25.12.2017

Finally could visit Montenegro and Sarajevo!

great journey 

22.12.2017 – 28.12.2017

1.       22.12.2017 Vienna - Sarajevo 

2.       24.12.2017 Sarajevo - Mostar

3.       25.12.2017 Mostar - Dubrovnik

4.       26.12.2017 Dubrovnik - Montenegro

5.       26.12.2017 Montenegro - Dubrovnik

6.       27.12.2017 Dubrovnik - Vienna 

Hectic? 

Well, till the time I get some good food and a comfy bed at night to sleep, all is well

(1eur = 2BAM)

(1eur = 8KUNA)

SARAJEVO (22.12-24.12.2017)

The bus ride was supposed to last 10hrs. Started from Vienna 1400 and reach Sarajevo 0100. I planned accordingly and informed my hostel lady about my expected late arrival.

The old man next to me a is a local from Mostar. Very sweet but too talkative. So after a while I had to act sleeping to avoid further conversations. He even asked me if I was married, to which I replied Yes! I think I can act married and make up married-conversations pretty well too. My take-away from being in a long relationship. My response to this question to strangers is always yes now. I dont know why, but I think they expect to hear this, and somehow makes me paraya maal also (secure feeling). 

But I dont go for kids when asked (yes, am asked that too after you answer yes to being married). Too much lies to handle.

It was 0030hrs and the bus stops for a pause. I ask my neighbor if he likes to get down, and he is like YES of course. There was a super market there. And everyone bought bags full of stuff. 

I was quite relaxed as my destination was just 30mts away. So I wasn't even bothered. 

So the bus starts and its soon 0100, but no sight of a city in vicinity. I wait patiently, and then wake up the sleeping old man to ask "when do we reach Sarajevo?"

He looks at the watch and says, "well, maybe in another 2.5hrs". And I went numb for a while. I was hungry, thirsty and sleepless and clueless. All my plans for a good nights sleep were destroyed.

I said, the ticket says we should reach 0100. He says, "yes, but you see how slowly they have been going!"

I mailed the hostel guys about my delay and expected arrival in Sarajevo and started to wait. 

Impatient me, at around 0300, I started to ask random passengers about the arrival in Sarajevo. One of them said he would also be getting off there and would let me know. OK!

Reached 0400hrs

Now this time I had no plans to walk whatsoever, so I had not even looked at the walking route or printed the google maps. Smart ass! The reviews said that the route to the hostel is a uphill long walk and I somehow was not convinced to walk that late. Also hostel lady had detailed me about the taxi prices etc.

So I get out and waited a few seconds. Someone said I should just wait there and a taxi would come. Ok!

I wait wait, nothing happens. I start walking without any sense of direction but the roads dont look very promising. So I stand and see a taxi come and flash at me - yey!

It was exactly 7BAM, (3.5EUR) like the lady had said. 

The view I woke up to was "wow". 

Went for Neno walking tours (check google for details)

Sarajevo stay:

Email: doc@thedoctorshousehostel.com

Phone: +387 61 222 914

44EUR (local currency ONLY)

Hope of tunel: Entry is 10BAM

Commute 5EUR

Food (2) 10EUR

Taxi: 10EUR 3.5 EUR

MOSTAR

Euros widely accepted

Mostar funky tour:

Telephone 1: +387 62 612 612 (reservations inquiry)- whatsapp

trip: 60EUR in EUR

food: 10EUR - local or kuna

Mostar stay: Accepts Euros

Hostel Miran

Phone: +387 62 115 333

Email: meskic_mo@hotmail.com

The balance of €8.71 is payable on arrival at the property, in the property’s currency, unless otherwise specified below.

Food: carry

DUBROVNIK

Dubrvnik hostel: 

Nikolina rooms

Phone: +385959089248 +385989514023

Email: nikolinarooms@gmail.com

Accepts KUNA

The balance of €47.60 is payable on arrival at the property, in the property’s currency, unless otherwise specified below.

Montenegro

Euros accepted. 

Not ok with accepting Kunas. 

Food is like super super cheap (compared to Dubrovnik)

Food I spend 6EUR. Ate lavishly (soup, salad, mixed fruit fritters)

Food: 50eur 

Walls: 155KUNA

Lokrum: (80KUNA retrn trip) = 10EUR return trip

25.12: dub / lokrum, depending on weather

26.12: montenegro -- supertours

27.12: srd climb and old town

Caminito del Ray, Malaga

Travel from airport to city - Train is the most convenient and best option (depending what time you land)


1) Bus:
Bus no. A costs €3 (correct in July 2016) and is very convenient, running every 30 minutes and stopping at Alameda Principal and Paseo del Parque, where most of the local buses that serve the city stop as well. The stop names are shown on an electronic display inside the bus so you can tell when to get off. Bus A also stops at the coach station (beside the train station). Note that this bus used to be called nr. 19.

2) Train:
The airport's Train station is opposite arrivals terminal 3,
Trains to Malaga Centro costs €1.80 (October 2015) one way into Malaga Centro (final stop), leaving from Platform 2.
It runs every 20 minutes, taking approximately 12 minutes into Malaga Centro.



Hours:
From the airport to Malaga Centro Alameda - Runs from 06.44 to 00.24, every twenty minutes ( half hour after 22.54), and takes 15 minutes.

From Malaga Centro Alameda Station to the airport - Runs from 05:20 to 23:30H,  every twenty minuts and takes 11 minutes.

The station next to the Malaga Centro Alameda Station is the Maria Zambrano Station, which is the main station complex, near the bus station. This is the best destination when arriving in Malaga and is also serviced by a vast fleet of taxis.

Follow the Train signs to reach the ticket machines. On the bottom left there is a multi language button which includes English., The Málaga side is clearly marked but you need the Fuengirola side for Torremolinos and benalmadena. Do buy your ticket before boarding or else risk a fine, and retain it for use at the exit turnstiles.  

All Malaga suburban trains will depart from and arrive at Malaga Centro Alameda, which is located by the Tetuan Bridge (Puente de Tetuan).  It is not the best place to arrive, unless you have a hotel or other known destination nearby, as it appears to be more of a utilitarian exit for locals. Maria Zambrano is the main transport interchange for Media Distancia and AVE trains and has a large taxi rank for Málaga hotels.




3) Express Bus - Line A - Between Airport and Malaga There is a new express bus between the airport and Malaga. This bus has only 7 intermediate stops between the two places and takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs 2 euros. It is called the Linea A Express and the bus has luggage racks inside the bus. The bus runs everyday from the airport to the Plaza del General Torrijos (at the end of the Malaga park).
-> The bus from the airport to Malaga starts at 7:00H and ends at 24:00H, about every half hour.
Stops are at Avenida de Velazquez, La Hoz (Huelin market), Ayala (Los Arcos), Maria Zambrano Station, bus station, Avenida de Andalucia, Alameda Principal, Paseo del Parque, and Plaza del General Torrijos.


--> The bus from Plaza del General Torrijos to the airport starts at 6:25H and ends at 23:30H, about every half hour.



See, Trips:


Booked Kings walk from www.malagatrips.com/
Email: info@smartholidaysandalusia.com
Recommended
They also have other trips.
We had a small group and an amazing guide. Too informative. Nice trip - half day.


Stay: Stay: Alameda, Hostel ???

FEEL HOSTELS CITY CENTER

 Calle Concejal Agustin Moreno nº 1. 

CP: 29016, Málaga. España.

 Tlf: 952 218 268

citycenter@feelhostels.com 

1. By Train:

- Take the train C1 into the City Center and leave at the station 'Malaga Centro Alameda' (about 15 min. There is a train every 20 mt.)

Look for Alameda Principal Street, cross sidewalk in Alameda Principal go straight until you will pass a Burger King and McDonalds after this turn left into 'Calle Molina Lario'.

Go straight until the end of Calle Molina Lario (160 mt). Turn left, walk 25 mt. Cross plaza del obispo, you will be at Plaza del Carbon. (calle granada)

Al the left side, between Marianos Restaurant very big restaurant in the square and Pronovias store there is small entrance call Concejal Agustan Moreno n. 1. We are there!

Portugal

1. Lisboa
2. Sintra

Pene, Moorish Castle,

1. Faro

base: lisbon

stay: lost inn

perfect location

5mts walk from metro

15ms walk to the attractions

the card system sucks!

see

if you want to do hop on hop off - day ticket is a good options. Costs close to 7eur

sit on tram 29 and just get off at every station you like.. parliament pretty too.. and no tourists!

worth the ride definitely!

go to belem

i did not go inside the monastry.. was a it pricey.. but its really pretty

its in the route of strassenbahn 15

the monument with the learned people from all over the world.. is a beauty too-

you can see "bridge" from there too 

you anyways also cross it whle going there in the tram

the world famous pastie shop is supposedly right in front of the monastery.. but somehow I missed it.. 

the shop with the longest queue

there are open close timings for temple too.. and not too prolonged

...

see angel.. 

Stay: 
Lost Inn Lisbon:::::
Phone: +351 213 470 755
Email: lost_inn_lisbon@portal.dormproject.ch

Address: Beco dos Apostolos 6, Lisbon, Portugal

Airport to city:

Lisbon Airport Metro Fares

The ticket machines that are available for you to purchase Lisbon Metro tickets are extremely user friendly. It would be possible for you to get instructions in multiple languages. They include Portuguese, Spanish and English as well.

There are 2 zones for Lisbon metro, but if you are looking for the touristy areas including the airport then opt for the zone 1.the recently updated metro fares for 2017 are as following:

·Single - €1.40

·Return - €2.80

·Unlimited travel for 24 hours (including all Lisbon trams and buses) - €6.00


Transport: 

1.      https://www.toandfromtheairport.com/lisbon.php

2.       https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g189158-s301/Lisbon:Portugal:Arriving.And.Departing.html

3.      http://www.lisbon-airport.com/transportation.html --- good

4.      https://www.lisbon.net/bus -- good

By Bus

·         There are three major bus terminals in Lisbon - Sete Rios, Oriente and Campo Grande bus terminals.

·         City bus: all passes are issued on rechargeable cards. The card itself is 50 cents and it can be reloaded for one straight year. So don’t throw it away.

·         There are four routes for city buses - Routes 705, 722, 744 and 783. Sometimes, the Airport buses don’t run for one reason or the other. When that happens, city bus routes 744 and 783 work a little longer.

·         Buses nº 28, 714, 727, 729 and 751: These lines take you to Belém if you don’t want to take the tram or the boat. In our opinion, the tram and boat are the best options.

Far:o: 

By bus[edit]

• 37.01724-7.938023 Faro bus station (Terminal Rodoviario Urbano). There is a daily bus service to and from Lisbon and Porto in the north of Portugal, A fare from Lisbon to Faro costs either €18 (for a "Expresso" connection takes about 4 hours, stopping in Albufeira, Vilamoura and Quarteira) or €19 (for a "Expresso Qualidade" direct connection which takes just over 3 hours and includes a movie projection, a stewardess, and a mini-bar service) and can easily be bought at the bus station just before boarding. This bus station in Lisbon is next to a subway stop called Jardim Zoológico. 

See[edit][add listing]

• 37.02027-7.934531 Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos (inside Igreja do Carmo)). Within Igreja do Carmo church, this chapel is almost completely made of bones taken from a former monk graveyard. 2 EUR. edit

• 37.01431-7.934932 Old town (Centro Historico). A well-preserved section of town off the harbor with cobblestone streets and 18th century Portuguese and Moorish-influenced architecture. It is great place for a peaceful and almost private walk back in time in an area that has been virtually untouched by modernity. edit

• 37.01334-7.934983 Cathedral (Se). Within the old town, the view from the tower over the old town and the Rio Formosa is a highlight. €3.50. edit

Zadar

Stay:
Hostel Elena, Zadar
Reservation Number: 54396-318266212
Address: Cirila Ivekovica 4, Zadar, Croatia
Phone: +385 91 5723439 (tel:+385 91 5723439)
Email: hostel.elena@gmail.com (mailto:hostel.elena@gmail.com)

Hostel Conditions
PLEASE NOTE: During the peak season we have an age restriction of 18-35. We have the right to refuse stay for those who do not abide to this
age limit.
Check-in from 13:00 to 24:00
Please e-mail us if you will be arriving after 24:00
Check-out 11:00
We accept payment by cash


Kornati day trip: 
M I K A D O, 20.Aug. At 8:00 AM

Departure

Place of boat departure to Kornati.
Address: Obala kralja Petra Kresimira IV 9, Zadar

CONTACT:

M I K A D O
Obrt za turizam
A. Hebranga 3
23000 Zadar
OIB: 43002653470

Whatsapp Viber WhatsApp/Viber
mob: 00385 98 869 895

info@mikadotours.com
www.mikadotours.com
kornati-excursions-zadar.com

RBA d.d. Zagreb
HR7424840081106422436
SWIFT: RZBHHR2X


Excursion DETAILS:
• Departure at 8 a.m. from a pier on Nova Riva in Zadar
• Breakfast on board
• Panoramic sightseeing of Kornati National park
• Break #1 for swimming on Lojena beach on the island of Levrnaka
• Break #2 in Tarac Bay where you will visit a church, sightsee Tureta Fort and have a swim
• Return to the island of Kornat
• Break #3 for lunch in a restaurant and taking a swim at Suha punta on the island of Kornat
• Return to Zadar at 6 p.m.

Excursion description:
Departure at 8 a.m. from Zadar from a pier on Nova Riva and return in Zadar at 6 p.m. On the way to the park we serve aperitifs, coffee and sandwiches. Upon entering Kornati National Park, after a 2-hour-trip, we spend the rest of the trip inside the area of the Park.
Panoramic sightseeing of the islands and high rocks will leads us to a beautiful Lojena beach located on the island of Levrnaka where we make an hour break for swimming.
After a pleasant swim we continue our trip towards the island of Kornat and Tarac Bay where we make a second 45-minute break for sightseeing and swimming. There we will visit Our Lady of Tarac Church built in the 17th century and Tureta Fort dating back to the 6th century from where you will have a magnificent view over Kornati archipelago.
We take a different route back towards Suha punta alongside the island of Kornat where we make a third and final 2-hour break for lunch and swimming. Lunch is served in small fishermen settlement in Dalmatian ambient and in a shade provided by century-old olive trees.
You will be served grilled fish and meat and mixed salad made of seasonal vegetables. Throughout the entire trip, quests can help themselves with wine, Coca-Cola, various juices and water.


Excursion price:
• 375 HRK (50 EUR) per person
• Children under 5 years of age travel for free
• Children between 5 and 12 year of age pay 50% of the original price

In price included:
• Aperitif
• Breakfast (coffee and sandwiches)
• Drinks available throughout the entire trip (Coca-Cola, various juices, wine, water)
• Lunch on the island Kornat (grilled fish and meat with mixed seasonal vegetable salad)
• Admission ticket for Kornati National Park
• Wi-Fi on board

It is preferred to make reservations a few days ahead of the trip.

Bucharest, Romania

07.12.2017 - 10.12.2017

took a flight from Vienna (3hrs)

Duration was definitely very short!

transit & ticket  : 

·          The airport is convenient - there are 24hrs to and from the airport to the city.

·          Safe for women ok

·          Beware of stray dogs. i just found one but one nice one.

·          They also have the "card" system - can be recharged

·          You can  only  buy a 'return'. (7lei return)

·          The cost for the card is 1.60; so you pay a total of 8.60lei

·          One way is 3.5lei. so if you do not use the remaining 3.5lei in travel in the city, it can safely be used for return to the airport (confirmed at tourist info point). no expiration (at least in a week or 10 days). if longer, should find out

·          Bus stop is at lower level than the arrival exit; there is a 24hrs small counter for the tickets

·          Best to keep some change for the tickets

·          Stop closest to center is Urini  2  (there is Urini1 and Urini2).

·          It's the last stop

Location  : 

·          Walk to atheena is 40mts (my speed) - this is from where the travelmaker tour to bran started

·          Close by hotels: Hilton, InterContinental 

·          While walking from urini2 to intercontinental, there is a 24hr open subway

·          More shops when you enter the university road

·          The "indian gate" is a looong walk .. i did not go there on the way to and from the airport

·          From the urini2 square, if you go left to the old town (walk crossing H & M, pull bear on your right ...)

stay  : first hostel

Adrian Vrinceanu

m: +40720720720

a: 86, Marasesti Blvd, Sector 4

  040256, Bucharest

w: firsthostel.ro e: adrian@firsthostel.ro

·          More like a boys hostel to me

·          Toilets are pretty but not really clean-clean

·          Breakfast is included, but very basic -bread, jam, butter, salami, apple, mueseli-milk

·          Room was nice. can not complain

·          Slept dorm in a 4

·          2nd and 3rd nights were disastrous with singing in the room

see   : 

·          In bucharest dont know .. close to the atheenam area you can visit the sites

·          There is an aquarium, but did not go

Day trips: 

Viator, Travelmaker: 80EUR, 12hrs 

·          Castle Peles (h)

·          Transylvania: Bran (draculas) castle

·          Black church (Brasov) just arrived from the time we arrived.

·          In winter the church closes 1600h

·          Brasov: the center pretty with the christmas tree and the pretty lights

·          From Brasov city center it's a 3hrs ride back to Bucharest

Would like to go to see you  again  Babel (Sphnix), maybe the road trip. trafansga .... & Constatina

Better time in summers

food:

·          Ate at the 'storage ...' or something like 'gas station' .... something. 

·          Lunch pizzy .. nothing great

·          Evening greek salad. like the olives in the salad, orange basil drink

·          Nice atmosphere

costs

·          No very expensive city

·          Took 700 RON (150EUR); spent : 475 RON

·          Spent 100eur - including stay (164RON; decent), food (60RON lavish), shopping (180RON)

·          Transport: 8.60lei (airport return  default  ticket)

Memories: 

Bucharest was killing time strolling on the long street.

there is an old lady selling hand knit socks .. i felt like buying one .. just to help her .. i was silent think while a   car just screech on the footpath. 

i remember vaguely i abused him being a spoiled roast

he calls the old lady and i see the lady showed him the socks .. 

the guy then took some notes from his pocket and handed over to the lady .. and for a while he kept doing so on and off .. give - take out a few more notes - give - repeat

the person he was waiting for joined them and then he was back on the streets.

tears and giving him blessings.

it was pretty .. 

i'm going to make lady .. hoping to make it her 'good day'

she thought and said

handed over the 10lei and went my way .. did not take the socks though later I was tempted to have one pair :)

further ahead find the same thing

.. before I was there 

and then i followed suite .. :)

I hope I have some blessings .. to live longer and healthy ...