“When traveling on the brink of exhaustion, fear of missing out is a state of mind that should be carefully pruned.” – Old Sean
Pass Out Transport
By necessity, this is going to be a short post.
I’m currently on my way to Albania, after spending a couple of days in Kotor, Montenegro. But between those two points sits the resort-town of Budva.
When my company handled the ticket to Albania, it was clear I would have a couple of hours of layover time relaxing in the small town on the Adriatic Sea. Sadly, two hours isn’t nearly enough time to do anything.
As I left Kotor, I clambered onto my bus in the early, early morning. I then promptly passed out, snoozing until awoken by the strained squeals of bus breaks.
I looked out my window and there stood Budva.
Brief Budva
When compared to Kotor, Budva is much more of a tourist trap. There are large crowds, gaudier shops and more young people arriving with a clear eye on night life.
Budva, much like Kotor, has a walled old town area with well-fitted stone buildings and bright rooftops. The shoreline of Budva, however, is one long beach with tall modern structures winding into the distance. The sea is a bright, almost glowing light blue.
Bus Stop Stroll
With about two hours and twenty minutes at the Budva Central Bus Station, I decided to stretch my legs. I was dog-tired, but the bus station wasn’t pleasant and I thought moving might shake my lethargy. There was really only one area I was interested in seeing on short notice, and that was the Budva Citadel.
Blearily, I passed hotels and parks until I reached the walls of Budva Old Town. Sadly, I was almost too tired to go inside. So instead, I lost half an hour loitering, sipping a coffee from a café with a slow fan on the ceiling.
The café owner was very nice. He hypothesized I was a tourist. I suppose the giant backpack gave it away. The owner recommended I check out the nearby Ruins of Roman-era Necropolis, a lowered area full of old grey stone ruins.
It was quite interesting, although I wouldn’t have found it without his recommendation. When I finally began visiting Budva Old Town, I only had a half-hour left to check out the walled city. The narrowed, cobbled streets are enchanting, personable and charming. The churn of the sea often makes alleys echo softly, a white-destressing noise on the ears.
Sadly, I didn’t have nearly enough time. After a brief glance around, I hustled back to the bus stop.
Boarding Drama
I returned to the bus stop with ten minutes to spare. The driver was a rather rotund man with narrowed eyes, checking off tickets as people clustered forward. For whatever reason, he absolutely refused to let me on the bus.
I showed him tickets time and time again, but I was rebuffed. The guy refused to look at me, shaking me off like a fly and pulling me back whenever I tried to shoulder my way onboard.
I finally pleaded my case to the lady at the front desk, assuming I would just have to buy another ticket. Instead, she rounded the counter, helped me onto the bus, backpack and all, said something clipped and sweet to the driver. Both smiled and I slumped into a seat.
That ends my time visiting Budva. Onward to Tirana, Albania.
I’m going to close my eyes for a moment. Until they open again,
Best regards and excellent trails,
Old Sean
Written August 31st 2018
Want to read more about visiting Budva? Check out the Leftfade Trails Destination Info Page
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