German Technology

The Germans rock on this kind of stuff...

I found one internet spot that had over 5oo computers you could use.

Price was determined by how many people were signed on.

Insane.

Airlines that Rock

I forgot to comment that Croatia Airlines rock!

You get food and alchol (wine) for free....even on a one hour flight.

They even give you croatian cookies.....Paprenjak

Pepper biscuit, traditionally made in Croatia, is not unlike Croatian history: its ingredients include honey, walnuts and pepper, a rather self-contradictory combination which gives the biscuit its characteristic Sweet-peppery flavour.

And this, indeed, is the flavour of Croatia's history. Throughout history, until the most recent times foreign invaders and aggressors have reached for this land which combines Central Europe and Mediterranean in ideal proportions.

They were after the honey, leaving us the pepper Now when we are fondly on our own, we can enjoy both qualities of this traditional biscuit (which the Croatian writer August Senoa described in his "The Goldsmith's gold') and share as the nuances of the rich flavour with our friends and visitors.

Enjoy the taste.

Ingredients:

wheat flour, eggs, margarine, honey, sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, pepper

www.paprenjak.hr

Another Reason to LOVE Berlin

Botero is on exhibit.

With.....about 15 large statues just outside of Museum Island.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Botero

Train Stations and Me

I've fallen in love with train stations in Europe.

I really like them.... alot!

The people rushing around or just hanging out.

The sounds and all the noise you hear.

The arrival and departure signs posting peoples past or future.

Train stations rock!

Back in Bologna

I took the night train in from Munich. I left at 11;40 pm and got here at 7;40 am. Cost 79 euros.

The train was full of drunk Germans for the first couple of hours.... dropping them off at their little towns just outside of Munich.

Took a taxi to my uncles mechanic shop (8 euros).

Slept. Ate. Now catching up on my blog.

I have a lot to write.

Snuff and Me

When in Germany...do as the Germans do........

I had some snuff;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snuff_%28tobacco%29

Tips For Travelling in Germany

Learn some of the language.

You will often see the word DIE.

This is NOT a strong hatred message for tourists.

DIE simply means THE.

Just in case you start to freak out when you see it everywhere.

Beer Hall History

Hofbrauhaus.

I spent about 6 hours in there yesterday.

Established in 1589, the Hofbrauhaus is one of the most important and most popular tourist attractions in Munich. The beer hall provides an Oktoberfest atmostphere all year round, a festive combination of 'oom pah music', dancing, traditional Bavarian food, and of course beer.

http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html

Oktoberfest Virgin

Wow.....this place is crazy!

Most of the guys are all in Lederhosen dress and most of the girls are in Bavarian attire.

You can compare it to Stampede in the way that we all dress in cowboy gear.

I wasn't too worried coming here, as I just assumed I would easily meet people at the hostel.

Nope.

There were 2 girls in my room already passed out when I got there. The others didn't check in until after 1 am.

Oh Oh........

I'm also noticing that most people are with large groups of friends.

This is going to be hard!

Oktoberfest is really a big fair ground with rides and food/souvenir stands. They also have the huge beer halls. Local beer. Paulander, Lowenbrau, Augustine to name a few....

These halls are massive....with an area in the middle for a Bavarian band. You basically go sit at a picnic table and order huge beers and food. You cannot order drinks or food standing up...you MUST be sitting down. They also don't like you just walking around.

People get there early in the morning and just sit at the table all day...11 am to 11 pm. Around 7 pm is when people are standing on the tables and dancing as there really is no room on the floor.

The waitresses are busy carrying up to 10 very large and full glass beer steins...how they do this I will never know.... Cost is 7.90 euros per stein. Most guys can handle up to 4 before they are drunk. I think I can go to 1.5 glasses.

Needless to say but everyone gets totally smashed. EVERYONE in there ....other than the kids. They allow everyone in there....all ages. Young...old.....everyone having a great time. Drinking, eating, singing, dancing and just acting silly.

Most of the tables are reserved by large companies after 5 pm. Trick is to find a table that isn't reserved, or to just sit at one that is and then squeeze in with one that isn't.

Crazy.

I had to be very proactive. I have to say that I'm pretty proud of myself, as this type of stuff is not my style at all. I don't like going to any 'drinking' establishments on my own.

I meet 2 German guys first day. Then a few drunk Australians. Second day I meet 2 American guys, 2 Italian guys and then 5 Danish guys.

Ja.

Good Morning Munich Oktoberfest

I took an early train out of Berlin to Munich....6 am and arrived at 11;30 am. Cost was 60 euros on one of the ICE German trains. Very nice!

I stayed at Easy Palace Hostel......only 2 blocks from Oktoberfest! 32 Euros for one bed in a 6 person mixed dorm. Expensive...but I was lucky to even get a room for booking so late!

http://www.easypalace.de/english/

Crappy weather in Munich.....rain and no sun.

No problem, as the beer halls are all inside!

I can't believe I'm here.

I don't even like beer.

Hostel Buddies

On my last night in Berlin, I gathered up my new buddies from the Hostel and we had a few drinks in our room.

We then went out to the funky spot with all the cool bars outside.

Bye bye Berlin......I will be back!

The Best Tours In Life Are Free

I took a 4 hour walking tour of Berlin covering all the main sites;

• Brandenbourg Gate
• Reichstag
• Hitlers Bunker
• Holocaust Memorial
• Potsdamer Platx
• The Berlin Wall
• SS Headquarters
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Museum Island
• Gendarrnenmarkt

Berlin just keeps getting better and better.......

Why did I only book 3 nights here??????

I could MOVE here!

FOREVER........

Concentration Camps

It was a very sad day the next day when I went on an all day tour to a concentration camp (14 Euros).

I've been to a few sad places while travelling....one was the killing fields in Cambodia where 100,000 people died in the Pol Pot era (1980's).

I've never been to a concentration camp and I don't think I will ever be able to go to the biggest one ever Auschwitz.......

It was a very emotional day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsenhausen_concentration_camp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz_concentration_camp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pol_Pot

Pub Crawls and Drug Dealers

Berlin was getting better and better.........

I found myself on a pub crawl after just 4 hours in the city! Yippee........

I dragged Mercedes from my hostel with me and we went to party with all the other tourists visiting Berlin.

For only 12 Euros you get to go to 5 cool bars and 1 club entrance. Free beer keg for about 1 hour and free shots to start the night. You also got free shots when you ordered drinks in the bars.

WOW........

I meet tons of people. ...and I also lost tons of people.

This happened when I was sitting with this depressed Jewish guy. I was listening to his story when I looked up and noticed that I lost all the pub crawlers going to the club.

In trying to find where they went, I happened to find the American drug dealer Tre. Picture a tall ex Britney husband...trying to be black.

I ended up following him to some funky club that had a huge line...but you know what happens when you are with the local drug dealer.....jump the que....no cover......

Life was going great, until Tre decides to buy me a drink. Well........cautious me thought this was a set up. Slipping me a pill in a drink would be very easy.

I'm one smart cookie.

I left without saying goodbye........getting home in the wee hours of the morning.

I love being a ROCK STAR in BERLIN!

Berlin Demonstrations

My rock star status kept getting better and better when I got lost in Berlin after my first hour there.

I truly was following a map...until of course I heard some funky dance beats and started going towards it.

Next thing you know I'm marching in a demonstration.

I totally supported all the German people marching against the government wanting all your personal information kept on file when you are on-line with computers.

I also got some great pictures of the riot police.

Some of them even waved to me while I took the pictures.

Rock Star Status

My flight to Berlin had me changing planes in Milan.... Linate airport.

Talk about feeling a little out of place.

The flight was full and had all beautiful people on it.

It must be fashion week in Milan.

The person checking me in must of felt bad for me...backpack and all....so he had me sitting in row 3 in economy. Yippeee.......almost like first class!

Could this get any better???????

YUP!

I was personally escorted from this local flight to my international flight by my own flight attendant! Sort of like a child travelling on their own.

WHO CARES........

Noone had to know that I would of never made my connecting flight if I was not personally escorted and jumped all the lines.

I felt like a ROCK STAR!!!

Take that skinny fashion models standing in lines...............

Berlin Rocks

I fell in love with Berlin!

What a funky and very cool city. The place is full of artsy people and so much history! It was super FANTASTIC!

I took a flight out of the Rome Fumicino airport. Shuttle from train station...11 euro's. Flight cost on Air One was aprx $150 Canadian.

Once I got to the Berlin airport, I went directly to the Information counter to get a map and some help with directions on getting to my hostel. The guy didn't speak any English. Great I'm thinking....I'm going to love this country. In asking 3 people for directions ....I was finding at least one that spoke English.

With a bit of misdirections...one bus....3 different undergound lines.... I found my way to the Easterner Hostel.

http://www.eastener-hostel.de/frame_content_e.html

This hostel was amazing! I really really liked it there. The location was PERFECT!

I went exploring for the first hour and was so HAPPY!

Cafes and bars just down the road....Oranienburger Strabe.
Great music playing EVERYWHERE........Lenny Kravitz in one spot.
Food of all kinds.......asian, thai you name it.
Funky shopping.... in these cool graffiti buildings.
Art....Art...Art....EVERYWHERE.

It was like I died and went to heaven!

The place could not get any better......UNTIL........I noticed that noone was dressed in labels!

YES.......no designer labels in this spot.

The weirder you looked the more you fit in.

I LOVE BERLIN!!!!!

Cricket and Lacrosse

Last night at the funky cafe a 29 year old New Zealander...whose mother is Croatian...came to chat with us.

Phil....an architect.... also plays professional cricket. I didn't quite understand for which country as I was a bit confused with lacrosse when he asked if we knew anything about cricket.

Poor guy. I think he thought he was going to impress us.

Wrong.

Split Personalities

I met some pretty interesting people in Split at my Hostel.

All of these people were staying in my room at some point of my 3 night stay (5 beds).

The first 2 guys...Paul & Mig were a lot of fun. Excited students who both dressed really cool. Must be the London thing.

The second set of guys....Ben & Andre....Australians living in Dubai. They have a rock band and play covers in some of the bigger spots for expats in Dubai. Pretty interesting life they have.

A Canadian girl.......Vanessa...just turned 20. Her look was a bit odd....the kind that EVERYONE looks at when she walks by. I know this for a fact, as we hung out late yesterday until about 1 am. Jet black hair...with half her head shaved. Strange clothing (she is a seamstress and designs/sews her own clothing). She also has lip rings and wears a million braclets and a crucifix necklace.

I've never hung out with Marilyn Manson, so I really had no idea what to expect.

Well........Vanessa turned out to be a very smart and funny girl. She looks at life in a very positive way...everything that happens in life happens for a reason and there are always lessons to be learned.

One of the questions she asked me was......'how has my soul grown from all the the places I've been too and the people I've met on this trip so far?'

There were a lot of those type of questions during the evening while we were drinking at this funky cafe/bar.

She also threw in a few questions that blew my mind....such as.....'I just turned 20 and I've slept with 30 different guys. I started when I was 17. Do you think that's bad?'

What do you say to something like that???????

I just high fived her and told her there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a slut.

You are 17 to 19 only once.

Might as well make it memorable.

I'm Back With My People

I'm back in the country that loves to dress and eat well.

I'm also back to one of my favorite cities....Roma!

I split from Split this afternoon on a 4 pm flight. 165 Euro's one way. Plans were for me to then take a train to Bologna and head out to Munich with some relatives.

I'm now staying in Rome for 2 nights and flying out to Berlin on Saturday morning. Last minute changes to my Oktoberfest planning.

The place I'm staying at 'Hostel Beautiful' should really be called 'Hostel Ugly'...but for 25 euros a night and with last minute planning, I was lucky to get a bed!

Glad to be back to a place that has great food!

Leaving Croatia

I loved Croatia! The people are amazing.

Can't say much for their local food...but the country itself is beautiful!

Tall Cyprus Trees

These trees were everywhere on my last tour.

Beautiful tall green trees.

Old Towns and Walls

Most of the places I've recently visited have these really old buildings surrounded by tall cement walls that protected them years and years ago.

These old towns/cities have become huge tourist attractions. Loads of shopping, cafes and resturants have sprung up to satisfy the tourists and make the locals rich.

So much history being kept alive by the almighty dollar.

Thought of the Day

I read this in a book the other day.

Is a secret similar to telling a lie?

Split Memories

• The Cathedral. You pay 5 kunas to see the small museum of treasures. You pay another 5 kunas to climb to the top. I am crazy and did this. Even after all the climbing up and down I did in Dubrovnik.
• Art Gallery. Closed for repairs.

My number one thing to do was to sit outdoors and have a tea at the 'Lvxor' a funky cafe. You sit on these small cushions on these ancient steps overlooking the Cathedral and watch all the tourists walk by.

So very surreal.

Economics and Protein

One can sure get a good idea on how expensive a country is by going to McDonalds and using their Big Mac meal as an economic measurement.

McDonalds is just around the corner from my hostel in Split. For 31.50 kunas I can purchase a Big Mac meal (this includes ketchup). A little over $6.00.

I need protein so I had to do the economic testing.

All you see around here is fast food pizza slices or bakery items.

Way too many carbs in this country.

Albania or Sailing

I never made it to Albania. Went on the boat tour instead.

The tour would of been 60 euros....leaving at 7 am and returning for 10 pm. Skodra, Turatso and the capital Tirana. Most of the time would of been spent driving.

I'll have to save this country for another trip.

Boats and Me

While in Montenegro, we had a full day on a boat cruise touring the Bay.

Stops were made in a few little towns and a blue grotto.

Beautiful day.

Budva Stop

Nice stop in Montenegro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro

Russian Posers

Speaking of Russians.........we saw quite a few when we were in Montenegro.

This is one of their destination spots.

Very loud people that like to drink and pose pose pose for pictures.

One would think all the girls are posing for Russianbrides.com

Rock Star Status

On one of the nights in Dubrovnik, all the girls went out searching for a spot to drink and eat.

We found it at the Hotel Astoria.

Very nice.

The owner kept seeing how all 6 of us girls were doing. We even were getting free munchies!

So much fun!

Until..........the Russians started bugging Robyn.

Loud Russians.

Beach Clubs and Me

On my last day in Dubrovnik, I spent that day with Helen at my choice......the East West Beach Club!

Beautiful weather. Beautiful people.

For 50 kunas you get a beach chair and umbrella.

Great day in the sun!!!

Naked People and Nature

I spent one day with Helen and Nicole (who were also staying a few extra days in Dubrovnik) going to the island of Lokrum. 35 kuna's return. It only took 15 minutes to get there.

What can I say about this small island?

BORING.

There are a few things you can see. Botanical garden. Fortress. A few beaches. One restaurant. Mainly you hike around. AND...seeing as I'm going up and down 300 steps all the time, hiking is not what I want to do. I want to lie around some nice beach area.

We found one such beach. FKK. Means nudist beach.

Seeing as I'm not a nudist, we all settled on the dead sea beach.

What did I say before?????

BORING.

Cool Croatian Mladen

The owner of the villa was a hoot. Mladen was his name. He drove me to the bus stop to take my bus to Split for 50 Kuna's. Everything is possible for a price.

The second night I was there, I went to the huge balcony to buy a small bottle of white wine. He only had large bottles. I tried to explain I only wanted 1 small glass. Next thing you know, Mladen goes to the back of the house and comes back with one of those large plastic coke bottles full of white wine he makes for his family.

I ended up having 3 glasses while I was talking to 5 young guys from England travelling around Croatia. Whenever my glass was half full, Mladen would come by and fill me up (conveniently.... he also filled up at the same time).

I loved it. FREE home made Croatian wine!

What a great experience.

Oh.....Mladen loved to gossip in his broken English. He told me that 2 doors down from his house, the owner...a 28 year old guy with 2 children.... was busted by the police for cocaine.

I think that's what he said!

Bananas and Steps

After parting with the group on Saturday, I went and waited where instructed for a red car with a a guy driver picking me up to bring me to my hostel. I had no idea what it was called, as this booking spot uses private houses all around Dubrovnik. You see people everywhere advertising for 'sobe' or 'rooms' as we know them in English.

An older guy stops and asks if I'm me... I say yes and off we go. Up and up this curvy road all the way up the mountain to where all the villa's are. I'm panicking thinking this is way out of the way so I try and communicate this to the driver. He has no idea what I'm saying.

'Vila Banana' is the place I'm staying at. Million dollar views from the balconies. Super nice spot. My room has 3 single beds. It's set up like an apartment with a shared bathroom and kitchen with another room full of beds. Nice! Only thing is I have no idea where I am.

I'm thinking the 300 kuna's I paid for the 3 nights was too good to be true. I'm lost. How do I get to the Old City? How how how???????

Problem solved when I meet up with 4 young lads from Scotland. So polite. They helped me find my way.

Over 300 steps going down this maze. 30 minutes walking fast to make it down the mountain. I'm thinking not too bad. I need to exercise. This is good. I can handle this for 3 days.

Down is easy. Going up can kill you. I'll repeat KILL YOU!!!

And it gets dark at night. Very dark.

This could only happen to me.

I've Split to Split

I'm presently in Split Croatia the second largest city in Croatia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split

I left Dubrovnik on Monday morning for the 8 am bus. I hadn't pre-booked my ticket, and as this is one of the most popular times, I had to wait for the next bus which was at 9 am. I was seated in the first row...seat 4 ...aisle. The 5 hour bus ride went awesome. Great views all the way along the coast. The best drive anywhere this trip so far! Absolutely beautiful. It also helped that I was looking out the front window and was able to see it all :)

Trip cost me 132 Kuna's one way (aprx $27.00) ..plus 7 kuna's for my backpack. You get aprx 5 kunas for one Canadian dollar.

A few minor inconveniences were these crazy passport control stops they have in their own country. Bus stops. Passport police gets on and checks everyones passport. Interesting.

I checked into Hostel Placida. 340 Kuna's for 3 nights (aprx $70.00). Single beds in this huge room set up with a TV area. Nice!

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/HostelPlacida-Split-14002

Two of my roommates are from England. Nice mannered 20 year old boys. One Canadian girl checked in yesterday. Also 20. I'm pretty sure that everyone I have been meeting this trip is under 23 years old (other than the organized trips). I would guess that is the average age for hostelling.

So describes me!

Bye Bye Peter

Last night we said our good byes.

I really liked all the spots we went to. The pace was good as well.

Our tour leader Peter was a bit of a problem. Not much excitement. Yesterday topped everything off when he yelled at the shuttle drivers. Peter needs to work on his interpersonal skills as well as his communication skills (yelled back to him via Leanne the brave Australian girl...... Yvonne also had a go at Peter).

What a wild afternoon.

Needless to say.......but no tip for Peter from anyone in the group.

Poor Peter.....who will soon be going to film school in the Philipines.

Dubrovnik Tourists

I'm in Croatia at a very hot tourist spot. Dubrovnik.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubrovnik

Beautiful place if it wasn't full of tourists. Mainly American. The cruise ships stop here.

What does that mean? American tourists and cruise ships?

Everything is over priced and expensive.

I thought tourist season was over by now.

I would of HATED to be here in July and August.

Croatia still rocks though.

Books and Me

I haven`t had a chance to read as many books as I like to when I travel.

Mainly because I didn`t bring that many books due to limited room in the backpack.

I`ve been buying a few books that are written by local authors and translated to english.

My bookcrossing site will need to be updated when I get home.

Jewelry and Me

I got a funky necklace from Mirella and Francesca and a bracelet from Gilda and Francesco.

www.krisgioielli.it

Thought I should blog the website in case I need info in the future on this.

Toilet Styles

It`s mostly been the toilet squat type in public places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet

We are all so very happy when we see the `western` style toilets!

The boys are okay with the squat.

They are used to bending over all the time.

We even had a conversation on this with Mike showing me how to bend over properly.

Such show offs.

Converse and Me

My addiction got the better of me. Even when I`m backpacking and have no room.

I now own a pair of granny apple high tops.

A great deal in Sarajevo. Only 25 euros. On sale.

It was the color that sucked me in.

World Wars

I forgot to comment that I walked on the bridge where Franz Ferdinand was killed in Sarajevo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archduke_Franz_Ferdinand_of_Austria

The start of World War I.

Moderna Galeriga

Budva has an interesting modern art museum for such a small place.

I was quite surprized to see this on the tourist map. I`m thinking a modern art museum here...wow...

Well...........it`s very very small with one artists work on display. Petrija Jovicic.

I really like her style.

Very colorful.

Budva and Me

This is a very nice beach resort. Too bad it`s raining today!

We were scheduled for an all-day boat cruise around Boko Kotorsko (Bay of Kotor). I skipped out due to the chopping waters and the yucky weather. Some of the group still went... the others are going tomorrow morning.

I might go to Albania. It`s right next door. Might as well see where all the immigrants to Italy are coming from!

I went exploring Budva all afternoon yesterday. The old town is inside the city walls. Pretty cool place. Very old buildings with narrow and winding roads. Only pedestrians are allowed.

The new town is surrounded by boats and loads of huge yachts. Today I saw this amazing red Ferrari in front of the dock. All the tourists were taking their picture with it. Strategically postioned so you see the car and the yacht!

Supposedly the Russians like to vacation here. I can`t tell who they are. I don`t know any Russians. Only what I see on TV.

I picture them big.

Single Room Lottery

I`m in Montenegro now. A small beach resort called Budva.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro

It took us 2.5 hours by bus from Ostrog.

I have my own single room at the Villa Lux. Peter mentioned that there were 2 single rooms...who wanted them? I quickly said I would flip for one. The other girls said they didn`t mind sharing, but then a few wanted the single rooms as well. This was after I had my key and mentioned flipping for the room 3 times while everyone was still being very polite in wanting to share rooms.

Yippee!!! I`ve learned that being too nice doesn`t get you a single room from my last few trips. You`ve got to act fast!!!

Three nights in my own little pad.

Nice...........

Showerless Jail House

When we went to Ostrog, we stayed at this very religious type hostel.

All 8 of us girls were in one room. Single beds lined up like we were all in an orphanage awaiting adoption. Lights had to be out by 10 pm. We had 2 warnings on this.

The bathroom had 3 toilets and sinks. One small mirror. No showers.

The girls from New Zealand and Australia went on and on about it.

Nicole (the other Canadian) and I had no problem with it.

Could it be that we are just dirty Canadians.........

Pilgrimage to Ostrog

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrog_monastery

A very amazing place built in the mountain!

I didn`t end up sleeping on the bench or floor as noone from the group wanted to. They are all princesses...even the guys. Thought it was too roughing it. I felt like I didn`t belong if I slept there. I don`t understand the language and there was a lot of praying going on.

Come to think of it, I`ve been to quite a few holy places this trip.

I`m not sure what this is telling me.

Maybe that I`m a great person...or....that I need a lot of help???

In every faith.

Remembering September 11th

Six years ago.

Business meeting with our new recruits.

Catching a ride with Steve F back to Calgary because my flight was cancelled.

All the parked airplanes at the airport.

Being glued to the TV not believing what happened.

A very sad day.

Catch Up Saturday

I was supposed to go to Mostar today. Day trip. Opted out so I can organize a few things for Croatia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mostar

Tomorrow we are going to Ostrog Monastary. A five hour drive from here. Very limited facilites. I might be sleeping on a wooden bench.

On Monday we head to Budva. Days after are spent on a boat cruise and heading to the mountains.

My tour ends in Dubrovnik Croatia on Friday.

I can't believe I've been gone for almost 3 months already!

This not working is the best thing ever........

Tidbits of Information

I'm not sure if I commented on Serbian money. It's not the euro.

In Bosnia it's the konvertbilnih maraka. The km. You get 2 for every one euro.

The unemployment rate in Bosnia is 66%.

Helpful words:

Dobar dan...hello
Molim...please
Hvala....thank you
Da...yes
Ne...no

Sarajevo at Night

I've never really partied with Muslems before.

They play great dance music.

Most of them however just drink pop.

It's us catholics that drink the alcohol.

A lot of it.

Best Day So Far

I love Sarajevo!

I spent most of the day yesterday getting lost in all the streets near our Pension.

I ended up:

• Starting out the day by cooking these eggs to perfection for Inga & I at our hostel. Boy I can cook!
• Visting the National Gallery. Entry was free. Mostly modern art. Exhibit was on the theory of color.
• Shopping and wondering around the Turkish Market. Great stuff to buy.
• Walking around the park. Stopped to see a street chess game by some old guys. The chess board was huge...painted on the cement. The chess pieces were as large as the people!
• Seeing a dead person. The ambulance guys were trying to get his heart going. Too late.
• Finding my way to the post office. An older lady walked me there after I tried to ask her for directions. The people here are awesome!
• Going on the tunnel tour.
• Having a one hour massage. 40 kms. Guy was great.
• Eating a hrana pita. Little spicy sausages in a pita pocket.
• Drinking these awesome drinks in our room. Vodka and cranberry iced tea with rasberries.
• Going out dancing with the girls. Club Boemi.

A great day in a great city!

Bullet City

I'm in Sarajevo now. We got here on Thursday on a 7.5 hour bus ride from Belgrade. It was actually a good trip. Caught up on some sleep.

Bosnia is a very pretty country. Loads of hills with tons of farm land. All nice and green. One thing I noticed is that they stack their hay stacks in a cone style. A funny look until you figure out what they are.

Sarajevo is the capital city city of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In 1984 it was the host city of the Winter Olympics (the place we are staying at is right across the street from the Olympic Stadium).

In 1992 to 1995 it underwent the longest siege in modern military history during the Bosnian War. 11,000 people died. Snipers surrounded the city. They shot at everything that moved.

You see evidence of the war everywhere. Bullet holes in every building.

I took a tour yesterday of the tunnel they built to help transport food. A very hard thing to see...especially when the tour guide mentions that she was 7 years old when this was going on and she remembers being in the tunnel helping her father (who was in the military) carry stuff.

We also saw sniper alley and Marshal Tito Barracks.

This is a Muslem country so you get the prayers over these loud speakers 5 times a day.

It's also Ramadan month.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

Bye Bye Belgrade

We had the full day in Belgrade on the Wednesday, so Robyn and I went off searching for a massage spot. No luck. The map they gave us with all the streets did not even match the street signs. A very hard way to get around.

It rained most of the day and there was no sun. A dark day in Belgrade.

That evening we went to dinner at this swanky place. None of us really liked it there.

I thought I had ordered a salad with chicken on it. I got one of those chicken salads that are all mushed up with tons of mayo. I sent it back.

Still had to pay for it. Restaurants sure don't work the same way as we take for granted back home. "Service" means something else overseas.

Although Belgrade was a cool place. I much prefered Novi Sad.

Bye Bye Belgrade.

Serbian Dancing

I forgot to comment on my dancing skills in Serbia.

They suck!

We all took a dance class for Serbian folklore in Novi Sad.

1.5 hours of entertainment.

Mostly laughter.

Music In Belgrade

Where do they find this music................

FANTASTIC!!!!!

Calling All Models

If I owned a modelling agency I would be in Eastern Europe.

These people are beautiful.

B....E...A....U.....T....I....F...U....L..........

Train Buddies

On the long train ride from Budapest to Novi Sad, I sat in a compartment with 3 other people. 2 were from Vienna Austria and one was from Belgrade.

The Serbian was an art historian with many published books. He was pissed off at the Hungarian border control police, as they refused to stamp this one document for him. The document allowed him to get his 20% tax back on any purchases made in Hungary....a total of 200 euros.

He also had another run in with the Hungarian police when he crossed the border into Hungary...on a bus. The police stopped the bus and demanded 3 euros from every passenger.

I don`t think that Hungary and Serbia like each other that much.

Novi Sad and Me

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novi_Sad

We got here on Sunday night after a 7 hour train ride from Budapest.

We stayed at the Hotel Zenit which was right at the square where the action was. Loved it!

Peter gave us a short orientation on the city Monday morning and then we had the rest of the day to ourselves.

I went with Mike, James, Yvonne, Nicole and Helen for a day trip into Skemski Karlovci.

That night most of us went out for dinner and it ended with Robyn, Inga and me having a great time talking about girly stuff...........

The Question Mark Bar

I can`t find the question mark on this Serbian keyboard to refer to it....thus the full word.

After our tour this afternoon, we went to this small bar that has no name....it`s a question mark still. The owner is still trying to decide.

We all ordered this hot plum brandy tea.

Very yummy.

Insane Music

The music at this internet spot is FANTASTIC!

Steve E...............you would LOVE it.

Belgrade Here I Am

Life is great!

We left Novi Sad on Tuesday morning at 9 am for our 1.5 hr train ride into Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade

Our accomodations are at at this hostel for students...

http://www.sc.org.yu/

I`m sharing with Leanne. A very small room. Reminds me of the room I shared with my cousin Pina when we went to Dublin one weekend and stayed at Trinity College.

When we got to Belgrade this afternoon, we went straight to the park and had a picnic.

After lunch we went for a city tour with Nikola. 6 Euros each.

• Average wage here is 330 euros per month. Rent is about 200 euros.

• The local currency is the dinar. You get 80 dinars for one euro.
• 33% unemployment rate

I`m actually very surprised on how cool this place is. Very modern and clean.

It`s tough finding people that speak English yet they still try to help.

Serbia rocks!

Belgrade Gamers

Belgrade is insane!

It`s one am in the morning....Wednesday. I find myself at the lower level of the metro station across the street from our Hostel.

I`m sitting at one of the numerous 24 hour internet spots that are open to all the gamers....and there are tons of gamers here!

Robyn and I went out for a crazy night and now find ourselves catching up on our email`s and blog for me.

The music is great here!

http://www.kgb-hq.com/

Tour Group Meeting

My group meet up last night for the first time.

Our leader is Peter. An Irish boy. He's been with the company for 3 years.

We have 10 people on the tour (max is 12).

Robyn: New Zealander. Works for an food export company. She's my roommate who didn't come out with us last night. Went out with friends. Still to make it back to the Hotel (11 am)
Inga: New Zealander. Doctor.
Nicole: Canadian. Administrator at a University in Victoria
Helen: Australian. Social Worker.
Leann: Australian. Marketing.
Belinda. Australian.
Yvonne. Dutch living in the UK. Accountant
Mike. British (married to James) Trainer on Naviation Security.
James. British (married to Mike) Office Manager

The boys have been together for 9 years.

I'll have to fill in what everyone does once it comes back to me.

Might have been the wine.

Budapest Rocks

This city is awesome!

The buildings everywhere you look are simply amazing.

I've got to say that my experience in Eastern Europe has been super fantastic so far!

I could quite easily live in this city.

It's Cold Here

The weather is much different here. Alot cooler.

I don't think it's going to be shorts weather for this part of the trip.

The stores are all set up with their fall and winter clothing already.

I may have to go shopping.

It's a drug for us girls.

Medicine Man

I had this hottie sitting next to me on my flight yesterday.

A Hungarian who was studying at the Sienna Hospital for 1 month...now going back home.

All I can say is WOW.

Hugarian men are HOT!!!

Colorful Purchases

I've been trying to not buy anything due to me having just one backpack.

It's not working that great.

My large purchases so far include these cool orange colored bedsheets. 24o cm x 3oo cm..top sheet. 175 cm x 2oo cm...fitted sheet and 52 cm x 82 cm...pillows. I have no idea if they will fit my queen bed. If they do..... I've left instructions with one of my cousins on what my next purchases will be when I'm back or when they come visit me.

I've also purchased 2 art pieces for my house when I was in Milano. Fafa and Fifi. Red.

http://www.banalextra.it/index2004.html

I had to give one of my uncles 2 bags full of stuff to bring to Bologna with him so I didn't have to travel with everything right now.

I'll deal with getting everything in the backpack when I need to.

I know I will need to buy a SUITCASE to help me get everything home.

This is on top of my backpack. ...which by the way only fits a few items of clothing, toiletries and underwear.

Back in Buapest

I'm back in Budapest!

I got here last night. Took the 3:3o pm flight from Rome Fumicino airport. One hour flight. Price for my ticket with Sky Europe was 7o Euros. They have this express train service to the airport from the train station. It only takes 3o minutes. 11 Euros one way. Easy.

Once I got to the Budapest airport I took the airport minibus service straight to the Atlantic Hotel. 2,3oo forints. 11 euro's (overcharged if you didn't have local currency...which of course I didn't this time...so unlike me!) The rate is 25o Forints to 1 Euro (1.5o Canadian)

I didn't have a reservation at the hotel (which was charging 55 euros a night for a single room). Luckily I ran into one of the Intrepid leaders who told me where a close by hostel was once I asked him.

For 12 euros I stayed in a 5 person dorm. 3 people from Coast Rica and 1 from France. I had a top bunk...but threw my mattress on the floor. The bed frame looked like it was ready to collapse. The guy at the bottom was very happy to see me do this. Another reason why I must stop eating.

http://www.redbusbudapest.hu/

It was quite interesting how I found the hostel seeing as I only had a rough idea from the Intrepid leader who could not remember exact adress.

I went into an internet spot that had loud reggae music blasting from the windows. Down the stairs.....backpack and all. All these rasta dudes were drinking and chatting it up. I ask if I can use the internet (so I can get exact address of the hostel)......they say no problem (well.. only one said no problem...the others had no idea what I was saying).

I first had to go to an ATM machine to get some money out so I could pay for the internet usage. One of the guys...can't remember his name...but he is from Africa somewhere, took me to the ATM. Once I got the address of the spot I had to interupt the rasta dudes again to get directions.

No problem as once again the African rasta dude walked me part way to the spot.

I love Budapest.

A very friendly city.

One just has to find the drunk and stoned people to ask them for help.