Today we went into Montenegro.  I didn't realize that it was a country and not a city.  It was a part of Yugoslavia before and then when other countries got their independence it joined the Serbian republic.  In 2006 they passed a referendum to become independent.  Our first stop was to see 'Our Lady of  the Rocks'.  Fishermen found a painting of the Virgin Mary and took it to be a sign and after each successful voyage they droped a rock there.  The area where the painting was found was small so they kept dropping rocks and even many ships with rocks on them until the little island was formed and the church was built.  Inside are tokens given to Mary in thanksgiving for safe voyage, recovery from illness, etc.  After our visit there we headed into Kortor.  It was a maze of streets you couldn't help but get lost in.  Many building were damaged by the earthquakes (the guide said there seemed to be one every century) and have been rebuilt.  I did not venture up the 1,400+ steps up to see the church and fortress but from below it looked swell :)  The harbor had a HUMONGOUS yacht of someone obviously living the good life.  I would have loved a ride in it but alas my ride was a white and neon green coach bus.

Looking down on Dubrovnik..

 Our Lady of the rocks.....

 The painting found is hung above the special altar made from Italian marble..

The wall of Kotor from the outside...

 Church inside the walls...