J_

I started my visit coming from Italy into Zagreb by train. From Zagreb I took a short flight to Dubrovnik. It was extremely beautiful. I then headed back to Zagreb and took a bus to Plitvice Lakes for a great day of hiking (picture above). Then back to Zagreb.

Croatia was beautiful, and I’m sure I’ll be back some day.

Quite busy with tourists in the peak tourist season I was there (as would be expected). However, that’s not enough of a reason to stay away. Far too beautiful.

{edit: I went during the World Cup 2006, hence the giant inflatable soccer/football ball along the bottom}

the running of the bulls was a lot of fun… but I would stay away from the bull fight if I went again (but I probably won’t).

Not to be confused with the Biodôme

“1995, Environment Canada’s Biosphère has been a showcase for environmental education. A visit to the Biosphère is an opportunity to discover a unique world living in symbiosis with our own environment and to gain an appreciation and respect for it.” Source: here

edit: I originally posted the wrong photo here… this photo is correct… orginal photo here, in the correct location.

Great day in a beautiful Location… When we went, there was barely anyone else there… You could look far off into the distance and see no one… it was amazing having the park to ourselves.

We went here on out way to the day before the Grand Canyon, and I think I might have enjoyed this slightly more (although both were great).

J_

I was amazed at the size of it… Average distance across the canyon: 13 miles, average depth 1 mile…

When I was there it was hard to get a reference for how far across it was… I thought when looking across to the other side and seeing it slightly cloudy across meant we were there on a low visibility day, until I read on one of the signs how far away the other side actually was… Pretty amazing…

Christmas eve was a nice time to go actually because the crowds were significantly lower than typical.

Next time I go I want to do some longer hikes…

J_

It was an interesting place…

A lot of shopping to do, which was ok at first but every place sells the same stuff basically… The worst part is the little 4-6 year olds who try and sell you stuff while you’re just walking down the street while their mom watchs from the side…

My favorite part was the little restaurant we ate at that was away from more of the crowds… so good… and also the little pack of churros I bought from a street vendor… Plus no one I was with got sick… :-)

I defintely have to go back, and furthur into Mexico though.

Hurray!

This is the one place/time on my trip where I think I can’t just show up and hope to get a room… sure I could just sleep in the park, or somewhere free, but I wanted a hotel to make sure I get some decent sleep before heading out…

Some of the hotel prices are just crazy… I’m booked in a small hotel that I’ve read is 6.0km from the old city, so I should be able to work out a way to get down early enough… I expect a few guests will be doing the same thing…

Check out this page for a bunch of hotels… Cheaper ones near the bottom…

http://www.sanfermin.com/guia/tipo_dormir.php?tipo=1&lang=eng

OH YA, getting excited…

...how beautiful it is. This is a must visit.