Back to the Balkans

Hi all,

The next little section of our trip saw us going in a bit of a circle again, bringing us back down to the Balkan Peninsula and into Bosnia & Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo.

Such a diverse mix of architecture, people and history made Sarajevo an interesting place to visit, although not a very 'pleasant' stay, ie the food was pretty average, everything was surprisingly expensive, and was difficult to get in and out of.  But seeing the spot where the First World War ignited was good, and all the various still existing remains of the Bosnian War from the 90's was very interesting, especially the now abandoned winter Olympic bob sled track from the 80's used during the war.

Anyway it was just a quick stopover before going to Split in Croatia for our week on board a vintage style boat cruising the Adriatic and Croatia's islands.  Kings Landing... I mean Dubrovnik was very nice visiting and we went on an excellent kayaking trip around the city walls and to a cave.  Was very relaxing (but exhausting in the 40 degree heat) on board, if not a little cramped in our tiny cabin, and we were able to swim lots, catch up on reading, visit cool little island towns, enjoy some spectacular views, and all in the exotic company of Australian travellers!

Just one more week to go now till we are home!!  And our next stop of the UK is pretty much like going home anyway.

L + D

     Where the lady in white is standing is where the assassin also stood to shoot

     Section of original tunnel under airport that provided essential supplies to the besieged city

     View from snipers positions looking down into city

     Abandoned tank bunker

     Jamaica has a bob sled team!

     Sniper Alley during the war, crossing the highway here meant certain death. Up in the hills just above the top of the lamppost is where we were before in the abandoned bunker.

      Sarajevo Rose, red dye filled into crater of mortar hit where civilians were killed

      Croatian Sailing!

      Island and port of Hvar

      Dubrovnik

      King's Landing

Berlin & Poland

Hi all,

By the end of this post we will have finished our massive journey across (and around in a circle) Europe, travelling from Istanbul to Warsaw and passing through 9 different countries all by rail (and one bus journey).  We have seen some amazing things, tried delicious food, and been very very tired.

But back to this post, leaving the Netherlands we went back into Germany and to Berlin, which besides its fascinating tumultuous recent history was still such a beautiful city in its own right.  We went to all the main sights and monuments, a Nazi history walking tour, a Soviet history bike tour which took us along the very cool East side gallery, and ate some tasty schnitzels in a bier garden next to the Tiergarten.

We then travelled to Krakow in Poland to see the disturbing Auschwitz & Birkenau concentration camps which in the extreme heat we had there was made all the more harrowing.

We ate the most delicious pierogi dumplings many times in Krakow and then in Warsaw too, and wandered the old towns of both, Warsaw being particularly impressive considering it was levelled during the War and rebuilt faithful to the original.

Next stop Sarajevo and sailing Croatia, almost home now!!

L + D

      Holocaust memorial in Berlin

      Curry 36... I can only presume it is 36 for the recommended number of currywurst to be eaten per day?

      East side gallery, former section of the Wall converted into a street art gallery

     Who said men can't multitask, smashing Nazism and rearing child at the same time (have to zoom to see)

     Auschwitz camp

      Birkenau camp

      Mmm, goulash in a bread pot

      Main square of Krakow

      'Old' town of Warsaw

      Pierogi!!

      Our rail journey around Europe, completed!!