by enjoying two cakes, one made by Alison and one by Elise. I felt very special to be celebrated by new friends in our home away from home.  

Chocolate cake with white buttercream frosting! Thank you Alison and Randall : )

Chocolate cake #2 made by Elise & Geoff.  Yum!

The month of April was off to a great start and more good things were to come as we looked forward to visits from my parents followed by Benjamin from Denmark. 



More photos from our hike

Wildflowers everywhere!







Cats were everywhere!


Sunset back in Tivat























Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 8, 2025 at 12:42 PM

    Great to have an update! Glad you had a fantastic birthday! You deserve to be celebrated! I can't believe Finnigan is 12!! He is living his best life with his pawrents! Safe journey!

    ReplyDelete

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