Oct
23
Written by:
David Press
10/23/2010 9:41 AM
As you know from our last blog, the weather in Dubrovnik hasn't treated us all that well. Despite this we've still be able to get out and see the normal sights and even chose to go for a nice run (not sure nice is the correct word given how many hills are in the region) despite the rain. We chose to stay on a couple of nights and catch up with some friends from home (Cat, Vonny, Laura and Ryan). The other crew were staying in the old town at the “Old Town Hostel” which is a fantastic hostel run by an American/Croatian dual citizen who has renovated a property he has owned for a number of years. He is young, friendly and very laid back, which shows through in good service and a relaxed atmosphere. His future plans for the hostel will ensure it only gets better and is certainly a place I would recommend staying if your looking in the Old Town area.
We got together as a group and decided to tackle the main hill behind the town by foot (instead of the modernised cable car) for a bit of exercise and some exhilarating views. I'm sure there are a number of sayings related to views being that much better if you have earned them with some hard work, but I can't think of any right now...either way it is definitely true. We were treated to sweeping views of Dubrovnik and the beautiful Adriatic coast which I valiantly attempted to capture with my new camera and mediocre photography skills.
Our friends decided to visit Bosnia the next day which left Jess and I with a tough decision. We had booked Split and made some other plans around it, but wanted to visit Bosnia equally as much, particularly due to the conflicts and history in the area. In the end we chose to move on to Split rather than change course which I'm sure I will regret one day, however as is the case throughout Europe, it is never too far to head back and see a city if we really want.
Typical of Murphy's Law, the day we hop on a bus for most of the day coincides with the best weather and first sunshine in nearly a week. It was a real shame as I was itching for some sun and a nice swim at one of Split's local beaches. It was not to be which to be honest was not the end of the world. Instead we roamed the old town area of Split and its many market stalls. I found it incredibly easy to get lost in this city as the small alleys are narrow and often twisty, which ensured I frustrated Jess as we did circles looking for a particular shop (this all in order to fulfil my hankering for a nice hamburger).
Split is a lot larger than Dubrovnik in both size and population. Due to it's size and no doubt more competition, the cost of staying here appears a fair bit cheaper. Food and drink from Cafe's was significantly cheaper and we were able to stay in a double bed room with en-suite for the same price as a four bed dorm in Dubrovnik. The locals here certainly now how to dress (more the women than men though...something about full sport suit outfits doesn't do it for me). Fashion here seems to be a big deal and most streets in the old part have at least a couple of up market boutiques.
The weather became a bit of a downer for us given we'd been on the coast near on a week with rain most days, so we chose to catch a bus inland and a little north to the Plitvice National Parks (UNESCO Heritage). I can't think of a place more beautiful than here and thankfully the season was a bonus for us rather than a hindrance. Plitvice Lakes are a series for lakes and waterfalls with a strange chemical make up whereby in short, the minerals in the water create new rock formations so the waterfalls and lakes are never the same year to year. The air is clean and crisp and with Autumn in to full swing, the leaves are changing colour making way for the most picturesque views I have ever laid my eyes on. They say a picture says a thousand words so I'll let the photo's do the talking.
Our accommodation was about 6-7km from the entrance, but our host was more than happy to drive us to the entrance or too a restaurant at any time with no charge. The Apartment/Guest house is called Zafran Rooms and is run by Zoran Zafran. His family appear well known in the area and Zoran is a real character. His generosity made our stay a real pleasure.
Having spent a couple of days in the area (I could have stayed weeks), we were feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated so decided it was time to catch another bus on to the Croatian capital “Zagreb”. I'm currently sitting in our hostel common room which to be honest I wouldn't recommend staying at if you visit. The service and people have been fine, however the hostel facilities leave a bit to be desired yet the price reflects a quality much higher. No real value here at all. On a more positive note, the city is brilliant.
Zagreb reminds me of Melbourne with its trams and walking alleys. Shopping and fashion again appears a big part of the local culture and economy, but the cafe and bar scene here is the real gem in my opinion. In the upper part of town you will find markets and alleys loaded with cafes and bars offering sensational value for money and great tastes to go with it. The highlight without doubt for me here is the boutique brewery bar chain called “Medvedgrad”. I wouldn't go so far as to say it is like Perth's very own “Little Creatures” as it is not alternative in any way, but the beers are beautifully crafted and are a fresh change after drinking Pilsner and local Lagers for what seems an eternity. Oh I haven't mentioned the prices, given we managed to sneak in for a beer just before happy hour finished, our first pints were less than $2.00 Aud each, followed by an equally cheap normal price of about $2.50 each. The bar was full of locals and tourists alike which made for a great atmosphere and makes a visit a must if you venture to the Croatian capital.
On that note, we're going to have to pop out for a coffee and some more sight seeing. Stay classy folks.
16 comment(s) so far...
Re: Split, Plitvice National Park, Zagreb and Beyond...
Sounds amazing guys! Look forward to hear about your next adventure. Take Care. Love Reece,Brett and Angelique xoxox
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10/23/2010 2:30 PM
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Hi Jess and Dave
Just had a look at yoiur photos, great shots. Am glad you are having a good time, sounds to cold to me. Aren't I cleaver typing this to you. My first blog. Love Nannette and Allen.
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