TravelStream™ news feed for member millarmotortour on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/millarmotortour en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:03:28 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211645760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211645760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211645760/tpod.html Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:03:28 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Sopron, Hungary

We moved into the Hotel Sopron from our Guesthouse down the street.
Traditional wedding see photos.

After the wedding we travelled South. Hungarian tourism Info can be...difficult. transit is on time, but ony runs every few hours to any locations away from Budapest. By train, bus, etc. we went to Keszthely, Kaposuar next to their major vacation lake ...... and then a few trains to the border into Croatia. 12 hours to cover 400 km, not the way to do it. Might be easier to train to capitol Budapest and then express to Croatia capitol Zagreb. Car rental is best.

Pecs is also rated very high for beauty and enjoyment if you are in the South West.
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Hvar, Hvar Island, Croatia

See photos
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Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Former Yugoslavia included: Bosnia, Slovenia, Croatia, Moonenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia seperated for maybe first was geographical, maybe second Political and definately third Religeous.

Bosnia is now a dangerous mixture of Catholic Croats - Orhtodox Serbs - Muslim Bosniaks

The gory so called ethnic cleansing war of the 1990's that was extreme and violent left the city of Mostar and the famous Old Bridge in ruins. The bridge was a town landmark and was strategically bombed until it crumbled into the cold Neretva river. One of the better travel books that describes this history is Rick Steve's Croatia and Bosnia book. Many are out and walk the City at night, young and social with a great sense of charm and humor. There is a obvious police presence but no active enforcement. Unless there happens to be a futeball/soccer match between 2 local teams when 600 police also attend.

Safe to visit and welcomes tourism as their only obvious economy, the Bosnians are very kind, fun and helpful. And as expected the old ladies that have converted their homes into Appartments will meet you at the train station. Both a Guesthouse or one of the 2 hostels are recommended. 5 times a day you can hear the muslim prayer echo through the speakers over the city. We visited the one mosque for excellent views and photo of the old City and the bridge. variety of foods include the dolma (stuffed peppers) and Chervi-chichi (pita stuffed with burger sausages and oignons). Ask for a Shisha. A turkish hooka pipe that filters flavored tobacco with water.

Comfortable temperatures in May 25 C is better than the very touristy August that reaches 50 C. Travel sites: Hi5, Wayne, couchsurfing.com, google snaps, picasso
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211984820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211984820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211984820/tpod.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:32:48 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Zagreb, Croatia

Much easier to go from Budapest into another country or or not so direct and use 2 buses and change trains 3 times .... so arriving in Zagreb, Capitol of Craotia is calm. No massive towering buildings, busy streets but everuybody appears to be meeting for coffee and enjoying the sunny morning. They say it can rain all of April.

A country rich with culture and history. 229 BC Romans, neolithic farmers and Greeks occupied until 395 AD the Roman Empire split into East and West. Craotia was part of the West ruled by Rome. This country was always under attack and being divided, Serbia and then 1100 Hungarian lordship. Roman catholic, Turkish ottoman empire, Hungaro-Croatian Empire, Venetian Republic until 1699. Napoleonic France ruled until 1815. Post WWII Republic of Yugoslavia and then most recently the Patriotic Homeland War (1990 - 1996) when the Croatians fought for independance. yugoslav forces, Croatian Serb paramilitaires vs. RSK (republika Srpska Krajina declared antonomy and democratic rule.

With graffiti everywhere it a very nice walk around the Zagreb City center. Stop by the tourist center and get the walking tour map. Hostel Lika $12 Euro is o.k. offers 1 free beer and not far from the bus station. But try the HI Hostel in the center, excellent location. $15 Euro.

I recommend catching the early 07:20 bus everyday from the main bus station , 2 hrs to the Plitvicka national Park. Full of hiking trails and waterfalls. Do not go on a weekend! Way too busy. $25 / day. Catch the shuttle at the end of the day and stay at the camping huts, 5 km away. then spend the next day hiking again. Beautiful.

Websites: Croatia = croatia.hr, Ferry Service = jadrolinjia.hr, Map = mapquest.com or multimap.com
National Parks = npkrka.hr np-plitcika-jezera.hr Train = hznet.hr Hostel = hfhs.hr
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211496840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211496840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211496840/tpod.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:31:32 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is accessible from all countries and anywhere in Hungary quickly. 2 hr 35 min from Sopron by express Train. $25 CAN. Endless Sites to see and could recommend 3 - 4 days visit.
Site seeing, get the 2 day Budapest card 6500 forint or 3 day 8000 forint from Information center.
Buda side: Citadella, 14 m liberty staue, wax museum all at the base of St. Gellert Hotel and thermal baths. Another district is the castle district and national museum.
Pest side: Heros monument and the St Stephens cathedral are important sights to see.
All these attractions are accessible by the oldest European metro or catch on eof the tourist hop-on hop-off busses.
If you still have time, go for a day trip to see the caves and go Splunking just North of the City.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1210615740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1210615740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1210615740/tpod.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:30:00 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Last minute planning. Bag, new hikers, passport, and toilet paper.
Travelling to Hungary for my friends Roland and Anita Gubics wedding in Sopron and backpacking the nearby countries for 1 month with Francine (Franz).
Last minute flights? We checked www.redtag.ca or www.expedia.ca or local travel agents.
Never transfer in Chicago, USA! Weather reqularly cancels flights and US customs is brutal.
If you must - sty over and visit the Millenium park, a Cubs game at Rigley Field, navy Pier, a drink at the Handcock Tower lounge looking over the downtown and lake Michigan. Try a real Deep Dish Pizza. An underground train is about 1 hr from the airport/downtown $2. It is suprisingly clean and friendly City, but I would prefer to fly direct to the UK next time and book a cheap flight out upon arrival.

What to bring?
A bed sheet and pillowcase for the hostels, they provide the heavy blankets. Invest in a good backpack and a worn in pair of hikers or runners. pack only half of what you think you might need, and anything forgotten can be purchased anywhere. Passport and document, I prefer the ankle style. bring copies of all your documents and keep them in a seperate piece of luggage, same as split up 2 bank debit cards and 2 credit cards.
Student I.D. can be a huge money saver in Europe. Pick up some travellers cheques or currency of the arriving country in case your bank card doesn't work right away.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212126360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212126360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212126360/tpod.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:11:13 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Split, Croatia

In the Republic of Croatia is the City Zadar, near the top of the Dalmation Coastline. There is lots of development and construction everywhere in Croatia. Currency is the Kuna. Just behind the City is the jagged scenery of the barren Dinara mountain range. Unfortunately not ALL buses run when they are scheduled. Beware you WILL be left stranded. We arrived to the Adriatic Sea to find stones and rock instead of soft golden beaches, ouch. Raved as Europe's best beaches - a little getting used to but I am sure they are sort of theraputic.

In Zadar walk to the marinas, visit the cafe, grab a Gelatti icecream (or 2), walk within the old city Roman walls. Further South you will find Sibenik, next to the Krka National Park, and historical walks and view from the hilltop fortress. Then Trogir town known for the market and kastle. or continue onto thriving Split. This is the hot spot where most cheap flgihts from the UK arrive, boats to the coronary islands depart and the Diocletian Palace from 1200 AD. Book a room at Al's Place on Hostelworld.com - in Old City and excellent staff. $12 Euro dorm.

Island hopping. ferry to Brac (brach) island arrive in Supetar and catch a ride with a apparment owner or the local bus is $35kuna. we really enjoyed the hospitality of villa'kik' - dragon.doric@st.htnet.hr in Bol. Again lots of construction, all concrete, with on-site concrete mixers and cranes, amazing. Famous white stone lines the walls of the homes and red tile roof. The same white stone that has been shipped to other countries like USA to decorate the walls of the parliments and white house. Bol town is known for the summer spots, kites, windsailing, banana boat rides, topless bathin galong the 'Golden Horn'. We went scuba diving with Dolphin Dive co. Teo - great local guy. Great visibility due to the lack of sandy beaches , but lacking large and abundant fish life. There is meant to be many famous ship wrecks along the Adriatic coast.

Ferry from Bol to the upscale Hvar (hwarr) island. Arrive in Starigrad and again bus across to Hvar Town $35 kuna . Very similar port town, beautiful historic stone streets and cathedrals. Giant yauhts and alvendar souvenir shops. party all night at the sea side bars or Carpe Diem in the harbour. green Lizard hostel is in a poor location way up on the hillside. try out on eof the appartment zimmers right down in the heart of the harbour for the same price $14 Euro / 100 kuna each. Check out Beaches Dive center and resort run by Austrians.

Ferry to Korchula (CoreCHoola) 1 hr or ferry direct to Dubrovunik twice a week 7 hrs.

All ATM accept 4 digit pins and internation bank debit cards.
power accepts the 2 round pin deep round socket 220 V 50Hz
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212935040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212935040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212935040/tpod.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:27:03 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

There is no cheap airlines in Bosania or Serbia but you can check:
alitia.com, aua.com, airbosnia.ba, croatiaairlines.hr, jat.com, lufthansa.com, turkishairlines.com
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211375520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211375520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1211375520/tpod.html Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:50:02 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Sopron, Hungary

We arrived from Vienna, 80 km away (no stamp) in Sopron (Shroppron), HU. "the Faithful City" From the train Station you are only minutes from the quite streets of Old Town. The original walls of the 13th century and Roman times and the Fire Watch Tower once used after the great fire of 1676, now provides a view of the surrounding stores and businesses. Nearby towns and lakes provide lots of access for vinyard and orchards, hiking and cycling.

Town of Fertod, accessed by bus, has rolling hills and fields of poppies, and the Eszterhazy Castle 1763 a combination of Baroque and Rococo style architecture. At the entrance, cross through an incredible iron gate that is a one of a kind - the palace owner had the artists eyes removed once he was completed so it could never be duplicated.

After the Trianon Peace Treaty following WWI, Hungarians have kept many special past times such as medicinal baths and thermal springs and spicing up your meals with paprika.

After searching a few locations in Sopron - the best guesthouse. Fekete Barany Panzio, (Owner Kish) a little white home and restaurant loacted directly below the 5 star Hotel Sopron overlooking the City. www.hotes.hu/fekete_barany 0036-99/338-330
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212670020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212670020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/millarmotortour/2/1212670020/tpod.html Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:46:31 -0400 Central and Mediterrain Europe

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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The name Tito rings over peoples voices and in all the museums- no not from South America - but the same concept. Communism. Josip Broz (marsal Tito) 1892 - 1980

Bosnia is a very safe country to visit. Aside from the usual petty theivery in busy areas and an very poor economy that has a high unemployment rate is all reminants of an incredible country trying to recover from the atrocities of war. In the capitol City of Sarajevo there is obvious destruction of buildings and bullet riddled homes left still from the war in 1991 - 1995.

An excellent resource upon arrival is the Tourism Information center near Old Town/Centar. From the Main train and bus station catch Tram #1 and from the far West Bus Station grab trollie #103. At the City Centar you can find all your accomodations Hostel $15 CAN - Hotel $100 CAN I highly recommend Hostel City Center and Hostel Posilipo, both for cleanliness and location. The tourist center also arranges City tours and escursions (rafting) $20 CAN is the Airport Tunnel Tour by narrated locals that survived the 4 year Siege that killed 11,000 Bosnians. A 800 m tunnel route 5 m beneath the UN that allowed the frontlines a supply and escape route. Includes a drive along 'sniper alley' and major city building sites such as the main library that was destroyed along with 3 million books and still waiting reconstruction 13 years later. Look for the sarajevo Roses - red resin filled motar craters.

The government is still run by different representaives - one from all three religeons. Although without the European Union it is likely to have another reoccuring war in another 30 years, today there is no military conscription and no organized army in Bosnia.

Where to travel from the capitol? All trains and buses in this area are not punctual and may not arrive at all. South to Albania - hard travels or try Bucharest and Macedonia. No Canadians do not need a Visa - but Australians and some others do and have been deported without. Popular tourist route - Bulgaria - Sophia (Hotsel Rossi) - Turkey - Istanbul. Caution: night trains are common for robbery, some blame the musical Gyspies.....

Bosnians will accept ALL currency - but change your money to Euros before leaving. The Bosnian Converible Mark (BAM) (KM) is hard to change outside their country. www.xe.com
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