After Albania we continued along the stunning coastline passing through tiny but beautiful Montenegro towards another highly anticipated stop in Dubrovnik. The 'Pearl of the Adriatic' didn't let us down either. After a pretty quiet night at the modern campsite we hit the town for a walking tour. After some free time to explore the winding streets we then set off on an island hopping cruise. I have never see water so blue! Even more blue than Thailand. After a swim and a jump or two of the boat it was time to indulge in some very tasty seafood by the waters edge. YUM! We jumped back on the boat and after another swim we headed back for camp in time for some showers and an afternoon nap before heading into town for a pub crawl through Dubrovnik.
The night started off in the usual fashion, a few drinks at one place and then onto the next and so on. However, come about 1am Dubrovnik plunged into darkness with a power blackout over the whole city. After a few discussions it was decided that the group weave its way out of the city's walls and hop into taxis heading for home. Walking through the pitch black streets was interesting & somewhat fun but the blackout put an early end to a night that was just warming up. After the disappointment of being back at the campsite Geoff & Ben decided to throw a tent party and we somehow managed to get 9 people inside a 2 man tent. Fun times!
Our first glimpse of Dubrovnik! Super excited to get off this damn bus.
Island hopping cruise time :)
A tasty lunchtime, pretty much on the water.
Finally we had a sleep in the next morning which was just bliss! A free day to do whatever we
want then followed. A few of us headed in to walk around the 2km old city walls of Dubrovnik which gave some tremendous views at each stop. After some pizza for lunch we headed back to the campsite and down to the beach which was only a short stroll away. We once again skimmed thousands of rocks across the calm waters before I headed back to camp for another chill out ipod session with the best kiwi in the group with the best taste in music - Anna!
Kiwi Anna! My bus & music buddy across Europe!
Views from the old city walls
Walking the walls
Dave, Bron, Benj, Derek & myself on the wall with some awesome views
Sunset at the best rock skimming beach in Europe!
The next morning we said a sad goodbye to Dubrovnik and set off for Zadar with a lunch stop in the funky little city of Split. We arrived in Zadar to a very muddy & wet campsite which was right on the water. Of course there was time for some more rock skimming for those who could still feel their arms. One night here and then we continued onto the 'Paris of the East', Budapest. Buda & Pest sit on different sides of the river but together produce a lovely city. We enjoyed a bus tour during the day with more free time to explore ourselves. That night we all enjoyed a cruise along the river with a delicious buffet dinner and wine to match.
Sunset in Zadar
Group photo time in Budapest.
Sunset in Zadar
Group photo time in Budapest.
Buda, myself & Pest
The dinner cruise through Budapest
From Budapest we crossed into Slovakia and made a stop for lunch in the capital, Bratislava. I had little expectiations of this place but it definetly suprised me. A relaxed wander through this clean city and the gardens made for a great lunch stop. After lunch it was then back on the coach for Vienna, Austria where a fun night awaited. Yes we all felt like 10 years old again as we hit up the city's famous amusement park! Speedy go carts, bumpy rollercoasters that invloved lying prone along with the usual favourites such as fairy floss were enjoyed by all. The 'boomerang' rollercoaster (half of the ride forwards and then backwards) was awesome! The next day we had a bus tour around Vienna, a big Schnitzel and beer for lunch followed by a visit to the Old Vienna Schnaps museum for some tasting. The highlight of Vienna was the Mozart & Strauss concert in one of the city's imperial palaces that most of us went to on our last night in Austria.
One of the many odd statues through Bratislava
One of the many odd statues through Bratislava
Dave & myself enjoying a Schnitzel (in the shape of Australia) and a thirst quenching pint.
Amusement time!
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