BOKA JEWELS: The Seasons

Mountain reflections, Orahovac village, Kotor Bay, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli


In early summer, the bay is a glittering benign jewel; its karst mountains verdant green and fertile plunging into emerald and sapphire waters. Perfect reflections mirroring the natural splendour of Boka's magnificence beguile and enthrall the viewer: a divine, double duet of sumptuous colour and visual drama.

Mountain reflections, Orahovac village, Kotor Bay, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli

Empty fishermen's boats lie quiet and still on transparent shallows, revealing life below the shoreline: a miasma of rocks and algae and fledgling sea creatures. Shoals of young fish skitter by undisturbed, as of yet, by mid summer's motor boats and noisy tourists. 

Mountain reflections on Kotor Bay with yellow fishing boat in foreground and the charming village of Orahovac in the background, Boka Kotorska, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli



View of Prcanj, Kotor Bay, Boka Kotorska, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli

Peace, quiet and stillness reign supreme and Boka's dress of jewels are flaunted for its real admirers.


Prčanj on Bay of Kotor, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli

View of Kotor Bay, looking towards Risan village, with mountains in background and yellow fishing boat in foreground, Boka Kotorska, Montenegro, Europe by Flavia Brilli


Panorama of Kotor Bay, looking towards Risan, with yellow rape flowers in foreground, Boka Kotorska, Montenegro, Europe by Flavia Brilli

After the summer, when the crowds of tourists have finally returned home, the bay slowly and determinedly reverts into its autumn character. The motor boats have left, the extraneous clatter of unwelcome fun seekers has faded, and now the beauty of Boka reveals itself in a different mood and tone: glassy still waters reflect soulful, sweet, magenta sunsets; and, the last golden hours, just before, caress the bows of fishermen's drifting boats. Time for long walks and thoughts and the opportunity to immerse oneself in an empty watery space of tonal pastel colours, divinely calm and empty of people. 
Empty fisherman's boat on Kotor Bay at sunset, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli


Empty fishermen's boats on Boka Kotorska Bay with Mount Lovcen in the background by Flavia Brilli

Two fishermen's boat on Kotor Bay, Montenegro by Flavia Brilli

On the hottest autumnal days, the clouds and sun conspire to set the sky ablaze with thrilling sunsets: magenta hues colliding with brilliant golds and fiery oranges stopping casual walkers in their tracks. Nature's sky born fireworks amazing even the most jaded viewer.

Rocks on Kotor Bay at sunset with Lustica Peninsula by Flavia Brilli
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Entrance of Kotor Bay with Lustica Peninsula at sunset by Flavia Brilli

View of entrance of Kotor Bay at sunset with moody skies and rocks in foreground by Flavia Brilli

As winter approaches and daylight hours diminish, the bay retracts and sleeps. Tranquility takes hold. The first coat of snow clothes the jagged peaks of Lovcen's sloping shoulders and pallid pink winter sunsets caress its crest. And, whereas in summer, Lovcen's lofty peaks could hardly compete with Boka's brilliant sea colours, it now takes center stage towering defiantly over its watery playmate, otherworldly and mysterious.

View of Lovcen in winter at sunset with fisherman's boat in foreground, Kotor Bay, Montenegro, Europe by Flavia Brilli



All images and words © 2014-2018 Flavia Brilli.



Human Seasons
Four Seasons fill the measure of the year;
     There are four seasons in the mind of man:
He has his lusty Spring, when fancy clear
     Takes in all beauty with an easy span:
He has his Summer, when luxuriously
     Spring's honied cud of youthful thought he loves
To ruminate, and by such dreaming high
     Is nearest unto heaven: quiet coves
His soul has in its Autumn, when his wings
     He furleth close; contented so to look
On mists in idleness—to let fair things
     Pass by unheeded as a threshold brook.
He has his Winter too of pale misfeature,
Or else he would forego his mortal nature.

By John Keats







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