Riding

Trip Start Aug 25, 2007

Trip End Mar 25, 2008

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Flag of Serbia and Montenegro Sveti Stefan, Serbia and Montenegro
Sunday, October 21, 2007

Got to the Happy Hippo Hostel in Budva, Montenegro where I would set up camp for the longest stay this month (6 nights). I'm a sucker for free internet and DVD library. It's pretty much the only formal hostel in Montenegro so it was a big hub for off-season travellers. Met many travellers whom I would see along the rest of my journey. Paths cross quite frequently when there are only a few of us around here. It was a good place to share stories/ advice or where to and not to visit. When I got there, I was pleased to meet back up with Tony from the Durmitor marathon hike. We decided to continue our athletic forays.

Biked around today to see Sveti Stefan. It's an exclusive resort island for the rich and famous. I have wanted to see it for myself ever since reading a feature in National Geographics magazine that Cur lent me. I even dreamed about it one night. I usually don't remember my dreams so this is rare (the consequence of falling deeply asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow). I thought the article said that the island was 2 km from Budva but after 1 hour of uphill mountain riding on the freeway, I conceded I had underestimated the distance. There was a point when Tony looked back at me and said, "let's do some off-road biking." Um, I thought we were already...I replied, "let's not." While he was jumping off curbs, I got off my bike and walked over them. It was a cloudy day but Sveti Stefan was as magnficent as the NG pictures. We went through many beaches and parks filled with gnarled plane trees. Quite artistic and reminded me of strangler fig trees in Costa Rica.

That night the entire hostel watched Thelma and Louise. Always wanted to watch that movie. It was the strangest feeling watching it with a room full of men and 2 other women. Hey, they chose the movie. And I got to see Brad Pitt before the effects of 10 years of heavy smoking. Can't complain.