Split’s main selling point in the brochure is the Diocletian Palace but it seems to be the hub for everything in the area. You can go on trips to the Krka waterfalls or Plitvice lakes (which is what I did). Plus there are the nearby islands of Hvar, Brac and Vis Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, and is traditionally considered just over 1,700 years old. Split is very much a beach destination and doesn’t seem to attract the normal backpacker community. Most of the residents of the hostel had suitcases and spent the day on the beach and the night in the clubs. I’m not one for sunbathing but took advantage of the nightlife!! On my second morning I was up at 05:00 to go on a trip to Plitvice ... read more

I then caught the bus to the tourist mecca that is Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik is a well-preserved city dating back to the 7th century lying behind huge fortress walls, it did get a bit of a hammering during the Balkan war when over 2000 shells landed within its walls but has now been restored to its former glory. "Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities as a place to be seen. George Bernard Shaw once said that "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it". Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John ... read more

For my journey to Belgrade, I had a 4 berth compartment on a modern Austrian train that had come from Vienna on its way to Belgrade. The only other occupant was my new chum Boris from Sarajevo so he gave me a few trips on things to see when I got there. Shortly after getting on the train the porter came up and warned us there had been many thefts on the train in the past and to keep the door locked at all times! After a fairly good nights sleep (we were woken up a the Serbian border for passport formalities) I arrived in Belgrade and walked to my hostel as I didn’t have any money until I found an ATM. Belgrade has a compact city centre and I know I’m not doing it justice ... read more

Day 12 Oh not again more eighties hits on the bus to Riga, I couldn't get on this bus again it was driving me crazy - argggggh! I finally arrived at Riga with an ounce of sanity left and sought out the madhouse that would be my home for my stay in Riga - The naughty Squirrel - God what a place I loved it and was the highlight of my nightlife on my travels - woohoo. I had a wander round Riga for a bit to get my bearings and then as it was Saturday night i headed back to the hostel to put on my dancing pants:-) In my dorm were two lovely and crazy Aussie girls Kelly and Amber who I spent most of my time with on my time with but not ... read more

Day 6 - St Petes On arriving in St Petes as usual I got last and ended up flagging down a car to take me to the hostel, as before it wasn't a taxi!! I was a bit jaded due to lack of sleep but netherless decided to hit the Hermitage as it would be closed the following day (Monday)and I couldn't wait 2 days before seeing arguably the best museum in the world. The collection was originally started by catherine the great and was firstopen to the public in 1852. But the museum came into its own after 1948 when the art collection of the aritocracy were seized by the state -that's communism for you!!. The Hermitage actually constitutes numerous buildings over the city but the main buildings are a combination of the Winter Palace ... read more