We have a later start this morning, 0830 with a drive around the city with our local guide. She describes all of the horror of war in this city and how around 85% of Warsaw was razed in the 2nd world war. Most of the buildings we see are replicas of the original ones which were rebuilt based on archived photos, post cards, etc., and it looks realistic. Eventually we do a street walk through the "old town", most of which has been reconstructed. We are warned about pick pockets again, especially the young kids. As we walk around, there are several kids playing piano accordions and a cup in one hand begging. They are very good at getting in your face, so we are all very concious of our money, etc. One of these kids ... read more

Up very early, breakfast at 0630 for a 0707 departure. This time is strict as we have an early slot for the Salt Mine tour. Everyone is good and we are all on the bus by 0703 - big tick from Kari Anne. Get to the mine and we are the 2nd coach but get in as the first group down the shaft. We are herded into the lift well where we are loaded 8 at a time into the lift. There are 4 carriages on top of each other and as we are the first group (lift with the highest headroom so all the tall boys are in this one) we have to wait and go up bit by bit as the others are loaded. All in and down we go about 90 metres underground. ... read more

Another sleep in this morning, there is an optional tour of the Hungarian parliament building which we decided to miss. Nice breakfast then we start our city tour at 1000. We are on the coach and up to the castle area in Buda. Up and up, glad this part wasn't a walking tour. It is about 31c already. Bus parked and off we go. Do the Fishermans Bastion then into the Matthias Church at the top of the hill (ABC - another bloody church). A bit of free time to look down on the rest of the city (Pest) and the Danube river. Great views. Back on the bus, down the hill through some really nice gardens and streets then onto the Market Halls. They say these are the best covered markets in the world, but ... read more

Sleep in again. Up for late breakfast along with quite a few who have stayed over. At least 4 couples at breakfast this morning. Get footy scores and happy that Melbourne have won, even try to communicate with the girls but both busy with dinner. Never mind, finally got news that Stephanie and all the cousins, etc. went to the game and Jessica was getting ready for night shift - again..... Finish packing bags then check out. We have warning to do and have a Green and Clean not too far away. Check out, leaving our bags at the hotel and wander off to the laundromat. Map says go through the the Belvedere gardens then wander out through a gate to the desired street. I notice that the Botanic gardens looks like a good short cut..... ... read more

Last day on the coach and it will be a relatively long one according to Viktor. On to the bus and away with a few tired travellers - other than us. We get about 45 minutes down the motorway when we come to a stop. Both lanes, then we hear emergency vehicle sirens and everyone pulls over and makes a lane for them to get past - obviously and accident up the road. At least 2 fire trucks, as many ambulances and a few police. Must be a good one. Now they are there we aren't moving anywhere fast. After about an hour maybe, Viktor tells us there is a truck accident that spilled some chemicals - must be following us..... People are wandering around on the motorway, and I can see people about 200 metres ... read more