Zadar

Dana and Mandy, another Canadian we met travaling in Zadar

Buda Buda Buda Pest

Hero's Square in Budapest

Steve goofing around in Budapest

Our 7 hour train ride was almost missed due to complications with trying to get to the train station. Since we were in a town outside of Zagreb, we were supposed to take a smaller train to get to the main station. This train was supposed to be a direct ride to the station for leaving to Budapest. However, after two stops we had to deboard the train, wait for a bus, take a slow detour, then get on another train at a differenct station 10 miles out of the city, with 10 minutes before our train was to depart. Dana and another girl communicated during this switching from bus back to train, to a conductor that did not speak english that we would miss our train, and if they could call ahead and hold the train for us and a couple of girls from the U.K. We arrived at the station with 2 minutes before our train to Budapest left, but still had to have our passes validated BEFORE we got on the train. A lot of running with full packs and a little stressful to say the least for 8:30am, but we made it because the message actually got through!

Our host Lazslo and his girlfriend Anna are very nice here in Budapest, we have the whole upper floor of their place to sleep, use the internet, and our own full bathroom. It has been very nice and sunny both days here, and we have spent the days walking around and seeing the sites. During the day we went for a hike to a tower that Lazslo recommened. It was a half an hour hike uphill which then allowed us a great view of the whole city. That night we met our hosts at a café and hung out with them before heading back to their place to watch a hungarian movie, a comdey in fact. (And yes it was very funny even with subtitles) Yesterday we went to a castle district which is surrounded by a huge stone wall, which also has a labyrinth underground. We then walked around hero's square, and the surrounding park area to another castle that was originally surrounded by water! We took a long detour and went to Ikea to get fabric for dana to make a purse, unfortunately we were given directions to the Ikea outside of Budapest, so it took a lot longer then anticipated. We have the whole day here left to site see and then we take a 12 hour train ride starting at 11pm to Brasov, Romania.

Zagreb

Zagreb

sunset in Zadar

On a huge solar panel near the water in Zadar

Main Square in Zagreb

Outside our hostel in Zadar

Dana wanted to go in the really reliable row boat!

September 26, 2009- We arrived in London on Wednesday, September 23 a little ahead of schedule. The flight was really nice, unfortunately we couldn't get in a comfy position to fall asleep. We bused to the Stanstead airport to catch our flight to Zadar, Croatia. Again, we had a very nice flight and arrived early. However, when we got into Zadar we realized the airport was out of the city and were not quite sure how to get there or where we were going. It all worked out the end! There was a bus that came and took us into the centre of the city. There we met Ruth from the U.S., Matt from Australia, and Matt from Edinburgh. We were all going to the same hostel and got there with no other problems. Steve and I lucked out and got our own room.
The next morning Matt from Australia left but, we met another girl named Mandy. She was also from Edinburgh, but originally from Kelowna B.C. We spent the day walking around old town and sitting at the pier overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the view was breath taking! We then walked down the coast to listen to the Sea Organ. The Sea Organ are pipes underwater that open on the coast. Their melody depends on the tide and is constantly playing. All of us us went back to watch the sun set over the mountains and listen to the organ.
The next morning we packed up our stuff and headed to the beach. There we went swimming in the Adriatic and said good-bye to our new friends and made our way to catch the 4 hour bus to Zagreb.

Once we arrived in Zagreb we figured out how to get to the main square. Before we left I realized I forgot my sunglasses on the bus. We left word that this had happened and hoped we would have them returned. We met our wonderful host Sunčana that evening and headed out for an evening of fun at what they call Septemberfest. There we had an awesome time and met many of Sunčana's friends and colleges. The next morning we headed to Zagreb with Sunčana and waked around seeing the sights of Zagreb. We relaxed for part of the day, made some supper, and went to a really fun party.

Our stay in Croatia has been amazing and I am really sad our visit was so short! We already have plans to come for another visit in the near future! Tomorrow morning we head off to our next destination, Budapest!