Blogs from Europe - page 14502

Day 24 - Monday 6th March The weather would be an important factor in deciding whether to hitch-hike from Dubrovnik and unfortunately it was raining. We decided to head for the road and see what happens. Whilst walking through the centre, we met a couple of English lads heading south and a large group of English heading home after finishing a boat tour. Michael tried hitching but with absolutely no luck, which we attributed to the fairly constant and occasionally heavy rain. So it was quickly to Plan B. The bus to Kotor left at 12 noon and the Japanese lad from yesterday was there at the bus station - his name was Tamio. The road edged around the fiord and provided extremely beautiful views. We decided not to stay in Kotor but to head further ... read more

Day 22 - Saturday 4th March The ferry arrived in Split at 6am and as it would not leave for 2 hours, we could have some time to explore. We walked along the promenade and found a foreign exchange bureau - £1=43.80 Dinar. We found a local market selling fruit, vegetables and cheese etc. I bought some tuna, milk, oranges and some fresh bread which still warm. The market was a really enjoyable experience thanks to the stall owners who were very friendly and understanding. One of the interesting aspects of a long journey is how food changes from country to country especially the bread and cheese. Split was noticeably cleaner than most of the cities visited to date. We wandered through a nearby shopping arcade and had a look in most of the shops before ... read more

Day 19 - Wednesday 1st March Another day just for sightseeing. I decided that it was probably best to look around by myself so that I could concentrate on my own preferences and after waiting 20 minutes in the foyer, there was still no sign of Michael and Heather and so I left the Hostel and headed into Rome to St Peters Square. The Vatican is awe inspiring and simply amazing with its pillars, the overall superstructure and the statues. Inside the building is so very beautifully decorated especially its primary altars. The work of Bernini, the statue of St Peter, Michelangelo's Deity and the prayer chapel with St Peter kneeling before an altar. Just amazing architecture and paintings. Next stop the Vatican Museum for 500 Lira but unfortunately it closes at 2pm whereas you could ... read more

Day 16 - Sunday 27th February Breakfast at the hostel was 150 Lira for rolls, jam and coffee. This is only the second time that I have stayed in the same place for a second day and so at last some proper time for sightseeing. So here goes. Unfortunately it rained nearly all day. Medici Chapel - with its four sculptures by Michelangelo of the four times of day. Medici Riccardi Palace - with its frescoes of the three kings. Baptistry of San Giovanni - with its three gates of paradise and biblical scenes in gold. The Cathedral - with its beautiful frontage and tower but we did not go in because there was a service taking place. Palazzo Vecchio (old palace) -closed at noon ! Uffigi Gallery - ceilings just so beautiful : Michaelangelo, Boticelli ... read more