Now in Podgorica, Montenegro!

So, my summer vacation in the USA came to a close. I returned to Moldova for a too-brief opportunity to pack up, say goodbye to my dear friends, and get ready for my move to Podgorica, Montenegro.

This, then, was my last sight of my apartment window in Moldova, with my three amazing friends Cristina, Mika, and Angel bidding me farewell from it. There have been many, many times since the move when I wished I could have stayed back in Chisinau with these beautiful and super-cool girls. Alas, nothing lasts forever.



So, my flight to Podgorica was mostly uneventful. That is, except for the cats. I felt ridiculously compelled to bring my cats from Moldova with me to Montenegro. This almost didn't happen, as the airlines had a hell of a time confirming them on the flight, and it wasn't until the day before I left I found out I could take them with me. But even that nearly turned into a bust. I was charged a hell of a lot of money for bringing them with me (500 dollars, when the ticket itself cost about that!) and then, since I flew in another toaster-plane from Chisinau to Budapest, was told I had to put the cats in the luggage compartment. Concerned, I asked the guy if the luggage compartment was air conditioned, if the cast would die, and the only response I got was a shrug and amused, "Maybe." I nearly lost it then until I was assured by the flight crew that the whole plane, luggage compartment and cabin, shared the same air. Still, while my cats did survive, they were decidedly freaked out once I picked them up in Budapest. Quiet, limp, and soaked in their own urine. Still, they were silent as a result for the entire layover and maintained their hushed demeanor until I released them from their bags in my new apartment in Podgorica, Montenegro.

So, about my new "home town." Podgorica is a relatively small town, especially so for a capital city. One could easily walk its urban center from end to end in less than an hour, and the outskirts don't sprawl that much further. Despite this, there are a number of stores and cafes here, and even a few bars that stay open late on the weekends. Most of the social interaction seems centered around a large central square with a fountain in it, in the area of which people tend to mill about in the evenings. Since it is such a small city, people who are from here are bound to run into many people they know as they mill. Hence, by walking around downtown, you get to meet up with all your friends without having to worry about setting up a time or place to meet. Good for them. Not so great for me, as a foreigner, since I don't know anyone here and so have no chance of meeting up with anyone I know. Still, it's nice to wander amidst the bustling crowds sometimes.


The central square and fountain, usually abuzz in the evenings.


The Millennium Bridge, Podgorica's landmark.


The Old Clock Tower, near the Muslim district of town.


A traditional meal at one of the downtown cafes: pancakes rolled with ham and cheese, deep fried, and topped with sour cream and shredded cheese. Don't worry Mom, I'm eatin smart!

There is none of the happening nightlife or social scene that I enjoyed in Chisinau, but I suppose that's not what one does here. instead, Podgorica is a terrific jumping off point for exploring the "Vild Beauty" (a la CNN) that Montenegro has to offer. Podgorica is just an hour from the coast and surrounded by the many breathtaking mountains the country boasts. Additionally, the crystal green Moraca River roars through the city, and is situated at the base of a very relaxing, pine-covered hill. One enjoys Podgorica, as Montenegro, for its natural wonders and outdoors opportunities. In the summer there is swimming at the beaches along the coast, and in the winter skiing in the mountains. And being in Podgorica, one is central to it all.


The Moraca River.


A view of the mountains from the Park Suma Gorica.

So, while not the most exciting home, Podgorica is certainly picturesque.