![Cheshire turret, with grin silhouette of tower with ship sculpture on top](pix/2009/img_8967.jpg)
![twilight from the walls twilight old town street](pix/2009/img_8984.jpg)
![old city street sunlit alleyway with a couple of people](pix/2009/img_9050.jpg)
Unlike Kotor, Budva's medieval center is seamlessly maintained, and
spotless.
Not a speck of mildew on the stones, not a chip out of any stairs nor
cracks in the paving stones, all the boutiques and pizzerias
sparkling.
The effect looks almost contrived. It is undeniably charming though.
From here through about 20 miles south, this is Montenegro's prime-time
beach resort. One of the few places that benefitted from Croatia's
secession from Yugoslavia; many Serbs transferred their holiday
business here as a result.
![afternoon near Sveti Stefan sun and shadows on several stairs](pix/2009/img_9095.jpg)
![Cafe near Sveti Stefan woman at outdoor table in front of stone wall](pix/2009/img_9106.jpg)
About 20 minutes bus ride south brings you to the smaller resort town
of Sveti
Stefan, and its landmark island of the same name.
The island
was originally a fishing village. In the 1970's the residents were
evicted, and the place re-developed as a (very) high-falutin' vacation
resort. The buildings retain their quaint appearance, but inside they
are full-tilt fifth-magnitude five star luxury.
Or so I've read. Haven't checked it out myself, you see. The place is
closed for modeling until at least next summer.
The mainland part of town, where all of my pictures are from, and
mortals are allowed, clings to its cliffs in a, well... picturesque
way.
![shop in old city street stone alley with display window](pix/2009/img_9116.jpg)
![twilight at the beach rocky islet framed by palm fronds](pix/2009/img_9160.jpg)
Back in Budva, you can stroll along the beachside way (of which more
later), and through that picturesque old city maze, back to my digs.
Evening is setting in.
![sunset from the beach long view of old city framed by cypress trees](pix/2009/img_9166.jpg)
Contents Copyright 2012 Jeff Bulf