The border is closed!

Borders become tricky as soon as you move outside of the EU. We were very fortunate at this one, the Croatia-Montenegro crossing. We just happened to pick the right long line of cars and got through in 30 minutes when it often takes 3 hours. We still had to buy car insurance at the border as the Green Card you get from UK insurers doesn't cover you for non EU countries.
We had breakfast in the ancient walled city of Kotor and then climbed 1,350 steps up the ancient walls to the highest point above the town. Well worth the climb, eh?
That's the top, where the flag is flying. Glad we did it in the morning. The temperature went up to 31.5 degrees c. We later experienced 9 degrees c as we climbed up through the Dinaric Alps.
Driving through these stunning mountains is slow and tough, which is why Montenegro is investing billions in this new road with tunnels and high bridges. Shame it wasn't finished in time for us. As the crow flies our journey was 115 miles. It turned into 300 miles and took 10 hours - and 2 borders. We got through one fairly easily, as I've said. The second border we chose from Montenegro into Kosova turned out to be closed. A kind farmer stopped us before we climbed up to the final approach and gesticulated to the effect we were going up a dead end. So we retraced our steps and checked at a petrol station that our next chosen crossing was open. Phew! It was. This was the view from of the Kosovan plain from just beyond the border, which looked a lot more breathtaking than the photo! Well, it was getting late in the day.
Finally we arrived at our destination, Gjakova in southern Kosova, the home of our very kind hosts, Helen and Ilir Dervishi, who have given up their home for us during our 5 weeks here. (They're staying with Ilir's mum  just down the road.) The journey from home took 4 days driving and 2,080 miles.
The first place we headed to was the local Chebaptore for delicious local cooked meats, salad and fresh bread.
Time for bed.

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