Thanks for the reminders about how long it's been. Seems I need that little push.... Ljublana was great, really only need one day there though. It's such a small town! My next stop after that Lipica. Home of the Lipizzana horses. The Austrians when they had hold of the region, decided that would be where these dancing horses would be bred. Now there are breeding stables all over the worls, but it was interesting to see their home. I actually went there thinking it would be a village, but no. It's just stables and feilds, though they do have a hotel and golf-course. Gotta cater to the rich... I did a tour of the stable which was quite interesing, learnt a bit how they run the place, and the history of course.
They next day I was over the border and into Croatia. This was to be my first real borderand change in currency. The Border was so easy, she looked at my passport, didn't stamp it though, so I hope they let me back out, and they didn't even want to look at my motorbike papers... A breeze! I spent the first night eating seafood by a small fishing harbour. The area is actually a lot like the Cote d'Azure. Thanks to the Austrians who built beautiful houses back in the day.
Then it was on to Zagreb. Capital of Croatia. This was slightly larger that Ljubljana. And it was the Easter weekend. Saturday was good. Lots of people, a bustling market and a Museum. I also did a bicycle tour. That was great fun. I had forgotten how nice it was to ride a bike. Also nice to get a local's view on the city.
The next day, Easter Sunday. The city was deserted. Plenty of action around the cathedral of course. I went to one of the only cafe's open for breakfast where the average age of the patrons was about 70. Good food though. I had a cheese burek which is a local cheese filled pastry. Very good, and very filling. The only thing open was the cemetery, which was supposed to be one of the prettiest in Europe. And it was. I wondered around for a while, though there is only so much time you can spend in a cemetery. So I spent the afternoon lying in the park, reading. Not a bad way to spend a sunday. Once I had enough of that I had a cider at a local cafe, then headed back to the hostel. I veg'd out there with the hostel manager in front of the TV, and chatted to anyone who came in. A nice day. The next day was time to leave, but first I went to the Museum of Broken Relatioships. Just cause it sounded curious. People donate things that remind them of a broken relationship, and give the story behind it. It wasn't always a romatic relationship either. Some were business, political, family, but most were romantic. It was interesting that's for sure.
I then headed down the toward the coast to Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is a UNESCO site. A beautiful place. The main feature, the reason for UNESCO recognisance is the river/lakes. The lakes are steps and they continuously flow over into the next, creating dozens of waterfalls. Quite spectacular. I camped nearby for the night. There was a group of 5 young German (Bavarian) guys near my tent. They had a proper campfire, which I promptly joined them around. It was quite nice. Haven't done that in a long time. It was certainly a first for this trip.
Then it was to the coast, to Zadar. A charming little place. Another nice little old town. I walked around one corner, and came face-to-face with roman ruins. In the middle of the city! Zadar was also where I met my first motorcycle travellers. Two Colorado guys. One was travelling for 2 weeks, but the other for as long as the money lasts. So a couple of months. We spent the evening having drinks at the nearby sailing club, telling stories. David and I will try to meet up down the rod soemwhere. Maybe do Turkey together... We'll see if it works out.
The next day was the day of UNESCO. First Sibenik, home tone of Dr Kovac from ER (though that's not why it's UNESCO). It has a lovely cathedral made entirely of stone. Apparently the only one built in this way in europe. Or something like that. Then it was Trogir, with a lovely old town. I had lunch there and wondered about a bit. They have a Sea Organ. Steps at the seas edge, and when the waves go into the hollow part underneath, the air is pushed out up the top, making musical notes. It's really quite nice.
Then I got to my destination. Split. The last couple of days my bike hadn't been running right, stuttering, and just not right. so i thought i would get it checked out before I headed any further east. I found a BMW shop, which I later found out was the last one till Greece. So the next morning, I brought the bike in, and they said they would check it out in between the scheduled services. So I spent the day in the old town, more UNESCO. The Palace of Diocletian. A roman palace that still stands, despite all that has been built around it. So I whiled the hours away, before going back to the bike shop. They hadn't figured it out, but it could be due to the Carbs leaking. Which is only a small gasket needing replacement. But there aren't any in Croatia. He said leave it with hi, he'll try to sort it, but it is highly likely I'll need to wait 4 working days until the part is shipped in from Germany. Ah well, could be worse places to be stuck. I left it with him, and I spent the next day watching the royal wedding, which was on 2 channels even here! When i went back, he said I could have my bike, but don't go far, cause it might not last long. At least I was mobile. He also invited my to his Motorcycle Clubhouse, where they were having a party. Of course I would go! So I did. it was nice. Nothing grand, such a small group of friends who get together every friday and go to rally's and such. It was a family type club with a couple of kids running around. I got thier badge too. They were really nice. They fed and watered me, and when I tried to reimburse them, they refused. There is another party tonight somewhere, but i'm not sure where. Not sure if I'll go. I do have nothing else to do... I'll let you know...
Unfortuantely pictures won't upload, so I'll try again later.
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