Arrive Perth Sept 1th Flight no 475 Qantas at 12.50 pm..... Will be very jetlagged as I will have been travelling for over 36 hours!!!!!!
-------------------------------

For everyone else.....

Well, the big trip is nearly over and i only have one more day before I start travelling back.

Unfortunately Charleston has been great for me.... I got here and checked in to this really swanky inn. It was quite expensive and I wanted to shout myself something nice for the last week. I had a suite with a huge bed downstairs and lounge and kitchen upstairs. Anyway to cut a long story short, i fell down those stairs quite heavily and landed on my left shoulder and leg. So, I have been in quite considerable pain for the last three days and it has really limited what I can do. I havent broken anything but severely bruised it. Because its my shoulder that Ive had problems with in the past, I think its made it worst. I acnt lift my arm to high.

Ive complained to the hotel after finding out that other people have also fallen (all rooms have carpetted stairs) and also that my room should have had a handrail. Even the manager admitted that she has also fallen in one of the rooms. So Im not impressed. Legally, I could sue them, however Im trying to get a refund on the cost of the room.

Its really pissed me off because its ended my holiday like it has. However, Ive still been able to catch up with my friend Joe and we've been out to dinner a few times. He works during the day but each night picks me up right outside the hotel and then helps me hobble everywhere. Its been great seeing him (Kris - he hasnt changed but I havent got the 'word')

So... not really a happy chappy at the moment. But oh well, at least it happened at the end of my holiday.

So... Im really looking forward to travelling back now (not) I leave Charleston tomorrow by Bus and then go back to Savannah, then leave Savannah (fly) at 07.30 am for Los Angeles. I then leave LA at 9.30 pm and have a 20 hour flight to look forward to...All with a gummy shoulder, leg... Ive got some pain killers so will pop the odd one or to...

When i get back, I will do up a final Blog that doesnt sound so miserable and gloomy. I really wanted to round it all off with my final impressions and the highlights of the trip..

Once I get home, Im sure that Ill be feeling less negative....

So...its hooray for now, Im going to hobble back to hotel (Im currently at the library) and some lunch and a nap (amazing how pain makes you tired) and then we are going out again to dinner and apparently having the yummiest steak ever....

Cheers
Kay

Well, its finally over remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Here I am, down south at Sultry Savannah - a bit of a shock after leaving New York. Much slower pace, much more gracious.

Sorry about delay in an entry but US must think that everyone has laptops and gets access at flash hotels because there are absoluely no internet cafes. Im currently in the Savannah college of Art and Design using their library.

Luckily from a TAFE background, I wondered whether they had public access and low and behold, they did. Quite lucky really because even the tour guide couldnt tell me where to get internet access.

So here I am.

Before telling you about Savannah, let me tell you about NY.

Well, I had the most crappiest weather ever. For 5 of the 7 days, it was rainy and windy. The last day was absolutely horrible with a ex-hurricane low going over the city. So for the 2 OK days (still cloudy but at least a bit clear) I fitted most stuff in. I went up the Empire State Building (couldnt even see the top most of the other days). I went on an evening cruise of the harbour. I walked throughout Greenwich Village and even went up to Harlem.

I also did Macy's and had a look at lots of flash shops that I couldnt afford.

I went to two Broadway shows (yes, two). The first one was Wicked which wasnt a parody of the Wizard of Oz as I first thought but was the story of the Wicked Witch of the East and Glinda, the good witch. It told the story of how one of them went bad and the other went good and their relationships. It did refer to Dorothy but was a story set behind it all. It was very good and costumes etc was excellent.

On my second last night, I thought Id take the chance to see if I could get tickets to Chicago. The guy at the hotel thought my chances were bad to nil. Usher has been playing the lead role for the last month or so and the show has been a sell out.

Anyway, i went to the box office and luckily got one ticket that was in the middle of the theatre and absolutely one of the best.

The show was BLOODY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant recall ever enjoying something as much. Usher (I wasnt a fan) was absolutely wonderful and a real showman (Richard Gere played the role in the movie). After the show, I walked out of the theatre to rows and rows of girls waiting for Usher to come out. It was very exciting (although it was raining).

The orchestra was on stage the whole time and of course played Jazz so that added to it. Overall, Id score it 15/10.

Walking through Greenwich Village was good as well. Its very ecletic (sic) with intereseting shops and buildings. Greg - I couldnt get to that music place you said, but did go to Cafe Wa where Bob Dylan played (wasnt open but took a photo for you).

Had lunch at a famous pizza joint - was great.

Went up to Harlem to have a look the next day. Was going to have lunch up there but the restaurant that was recommended in Lonely Planet had a huge line up. I felt VERY noticeable standing in line with lots and lots of tall negros so decided to give it a miss. Harlem is pretty safe but I really stood out like a sore thumb!!!!

Got used to the subway in NY and the last couple of days used it a lot. Got off at lots of stops, walked up steps, had a look around and then got on again. Because the weather wasnt good, it was the only way to see things.

Empire state building - great!! Very tall - views, although cloudy were OK. Couldnt see a long distance away but that was OK. Crowds were OK as well. apparently sometimes you have to wait hours, I waited about 1 hour.

Ferry cruise was wonderful. I got the best photo of the statue of liberty. The lights of Manhattan was great. Unfortunately, camera cant really make them out too well but it was great.

Also went out to dinner in Soho with the two US ladies that I met in Prague. That was nice. Restaurant had a story, in that they were all former employees of the World Trade Centre restaurant - they were all off duty at 9/11 and obviously all lost their jobs. One of the ladies (Ana) was CEO of a foundation that gave them money to start the restaurant which works as a coop. Food was lovely.

So, NY apart from the weather was fantastic. I would have loved to have fine days and if I had of, would have done a lot more. Still, I got to do the major things and just experience it all.

Then down to Savannah (which as I said, is a big change from NY).

First night, went and had dinner then a bit of a walk around. Came across a pub that had a band playing. However, as soon as Id got myself a drink they went on a break (which seemed a long one). So I finished my drink and went back to the motel. Id been up since 04.15 am so that I could catch my plane in NY so was tired anyway.

Yesterday went on a trolley tour of the historical district. the town is based on these squares (22 of them) and each square has these fantastic stately houses around them. Very pretty. The Grandad beard moss hangs off all the trees, everything is very green.

Yesterday, I stayed on the trolley for most of the time and only got off to eat lunch.

Today, though, I got off pretty early and have been walking around. I've been to three houses and done tours. Lovely. So southern and gracious. The last tour, I was the only person
on it so got the full bit. The houses all are furnished with beautiful antiques and you get the story of the families etc. Names like Robert E Lee and George Washington stayed at one of them so there is lots of history. To be honest, I cant remember much of the Civil War history and will read up on it when I return.

Tomorrow Im going to have a day off. I desperately need a hair cut so may try nad find a shopping mall.

Then the next day (my last at Savannah) I'm either going to go to the beach or on a paddle steamer .

Then off to Charleston to see Joe for about 6 nights which will be good. He'll be working, but at least we'll be able to catch up at night. Charleston has a great historic district as well.

Then Im coming home. Decided not to go to Mexico. To be honest, Im getting quite weary and really looking forward to coming home. I was going to find somewhere to sit back and relax in Mexico but decided that Id really like to sit back and relax in Karratha instead (sick I know!!!).

So, I get back to Perth on the 16th and then fly back to karratha on the 17th (Pam - Ill send you the times later - I didnt note them down when I checked itinerary and it means having to go back to bigpond.

(Greg and Nat - re telling me about Steve Irwins death). Its amazing, its been on CNN and all news stations (Larry King repeated an interview that he had done with him and people are talking about him everywhere. He was really admired here in the US and because Im Australian, people are telling me how much they loved him. Im amazed at their reactions. One guy got quite emotional.

The trip is starting to wind down (and so am I). Its amazing how quickly its gone, yet sometimes it feels like Ive been away for ages). Ive certainly seen heaps and had travelled such a long distance is such a relatively short time. Its funny to think that today Ive seen gracious southern US homes and only 1 month ago, I was seeing roman ruins in Croatia. Such diversity!!!!

Well, better go.. Ive been on this computer for ages and theres someone waiting to get on. Hopefully Ill be able to access one again in a few days

Hooray for now...

Cheers Kay

Sweet Sultry Savannah remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Well....got to JFK. First Impressions. Shit...Airport is about 80 years old. Very dirty, very disorganised and the people at customs have attitude. But.... it is New York. On plane from Finland got frisked, handbag gone through and they looked at things like lipstick etc. Id bought some make up at duty free and it got taken away fom me and put in hold and I got it at the other end so thats OK.

So...first impressions, werent good and I thought. Shit... However walked out of arrivals hall, went to information desk. Heard a guy from a transit service saying he was going to 46th st.. I was going to 56th street. So 10 minutes later was in vehicle. 60 minutes later was in hotel for all of $17 bucks so not bad.

Hotel fantastic. Was upgraded into a suite (22nd floor) with own lounge etc and wide in TV in both rooms. Impressed. Howver took shoes off and noticed carpet was soaking. So next day, shifted into another room and lost upgrade and 4 floors (18th). Last night, took shoes off and noticed carpet was wet. Its been raining here and apparently hotel has a few leaks. Seems OK though, its drying. Will see how tomorrow goes because apparently its going to piss down.

First Impression - very very clean city and well organised. Not as congested as I thought. Traffic flow very good. People on the streets really friendly and overall very good. To be honest, there were more people in Florence and Dubrovnik and because it wasnt English speaking, I probably felt more intimidated.

Anyway, hotel window view Times Square (literally can read the signs). 10 minutes to Central park and has metro station down stairs (havent tried yet). Bloody ripper. Cant get better. Its not too expensive $150 US which is pretty good for central NY.

First night. Didnt do much had 6 hour time difference and was a bit buggered. however enjoyed the 58 ENGLISH SPEAKING CHANNELS and had a mammoth channel flicking episode... got RSI of the thumb.

Yesterday...raining off and on for morning and then pretty heavy mid dayish and then tapered off afternoon. Did Central Park because i thought there wouldnt be many people out (i was right) and it was lovely. Its absolutely huge and gorgeous. Didnt do much, saw tribute to John Lennon and got lost in a place called the rambles - no one else around, in fact, got a bit nervous in case anyone jumped out of the bushes. Couldnt even here any traffic and just lovely.

Then went to Museam of Natural History. Lots and lots of stuffed animals but well done Got lost there too... not the best maps. Then onto Museam of Art - great Egyptian exhibition and was impressed.

Then caught my first taxi and went to a Deli and had BBQ ham. So for $25 I got...4 slices of very think ham and a gallon of BBQ sauce. Two huge scoopes of mash potatoe and another gallon of normal gravy. Beans and carrots. And then for extras I got a bowl of coleslaw and a bowl of pickles (oh and a Bud). Needless to say, I ate 1/4 of it (drank all the bud). Really, I'd like half the meal for half the price. My hotel doesnt have a bar fridge otherwise I would have taken it to go (see know the lingo) but it would have gone off. Then walked down to Times square and enjoyed the millions and millions of lights. Really spectacular.

Today, went on one of those red buses and did a tour of downtown. Rained though and not pleasant. My feet are especially sore because my shoes got wet yesterday and renewed my blisters. Lovely!! You would think that after 6 weeks, I would have hardened feet but no... still got bandaids on them. In fact, bandaids have been one of my biggest purchases. Im a specialist on them.

Saw Ground Zero. Wasnt going to because I thought it would be depressing (it was) but the bus stopped close to there. Also went to China town but because feet was sore, didnt walk to the interesting bits. May go down there later this week. Then bus went through SOHO and the village and went on Brooklyn tour which was interesting.

Have got tickets to "Wicked" on Broadway which is a parody of the Wizard of Oz. Apparently its the "hottest" show at the moment. Going tomorrow night. Also got tickets for Ferry Ride at night as well.

Tomorrow apparently its going to be raining hard so not sure what Im going to do. I have umbrella but everything else gets wet.

So....better close off as its getting a bit steep here.

Overall, NY is not as scary as I thought. Weather though hasnt been good. Still havent seen top of Empire State Building yet - only clouds. Bit of a bummer... But its still good.

So...bye from the Big apple.. Ill find a cheaper internet service and do a more comprehensive one (plus photos).

cheers and beers (might try a coors tonight!!)

Kay

Good Morning America!! remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Well, I'm back in Prague after a short break at Karlovy Vary (you might know it as Carlsbad). Lovely spa town nestled in a valley. Georgeous Buildings and very quaint.

Funny place. Its got lots of thermal pools and some of the hotels have spas attached. Lots of older rich Europeans and even funnier Russians visit the place to take the waters and have procedures done. Some of them sound like torture and I cant imagine what they were. Others were quite normal like massages etc.

I went to one spa (GrandPupps) which is the biggest and most expensive hotel (I didnt stay there) - only went to get massage. Anyway, I had a mud bath, which ended up being peat dissolved in water and then a partial massage. You go into a room, take off all your clothes, they give you a dressing gown.

There were lots of older people wandering around in these gowns (with nothing on underneath). Didnt want to think about that. Anyway, I had a bath first (which to be honest, was as boring as anything and I spent most of the time wondering who was going to come into the room.

Then I had a back massage (which actually was very good). They dont worry about towels etc and seeing a guy was doing the massage, I was a little bit uncomfortable. But obviously, he wasnt. I thought about all those older europeans and then didnt worry after that.

Then the next day, I went to a public spa (Spa number 5) and had a leg massage. Pretty poor. Again, you strip off, shower and then massage and then get into this deep hot pool (again, naked) and with people around. I did have a wrap and must admit, it stayed pretty close to the edge of the pool.

After that, I went into the public pool (with bathers thank god) and they had the most amazing spa bath. Nozzels at all different levels so you could do your feet, thighs, neck and all other bits in between. Needless to say, I pummelled all my cellulite away and had the best foot massage.

Walked out (after going to female dressing room) where again, people walked around naked) and felt very relaxed.

However, one drawback. I have a bloody ear infection from the water. I get these quite a lot (swimmers ear). but this one is a bad one. I'm totally deaf in the left ear (which at the moment is good because they are playing ACDC really loud in this internet cafe and I was never a fan) and its throbbing madly. Went to the chemist and all the gave me was some herbal drops which smell nice. (the chemists here are much more strict - you can only get pain killers at chemists and a lot of stuff that we consider non-presciption, they need prescriptions). So, I'm giving the drops a go. I fly in about two days and am quite concerned.

At least my ear smells nice.....

Went to the movies yesterday and saw Pirates of the Caribbean. it was in English. Thoroughly enjoyed having 3 hours of english to listen to (plus Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are OK as well)

Today, going to the Communism Museam (apparently its weird) and just bumming around. Tomorrow (last day) am going to do exciting stuff like washing and then find a really nice restaurant to go to...

So...Prague

Lovely buildings;Quite Modern;
Great Transport;
Rains a lot;
Czech people are very quiet (amazing for Europeans). They say in the guide book that you can tell tourists by how loud they speak in the Metro and they are right. Czech people speak very quietly and are unobtrusive. Europeans speak really loudly and to be honest, are sometimes pains in the ass. Pick pockets are rife apparently in the Metro and they say that they listen out for tourists and then go for them. Needless to say, Ive been left alone, seeing I dont have anyone to speak to....
Pet Friendly(also in Croatia and Hungary) they allow pets on the metro and they can also stay in most hotels. You see lots of older men walking cuddly little dogs.
English speaking not too bad. Better than Hungary.

Well, better go.. painkillers are running out and the ACDC beat is starting to get in time with my ear...

Next blog update - THE BIG APPLE. I am so excited. Cant believe that in a few days time, I will be in the middle of it. Ive booked accomodation not to far from Central Park. it was recommended to me by the US girls. Apparently its close to the metro. They are going to show me around a bit was well which Im really looking forward to..

Also, just got word that I'm going to catch up with my American friend Joe. Havent seen him in 10 years so am really looking forward to that.

So...adios from Prague and Eastern Europe. Ive enjoyed it all and recommend to everyone to visit. Hasnt been as difficult as Id imagined getting around and the challenges have been fun.

Cheers Kay

Pretty Prague remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Been here 2.5 day and am thoroughly enjozing it. Its a great citz. Lots to see but most importantlz, verz easz to get around in.

Mz hotel is a not in the verz central part of town but down the road, i have a choice of tram, bus and metro to get around in and its all verz easz to follow. So, all zou have to do is pick where zou want to go and then follow the map.

Yesterdaz, I just got the feel of the place and went and had a look at the citz part. Amazing buildings again, thez make them big over here. Its funnz to think that most of the cities around here arent particularlz old because there have been so manz wars and destructions over the centuries. The palace in Budapest has been rebuilt about 3 or 4 times and most of the churches and important buildings are built on top of other churches and important buildings. Thats whz thez are all heritage listed because they sit on top of roman ruins.

Todaz, I went up to the castle which perches on the hill of Buda. To get to it, I caught a Siklo (vernicular) which takes zou up a verz steep incline.

The palace was verz ornate and thezve turned most of it into museams and art galleries. Spent quite a lot of time just walking aruond and taking it in. Reallz pooped now though. When I think about it, I must walk/stand for about 6 hours per daz.

I shouldnt have mentioned in mz last blog about how well things are going because mz ankle is plazing up on me now and Im having to rely on ibroprophen to get around. Tomorrow Im going to trz and find a medicinal bath (Budapest is full of them) and have a good long soak.

Saturday, Im planning to take a cruise down the Danube which will be nice.

Sundaz, Im off to Prague. Alreadz booked mz train ticket (Im getting better at this)

Some of zou have been asking how Iám going bz mzself. I havent met manz people and probablz in the last couple of weeks may ahve onlz spoken abuot 3 or 4 English conversations.

However, its not reallz bothering me too much. Its a bit lonelz, but Im reallz enjozing the challenge of getting aruond and doing things. Im also enjozing just being able to do what i want to do.

Because Iám staying in hotels and not hostels, the opportunities to meet people are verz limited. Also, Im not doing manz tours either (mainly because I find uot about the tours once Ive been to a place and its too late).

Yesterdaz, ran into an Aussie couple (asked them to take a photo of me) from Wannabool and amazinglz, she had a friend who lived in Karratha. I hadnt heard of her.

So, I have those odd tzpes of conversations.

I am reading heaps and devouring a novel every 2 or three dazs.. Have picked some rippers and am reallz enjozing them. Im go to trz and pick heavier ones so that thez last a bit longer. Just finished Atonement bz Ian McKeoun and thoroughlz recommend it.

Well better go... have to book some accommodation in Prague before I go.

Cheers Kaz

Beautiful Budapest remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Well, my first impression of Hungary was a bit scary. After landing in a train station on the border in the middle of know where, where absolutely noone spoke English and everything looked incredibly old fashioned.

I then ended up being ripped off by a taxi driver (first time this trip) and got to a motel that was out in the suburbs with no restaurants etc (8 pm after being at the train stations all day) I was a bit out of place.

However next morning I caught a bus into town and saw a very modern, fashionable town. Pécs has the best shopping centre Ive seen so far. Very modern. Well, I felt much better. Its amazing how familiar zou feel once you enter a shopping centre. Doesnt matter than you cant speak the language, you can tell the word sale in any language. Unfortunatelz I cant carry much but managed to buy a shirt plus another novel.

Very little English in Hungary. Only basic stuff at restaurants and hotels. Caught a taxi down to the train station and the driver didnt know the word train - did the choo choo thing and the arms as wheels. We both laughed because the trains dont sound like that anymore but it got me where I wanted to be.

Very funnz episode....

Lots of museams and I saw a Mining one. Coming from the Pilbara, I thought OK - it may be interesting. Well everythings very cheap here so didnt care if it wasnt. Anyway, ended up in the wrong museum, there was a modern art gallery next door and that was the one I went into to..

Then went out side and found correct door. Old man on the door wouldnt let me in. Couldnt understand why a female would want to go to a mining museum and kept mentioning the art one next door and pointing to that. I couldnt make him understand that I wanted to go in.

He kept blocking my way.... I laughed

Yesterday I caught a local train down to a small town called Villany. Its a wine growing area and I thought that it might be quite touristy. Well, in Hungary most things close down on Sunday. I thought lots of local people would be visiting the wineries but no it was verz quiet.

Anywaz, I enjoyed mzself. Went to a recommended one Bocks. The price was 110 Florints (1AUD = 164 florints) for a particular wine so thought OK - Ill get an inch or two of the wine to taste. Well ended up getting a full glass. Not the same winetastings as Australia. They dont give you tastes, they give you glasses.

It was a light red "Portugieser" lovely. Then had a 1999 Bock Cuvee (premium red) - really nice and only cost me 500 Florints. So after two glasses of red I was feeling very mellow but unfortunately had about 2 klms to walk so thought I should stop there.

Then walked the 2 klms found another cellar and had a reisling and chardonnay - all for the measly cost of $3

The cellars arent at the actual wineries. There is a street of shops really and thats where all the tastings are.

So.. then walked back to train station, found a bench and had a lovely nap until the train came.

Felt like one of the locals. I actually knew where I was, what train to catch back and what time it arrived etc. Very knowledgeable.

Today its raining so just going to mosy around. Just about to go and grab some lunch and then sort out ticket for tomorrow etc.

By the way, Hungarian food is VERY heavy. Cant believe how much fat they use. Its a bit much and Im hanging out for some light food but difficult to find. Even their salads are drowned out by dressings.

They also use lots of bone marrow in dishes. Actually could have ordered a stew of bone marrow. Couldnt think of anything more delicious... But I held back. Got to think about the waistline. Also in hotel they had a dish which the translation was "calf knockers". Unfortunately the waiter couldnt speak english so I couldnt ask him what it was. The imagination went beserk.

The other night, I actually ordered a pizza because it was a bit lighter (I know!!!!!!)

For lunch, Im going to try for some soup and salad.

Anyway, better go. Still got to check banking etc and Ive already been on this computer for a while. Its a good one though. Even getting used to all the z and y issues.

Talk to you all from somewhere in Budabest.

Seeya from Hungary (this is actually very close to what they say when they say hooray to people) seeya.

So, I do speak some Hungarian.

seeya

Kaz

Howdy from PÉCS Hungary remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

However, most of my photos are quite big and its very slow and have limited upload capacity so dont think ill do it too much.

But here is a photo of me at Dubrovnik. Hundreds of steps - calf muscles are getting quite a work out.

Actually, Im pleased with how Im physically coping. Back has been pretty good and only had the odd twinge or two. Beds are really firm though and i think that is helping.

Ankle is sore after a big walk but have only had to use antiinflammatories on two occasions. When Im sitting down for a while and get up its reallz painful but once I get going again, the pain seems to go.

Sounds like Im falling apart doesnt it but as I said, Im pleased....

Anywaz, this was onlz so a photo could be uploaded. Ill do another blog with an information update

Cheers
Kay (world traveller extrordinaire)

Finally a photo remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

wéll ive sid goodbye to croatia and now in pecs hungary. i had a few days in zagreb (flew there from dubrovnik). it was zmy first experience of an eastern european city and i liked the atmmosphre. first impressiosóns....buildings were huge. there was lots ofspace and it was very old fashioned. i stayed prettz up market at the palace hotel which is one of the oldest hotels in europe. it was verz old worldz.

the first day,i did a self walking tour throughout old town. very well explained via booklet. the church was amazing and huge. the old part of town was verz different from the coastal towns and had a differenet atmosphere.

funny thing... there are heaps of cafes where you can get coffee, wine etc but no food. hard to find a restaurant. also millions of shoe shops but not many clothes shops. also quite a few perfumaries. so everzone smell great and have great shoes...

croatian food is difficult to find. its a mixture of lots of countries. italian strong... so ive had heaps of pasta. so mz first night inzagreb i found a restaurant and had a kebab (grilled pork9) and ordered a verz plain salad. there is also lots of pastry stuff and bread. (Kris, youd have problems)

Next daz in zgreb, i went to one of the best museams. it was huge and had some fantastic displazs of venetian glass, roman statues -all sorts of stuff.

but it was the paintings that were the ebest. again, all the masters. but what made it better than florenve, was that there were onlz one or two other people there. so i was able to stand before a renoir for ages and just take it in.

all croatians holidaz at the coast so zagreb was emptz.

HUNGARZ

3 train changes to get to pecs and all on local trains, that is, inner town trains, not anz big ones. as usual, had platform problems. you would think that there would be 2 platforms to a set. one onleft and 1 on right. no.... there is 2 a and 2 b and platform 3 is actuallz the 4th platform.... anywaz, solved it but quite stressful. then i onlz had 5 minutes between train changes aand was readz for the big dash.... so got off the train, ran to the first uniformed person with the towns name written down and then got back on the same train.....it kept going.... so no need to panic. i was even 3 minutes earlz......

then 3rd train change, ended up 3 hours at hungarian border station, with noone speaking english and then the onlz person on the train....quite spooky. thank goodness to the timetable that the person printed out for me in zagreb. it had all the station names.

then got to pecs and found my pension was quite a waz out of town so caught taxi and didnt have enough hungarian florint. so taxi got paid in croatian kuna and got a lot of money... oh well. you learn....

so todaz have been finding closer accommodation and move tomorrow

i will trz and do another entrz in daz or two. i am running out of coins plus verz frustrated with this keyboard. talk about advanced rsi.

see ya..

kaz

Im hungary remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Am in Dubrovnik and its is absolutely fantastic. So picturesque. Every street is a photo opportunity, the buildings are great and the view of the ocean is spectacular.

I ended up finding this fantastic apartment right smack bang in the middle of the old town. Its a ground floor apartment (no steps to haul suitcase up) that has a TV, microwave, fridge, shower toilet and washing machine. I'm so impressed. The furniture is 60's kitch but who cares. All for 55 Euros.

Remember that laundromat I told you about in Split. Well it ended up being owned by an Australian. I was finding it difficult getting any accom in Dubrovnik and she knew of someone who had apartments. Anyway, his was full but he knew of someone who had a vacancy. Again, I was shown into the place so didn't have to find it.

Its only 10 metres to a great Pizzeria. Round the corner, is a tiny supermarket. Very handy.

So, I'm staying here 5 nights which will be lots of time to see things.

Today, I spent 2 hours climbing the fortress walls (the circle the whole old town) and you can walk around the top. Boy was it hot!!! But I made it....

Then I had a nice cool couple of beers (Croatian beer is lovely) and then had a siesta. And now I'm here at an internet cafe which would have to be the trendiest I've seen. (Plus keyboard is exactly like the one at work so I feel very comfortable)

So...as you can see, I'm impressed with Dubrovnik. On Friday, I have booked a trip out on a sailing yacht (big one) it takes you to three islands plus has an English guide on it.

The only thing bad about Dubrovnik is that Liza's song hasn't come true (yet). Only Kris will really know what that means!!

Bit of overview on the general trip....

Only hassle really is getting from place to place....

Florence to Ancona
Two trains - Florence to Bologna, then Bologna to Ancona (Ferry Port). Bloody Bologna!!! As I've mentioned, Italy doesn't tell you the platform until about 10 mins prior and then its a mad rush to the platform. Well on the TV screen it said platform 6 which meant hauling case down flight of stairs, plus up flight of stairs. Then they went and changed the platform twice. However they only made the announcements in Italian. So I had to keep going down the stairs, checking the screens, going up the stairs, going down the stairs ...you get my drift.

Then to top it all off, the aircon on the train was busted and I had 6 sweaty italians to share it all with!!!

Bus - Split to Dubrovnik
6 hours instead of 4.5. Very windy roads, traffic jams, crowded bus, with mix up of seat allocations and a very grumpy bus driver who didn't speak a word of English. Then I was supposed to get picked up at the bus station and got a phone call saying catch number 1 bus to the Pile Gate. They don't seem to think that this would faze you a bit. So, I then have to find a number 1 bus (which was fairly easy). Luckily the pile gate was the last stop and then I was met!!

Good thing about that trip was that I got to have a pee in Bosnia. It actually goes through Bosnia for about 1 hour and we stopped at a rest station.

All the fun of travelling.

John and Kris will really emphathise with me on this....

Greg - thanks for the joke (loved it) Pls send me your email address. I've only got it on my memory stick which is back at the apartment.

Thanks for all the comments - glad to see that people are reading it.

So.... see ya from Dubrovnik - I think I may go and see a couple more old buildings and then have another beer or two....

Cheers Kay

Dubrovnik - the jewel of the Adriatic!! remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Well I'm now in Croatia at a city called Split. Its a lot larger than I thought - over 300,000 people. I found an accommodation via Travellerspoint and ended up in a room in the old part of town.

They offered free transfer from the ferry so I phoned and organised and got a lady that spoke perfect English so was very pleased. She even gave me a bit of a guided tour.

The accommodation is nothing fancy and is owned by an old gentleman who doesn't speak much english. Its clean though and in a really good location. Just round the corner is a small shop, down the road is a laundromat (with internet) which is where I am now and not far to restaurants etc.

Today spent most of the morning walking (feet are getting a bit of a thrashing - elastoplast everywhere)through the palace which is really an old fortress style area with roman walls around a part of the town. The original buildings are 400 AD but it was destroyed a few times and then rebuilt around 1300s. Amazing really because you have people living in houses amongst these fantastic ruins. Apparently they are some of the best preserved roman ruins in the world.

Its quite laid back and lots of tourists around. I think its the place where Europeans come for holidays. Its much nicer than the Italian coast line (what I saw) and much more touristy.

Well, better go. I've got to find some accommodation for Dubrovnik yet plus how to get there so a bit to do...

(Don't know how to say hooray in Croatian)

Cheers Kay

Very quaint. Lots of cafes (fantastic coffee) nestled among the streets. You turn the corner and there is another one. Each as quaint as the other. So this morning, I had a hot coffee and then about 2 hours later, a iced coffee. Its very hot at the moment so the iced coffee was refreshing.

Its been a bit difficult to find out what to do though because tourist places are closed on Sundays. Tomorrow I'm either going to go to a historic town Trogir (UNESCO) or over to one of the islands. Then the next day off to Drubrovnic.

Hello from Split remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Well, I've had a great time in Florence and really think that there is so much art and talent out there. I'm amazed at how many statues etc I've seen. I saw another 4 Michaelangelo scuptures today!!! Amazing. I don't think there is any marble left untouched in the Earth today. Its all been sculptured!!

Also got out to Chianti for a wine tour which was good. We went to a privately owned castle and got to tour it - then had quite a comprehensive talk about the wine and how its made etc. It was very interesting. Lots of wine buffs on the tour - one guy was an actual wine dealer from NY.

Bought a bottle of super-tuscan (Nick Skinner mentioned that they were the best). And yes, it was yummy (haven't finised it yet - plan to have a couple of glasses later on after my meal)

Also bought a bottle of extra virgin olive oil and hope to transport it safely back to Australia!! Yes, I know - a bit of a challenge. This stuff was spectacular. You could taste the freshness in it. Anyway, its only a small bottle.

Gotto go...only got 4 mins 30 secs left and then it just logs you out. Doesn't wait to see if the mail has been sent or anything.

Thanks for all your comments etc. Love reading them (And Greg - no I won't be going to Lebanon!!)

Better go...now 3 mins 40 secs. Better get my typing speed up.

Ciao from Florence

Kay

Farewell to Florence remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Amazing! And bloody hot.

Flight over was good - had spare seat all the way so was able to spread out a bit and not feel too cramped. Slept Ok ' as well as you do on a plane.

Found accommodation Ok ' although originally thought it out of the way ' need to catch 913 bus to train and then train to St Pierto station and then walk to Vatican. I must admit, was very apprehensive getting on that bloody bus as I had no idea where i was going - however must start trusting instruction givers because it was fairly straigth forward.

Accomm a bit out of the way but it is very peaceful and suburban. Own shower and toilet and aircon so pretty good.

Yesterday did the vatican and sistene chapel. Speechless. The basilica is so big and so very religeous!! Statues everywhere and lots of saints that I dont know anything about. Lots of nuns around the place (plus millions of tourists - although it-s not too bad. Bit of a wait in line but lots to take in.

Today got double decker bus to take me around the place. Went to colloseum. Again, bloody big and old.

Difficult to find things here ' only internet cafe is on stop number 9 and I have no idea where I am. I know that I have to go back to the bus stop and wait for a red bus!! Then back to Teminal station, then back to another station, then back to another station and then onto a bus....And Im home!!!

Tomorrow off to Florence and feel a bit better now that I have a ticket booked and I know where Im going. Hopefully booked accommodation on wotif ' havenàt received confirmation yet but fingers crossed.

When I get to Florence, Ill have a bit more time to relax. Ive booked 7 nights so that will be good. Ill also try and find out how to upload photos on to this page.

Gotto go....time has run out. Ciao kay

Its full of ruins and lots of paintings on the ceiling!!! remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Thursday, July 06, 2006
From: Karratha Airport, Karratha Australia
To: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia

Monday, July 10, 2006
From: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia
To: Hong Kong Intl, Hong Kong Hong Kong

Tuesday, July 11, 2006
From: Hong Kong Intl, Hong Kong Hong Kong
To: Fiumicino Arpt, Rome Italy

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
From: Ruzyne Arpt, Prague Czech Republic
To: Helsinki Arpt, Helsinki Finland

Friday, August 25, 2006
From: Helsinki Arpt, Helsinki Finland
To: John F Kennedy Intl, New York NY - U.S.

[b]Itinerary from here is tentative -have to book the legs but may change the dates and locations. Basically I have 3 and a bit weeks from the time I leave New York to the time I fly home. Some of it is dependent on a friend of mine and whether he's around or not. He lives in South Carolina so I may spend some time there - hence trip to Savannah (closest airport)

Saturday, September 02, 2006
From: Newark Intl Arpt, Newark NJ - U.S.
To: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.

Saturday, September 02, 2006
From: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.
To: Savannah Intl Arpt, Savannah GA

Wednesday, September 06, 2006
From: Savannah Intl Arpt, Savannah GA - U.S.
To: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S

Saturday, September 09, 2006
From: Dallas Ft Worth Intl, Dallas TX - U.S.
To: Juarez Intl, Mexico City Mexico

Friday, September 15, 2006
From: Lindbergh Intl Arpt, San Diego CA - U.S.
To: Los Angeles Intl, Los Angeles CA - U.S.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
From: Los Angeles Intl, Los Angeles CA - U.S.
To: Tullamarine Arpt, Melbourne Australia

September 22, 2006
From: Tullamarine Arpt, Melbourne Australia
To: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia

Saturday, September 23, 2006
From: Perth Arpt, Perth Australia
To: Karratha Airport, Karratha Australia

Itinerary remains copyright of the author kgerard, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs