Zagreb

Our first stop in Croatia was the capital, Zagreb via a 6.5 hour train ride from Vianna. It's good sized, close to 1 million, with a funky, cosmopolitan vibe. It's full of old, charming European buildings, many of which are quite run down.  However, there is a good spattering of well cared for buildings as well. Zagreb is where the ethnically Serbian, born in Croatia, physicist, Nicoli Tesla lived for some time. We spent four days here in a friendly hostel and explored the city, museums and of course, the popular Medvedgrad brewery, where we ate cheap, good food with the locals...and, sampled their beer. They had descent IPA (our beer of choice). Zagreb is a city where I could see myself living, but Ian says that I would not survive the -4 C/ 25 F winters. There were even some bike paths through the city and a very good transortation system, so it seemed.

 Ian with Telsa - known for his work with electricity.

In the main plaza...where people meet and mingle

 The unique fruit bouquet

Ivon Mestrovik scultpure in front of National Theatre.

Yes...that is Ian in the chair getting a hair cut from the friendly lady at the kiddie shop. Cheap and cheerful, just the way likes it!

 Gates around the cemetary where people of all religions are buried...what a concept!

Had to sneak a shot of these folks having a chat at the cemetary. 

 The tourist bureau has people 'dressed up' go around to mix with the tourist. 

 One section of the city is lit up by gas lamps that someone has to light each night...very romantic, as you can see by the couple in the disatance.

Kids hanging out...smoking is big in these parts, young and old partaking!

The popular 'love locks' are found around many European cities. Ian says that some people should probably get a combo lock...so cynical!

Many cafes and restaurants have outdoor seating set up.

At our favorite brewery and eatery, planning out our next stops in Croatia!

Vienna and Bratislava, Slovakia with Michael

We were able to stay in Vienna with our friend, Michael, who we taught with in Venezuela. He is now teaching art in an international school here. We enjoyed getting to know his nice neighborhood and taking in a few of the sites in Vienna. Michael also arranged a fun-filled 24 hour jaunt for us to nearby Bratislava to see a concert by the Balkan Beats, a fun gypsy, jazz fusion group. Although Vienna is biggish, it was easy to get around, even on bike. There are bike paths all throughout the city.

Arrived in Michaels neighborhood a little early, so found a nice local spot to have some beers while we waited for him to get home.

Michael cooking up some breakfast for us.

In the old city of Vienna

There was a harvest festival in town...dancing groups did some foot slapping and hat swapping.

Arrived in Bratislava via a 1 hour train ride from Vienna

In front of Michaels Gate tower

Bratislava was a lovely old town, but parts were a bit run-down and sadly, too much graffiti...or better described as tagging of buildings.

At the club where we saw the band, Balkan Beats

Huge plate traditional dumplings...very filling, but tasty!

There was also a cultural celebration going on in Bratislava - very involved, intricate lace weaving

Traditional art form - wire work

We stayed in a neat hostel in this part of town.

Our hostel was right next door to the KGB Club bar.

Klimt

Museum furniture pieces in Vienna

Having coffee at an old, well-known cafe

At the Schonnenberg Castle - summer residence of the last emperor of Vienna

The Gurtl/ girdle (yes...the undergarment that holds is all in!) was a main bike path that circled the city. You could pretty much get anywhere via the Gurtl