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Winter Trip To Europe
My winter trip to Europe.
My previous TR's can be found below: A Trip to Afghanistan A Journey Through Kyrgyzstan A Trip Around The Arabian Gulf A Trip To Yemen A Trip To Jordan & Israel A Southern African Adventure Road Trip to Saudi Arabia & Qatar Five Days In Japan Underground In New Zealand A Trip To Iran A Trip Around The Mediterranean A Long Weekend In Paris A Trip To Ukraine, Belarus & Russia A Trip To Kenya & Tanzania Beautiful Thailand To Muscat For A Travel Magazine Everest in Full Picture A Trip To Bali & Dili A Trip To Northern Iraq |
I flew from Dubai to Zurich via a 5 hour stopover in Doha (DXB-DOH-ZRH), and flew back from Belgrade with a 12 hour stopover in Rome and a transit in Doha (BEG-FCO-DOH-DXB).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bc.../i-bcrnZ8B.gif I travelled by train (and bus in Liechenstein) for the ~1,400 kilometre journey from Zurich to Belgrade, stopping in Zurich, Triesenberg, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hH.../i-hHd32Wc.jpg Day 0. At Terminal One at Dubai Airport to start the journey with the flight to Doha. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-ZZ.../i-ZZMjzxM.jpg Hot chicken sandwich, cake and OJ for the 45 minute flight on the QR 787 to DOH. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-qv.../i-qvm8FKP.jpg Disembarking off the 787 at DOH at 9:30pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-sh.../i-shRGd6P.jpg I had a 5 hour layover, so went to the new Oryx lounge to relax. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Rd.../i-RdSKb4D.jpg A tasty snack of middle eastern and western food in the lounge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-VL.../i-VLr9kXN.jpg Day 1. The 787 departed on time at 2:30am, and after another chicken sandwich, passed out for a few hours on the overnight flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3w.../i-3wr4Svh.jpg Chicken sausage and omelette for breakfast just before arrival at Zurich Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3T.../i-3TZs9bH.jpg Immigration was quick and easy and as I only had a carry-on was through to the train station in no time. Got some Swiss francs and bought a ticket to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-HS.../i-HSWxghJ.jpg The line for the trams outside Hauptbahnhof. It was about 8am, and a nice and cool 4C. My first real winter in a few years, but I was coping surprisingly well. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-7d.../i-7dHhfhw.jpg My hotel was only a short walk from the train station, and as it was too early to check-in, I dropped off my bag before heading out to explore Zurich. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-ZX.../i-ZXwKr2j.jpg Kälte (cold). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-cg.../i-cgkjsTM.jpg Frühstück (breakfast). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-kj.../i-kjwNpM7.jpg Walking the dog. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hw.../i-hwfRtK3.jpg Swans on the Limmat river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-K8.../i-K8M55LD.jpg Some much needed caffeine to shake off the jet lag. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-pM.../i-pM4fRKB.jpg Grossmünster cathedral on the east side of the river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-NX.../i-NXsGdhD.jpg Münsterbrücke bridge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-jH.../i-jHW3rps.jpg I then walked down to a farmer's market beside Lake Zurich. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Zt.../i-ZtwttCZ.jpg Great place to walk around and see all the local produce as well as people watch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-LN.../i-LNqzjBJ.jpg Stocking up. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vr.../i-vr4Cg47.jpg Früchte. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Vf.../i-VfrgTKH.jpg Mann und Frau. I then walked into the centre of town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hK.../i-hKcn6nS.jpg Fraumünster Church. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dd.../i-ddPgxtD.jpg And the beautiful stained glass windows inside. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-cW.../i-cWPF33F.jpg I then visited the Swiss National Museum. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Qf.../i-QfF8SZm.jpg Was quite an interesting place, covering both the history and culture of Switzerland. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-RW.../i-RWZZDDw.jpg Zebrastreifen. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-5f.../i-5fN9NLK.jpg I grabbed lunch at a cafeteria and had spicy beef and carrots for 21 CHF. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-zS.../i-zSTVht5.jpg After checking into the hotel and having a nap, and walked up to the ETH University and looked out onto the city below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fP.../i-fPcgGzf.jpg Going down. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-c5.../i-c5wcv39.jpg Central Tram Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-26.../i-26N2fVs.jpg I grabbed some Nussgipfel at a bakery for a snack for 2.9 CHF. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-xd.../i-xd5hBRC.jpg Mirror. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-cK.../i-cK4fx27.jpg Blur. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-tV.../i-tVH7tGc.jpg Roast Chestnuts. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-tX.../i-tXwZLPw.jpg The Christmas markets at Pestalozzianlage. Quite a lively atmosphere . http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-4k.../i-4k69z5d.jpg I grabbed some Bratwurst for 8 CHF at one of the stalls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-zW.../i-zWJwK5n.jpg Bahnhofstrasse. The Swiss really know how to do Christmas! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-XW.../i-XWfBP54.jpg At Hauptbahnhof with the locals enjoying the start of the weekend with a few drinks. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-GV.../i-GV9Drr8.jpg On my way back to the hotel I stopped at a supermarket to check out the famed Swiss chocolate. As expected lots of different types, including some Jack Daniels flavoured stuff (centre). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-G7.../i-G7Q9zVw.jpg Day 2. After having breakfast at the hotel, I walked down to Hauptbahnhof for the trip to Liechtenstein. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bn.../i-bnGdCMk.jpg The famous Swiss train station clock design that Apple tried to rip off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bS.../i-bS5S3JQ.jpg Platform 9 for the 9:37 train east to Sargans. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-7N.../i-7NJmjvx.jpg Anzeige. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Xt.../i-XtqbQpf.jpg Passing Lake Zurich on the journey east. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-T5.../i-T5ZPrC7.jpg Outside Sargans train station, about to catch the bus to Liechtenstein. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-WZ.../i-WZLZTXD.jpg The new Parliament building at Peter-Kaiser-Platz in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Df.../i-Df9q9MK.jpg Vaduz Castle, the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world with 160 km2 area and ~37,000 people. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vg.../i-vgLxNnV.jpg An old wooden covered bridge over the Rhine. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Nc.../i-Nc26KQw.jpg The river is on the border of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hd.../i-hdd3z2w.jpg I then went to a local restaurant for lunch and had some tasty pork with mushroom sauce with spätzle and vegetables. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bH.../i-bHXd99K.jpg I then caught the bus again for the journey up the mountain to Triesenberg. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Jm.../i-JmPNS54.jpg At my hotel for the night in Liechtenstein, Hotel Kulm, complete with a Christmas nativity scene outside. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-JN.../i-JNB6qsQ.jpg My room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-kr.../i-krbwF7f.jpg And the amazing view from my balcony, looking over to the Swiss Alps. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dh.../i-dhDwFv5.jpg For the rest of the afternoon I went for a walk around Triesenberg, taking in the great views. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-TH.../i-THVJ2wj.jpg I went to the hotel restaurant for dinner, which was suitably decorated with lots of Christmas stuff. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-d7.../i-d7MJnjJ.jpg And had the Chicken Cordon bleu for 29 CHF. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-69.../i-69wJSJ5.jpg Day 3. The view from the breakfast buffet in the morning. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-xs.../i-xsRKhhv.jpg Church in Triesenburg. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-zR.../i-zRXsfXw.jpg And about to catch the bus to Feldkirch, Austria. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hr.../i-hrTNX5V.jpg Crossing back into Switzerland at the motorway tool booth on the border with Liechtenstein. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dh.../i-dhkGCPP.jpg And about to catch the train to Vienna at Feldkirch station, Austria. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-MD.../i-MDX4mSk.jpg It was only 10 euro's extra to upgrade to first class cabin for the 6 hour journey. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bx.../i-bxHvJrk.jpg Taking in the beautiful alpine scenery on the way to Innsbruck. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bG.../i-bGgx3c6.jpg At Innsbruck station at 12:21pm, where I changed to a Railjet train for the trip to Vienna. The train was 8 minutes late leaving Feldkirch, and although I had a 4 minute connection in Innsbruck, the train made up the time and we arrived on schedule to Innsbruck. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Nf.../i-NfZrBnk.jpg The Railjet train was abit more modern, with wi-fi and a top speed of 230 kph. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-HW.../i-HWB2KXP.jpg Chicken masala for lunch in the dining car for 9.90 euro's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Rm.../i-RmCwPdn.jpg Stopping at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof after passing through Germany. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bj.../i-bjBTCWJ.jpg And arriving at Vienna's Westbahnhof. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Sb.../i-SbGbfZ3.jpg Only 4:30pm but already dark! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-jZ.../i-jZQX3zK.jpg I then caught the metro to Rathaus (Town Hall) to see the main Vienna christmas markets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-r5.../i-r5W32fn.jpg Bratkartoffel (Sauteed Griddle Potatoes). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-R3.../i-R3tCk3P.jpg Lots of people enjoying their Sunday evening in the markets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-s3.../i-s3gjc53.jpg Hearts. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-JT.../i-JT27b9V.jpg I then caught the metro to Praterstern to my hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Vienna. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-s5.../i-s5tVC37.jpg The room was small but was cheap and had a cool, kitschy vibe. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-P3.../i-P3z2C5h.jpg Dinner was at a great Mexican place called Restaurant Pancho where I had Chicken Fajita's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-X9.../i-X9xN4Tv.jpg And some tasty chocolate chimichanga for dessert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-W9.../i-W9R3Z6L.jpg |
Day 4.
At Taborstraße to catch the metro into central Vienna. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-D3.../i-D3z3GpT.jpg Outside the Burgtheater. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-7n.../i-7nNbNKS.jpg A deluxe croissant and cappuccino for breakfast at Café Central. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Hs.../i-HszKd3L.jpg Café Central is a traditional Viennese café, and was opened in 1876. It was a great change from the usual hotel breakfast buffet. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-tS.../i-tSw4Wqz.jpg Former clientele at the café include Lenin, Trotsky, Freud, Tito and Hitler. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-DF.../i-DFkSXXG.jpg Inside Katholische Kirche St. Michael on Michaelerplatz. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Zs.../i-Zsdb76N.jpg Graben, one of the main shopping streets in Vienna. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-4X.../i-4XnjTMk.jpg St. Stephen's Cathedral in Stephansplatz. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dZ.../i-dZQZWxg.jpg The beautiful interior. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Hc.../i-HcS9rR8.jpg And the view from the north tower, looking north with the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel on the horizon. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nK.../i-nKzpVtT.jpg At the Hundertwasserhaus in Landstraße district. Built from the idea's and concept's of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser with architect Joseph Krawina. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-T7.../i-T7rBb3t.jpg It features undulating floors ("an uneven floor is a divine melody to the feet"), a roof covered with earth and grass, and large trees growing from inside the rooms, with limbs extending from windows. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-B8.../i-B8HmNk5.jpg One-way. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-B3.../i-B3xBLMw.jpg Rolltreppen. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-mJ.../i-mJvw29j.jpg The Belvedere. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-xj.../i-xjBgHJj.jpg Lunch of Austrian deer stew with dumplings and cranberry sauce at the restaurant Skopik & Lohn in Leopoldstadt. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-R8.../i-R89MNNn.jpg Blumenhändler. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2S.../i-2SQ74S2.jpg At the Wiener Riesenrad at the Prater amusement park. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2p.../i-2pCJ6P9.jpg It was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-GT.../i-GTh757s.jpg I then went for a walk through the Christmas markets in Spittelberg. Much less busy and a bit more relaxed than at the Rathaus markets:). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2D.../i-2Dx3Ng6.jpg Back in Graben with all the Christmas Lights. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-8x.../i-8xtktV6.jpg Dinner at a restaurant called Figlmüller, the top pick in the LP guidebook for a decent Schnitzel, and they certainly delivered! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-XV.../i-XVK9Nqw.jpg Day 5. At Café Prückel, another iconic Viennese coffee house. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3V.../i-3VMhLXd.jpg With the original 50's styling and waiters in jackets and bowties, it was a real treat to have breakfast there. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-WD.../i-WD7W5BQ.jpg At Wien Hauptbahnhof to catch the train to Bratislava, Slovakia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-qZ.../i-qZ34Dtk.jpg Plenty of room in the cabin for the 50 minute trip. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Zn.../i-ZnbG7gD.jpg The scenery was flat farmland with the occasional wind turbine. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Xf.../i-XfBC6SQ.jpg A welcome to Slovakia at Bratislava hlavná stanica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Gt.../i-GtsGqf4.jpg Unfortunately the rain had followed me from Vienna however. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Rc.../i-RcSDKds.jpg I then visited the indoor markets of Tržnica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fx.../i-fxNbxHJ.jpg Groceries. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-jz.../i-jz7FswJ.jpg And got some tasty štrúdľa for 80 euro cents. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-m4.../i-m42xfLq.jpg My hotel room at the Bratislava Crowne Plaza. Very modern, clean and friendly, courteous staff. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nr.../i-nrjwppp.jpg I then went to the Slovak Pub which was recommended for some traditional Slovak cuisine. Cabbage soup. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hx.../i-hx7FFLm.jpg And Halušky. Potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-km.../i-km83gJP.jpg I then went for a walk to explore the city. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-58.../i-58r8XD8.jpg Underpass. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-PS.../i-PSLWR8j.jpg Bratislava Castle. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Zn.../i-Zn7TrnX.jpg Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of the president of Slovakia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Fg.../i-Fg4LCRb.jpg After relaxing at the hotel for a bit, I went for a walk into the old town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vM.../i-vMsN6RP.jpg At the Christmas markets in the town square. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Zk.../i-ZkgNWhX.jpg Very picturesque! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fv.../i-fvRbM5n.jpg The locals enjoying some of the tasty food on offer. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Lt.../i-LthKM8P.jpg A delicous and decent sized steak sandwich for less than 3 euro's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-r7.../i-r7bBZVP.jpg I was still hungry though, and went back for seconds and got a pork and onion sandwich too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-JC.../i-JCW2wrj.jpg Live music adding to the festive atmosphere. The Bratislava Christmas markets were my favourite of the trip, just the right size, great vibe and not too commercialised. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-QX.../i-QX7xKvM.jpg Day 6. A BMW i8 outside my hotel, a plug-in hybrid capable of 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Don't see these in Dubai! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2b.../i-2bVXJMC.jpg Back at Bratislava hlavná stanica to catch the train to Budapest. When I went to take this photo, I realised I had forgotten one of my camera batteries back at the hotel. My train was delayed by ~60 minutes, so walked back to get it. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-G3.../i-G3mvsdC.jpg By the time I got back to the train station after getting my camera battery, the delay was now 100 minutes, so grabbed a coffee at the station café. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nw.../i-nwWmpDL.jpg Waiting. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Fk.../i-FkD2t9s.jpg Caffe. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-8Z.../i-8ZfjcgH.jpg The delay eventually stretched out to 130 minutes. Although there was a train to Budapest at 11:53 also, this was cancelled. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9N.../i-9NxmD4z.jpg The train finally pulling into the station just after 12pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-rc.../i-rcvNLWm.jpg The cabin was clean and modern, and only cost 16 euro's for the 2hr 40m trip to Budapest. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Kw.../i-KwSdxGS.jpg Chocolate pancakes in the dining car for only 1.9 euro's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3B.../i-3B3HVrV.jpg Arriving at Budapest-Keleti Staion just before 3pm. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9J.../i-9JqwS3r.jpg And just outside after getting my ticket for the following day to Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-gB.../i-gBJJc8k.jpg My hotel room, the Bhudda-bar Hotel in an old historic building which was has been completely refurbished with an Asian style interior. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bM.../i-bMGR5pd.jpg Catching the metro for 350 HUF (~1.2 euro's). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Ng.../i-Ng4hmg7.jpg Outside Terror Háza, or the House of Terror. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Mv.../i-Mv88q3Q.jpg Terror Háza is a museum and memorial for the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes in 20th-century Hungary. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Qn.../i-QnzZjj6.jpg Politikai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nm.../i-nmpRjCG.jpg Padded cell in the basement. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hR.../i-hRVzfKn.jpg Hammer & Sickel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-qN.../i-qN8mtVT.jpg Gallows. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hp.../i-hpLGvqr.jpg I then walked down Andrássy Avenue towards the city. Outside the Budapest Opera house. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-mZ.../i-mZV9mGN.jpg Trabant. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fP.../i-fPdXTHZ.jpg The Christmas markets in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-sf.../i-sf5KdxP.jpg Erzsébet bridge across the Danube, linking Buda (west) and Pest (east). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bV.../i-bVBGcmp.jpg I had dinner at a local restaurant, with rosé duck breast with camembert muffin and orange and pepper sauce. Very nice! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-22.../i-22ZDM8M.jpg And returning back to my hotel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-QZ.../i-QZfX7zG.jpg |
Day 7.
Coffee and cheese pastry for breakfast for 580 HUF (2 euro's). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-cf.../i-cfXCKpv.jpg Looking across the Danube to the Royal Palace on top of Castle Hill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Hb.../i-HbqFZv8.jpg Széchenyi Chain Bridge. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-gk.../i-gkxJmcD.jpg Walking up to Castle Hill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2z.../i-2zrsggx.jpg Looking over to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Pest across the river from Castle Hill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-82.../i-82LbnB3.jpg Sandor Palace on top of Castle Hill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dc.../i-dcJ8999.jpg Magyarország zászlaja (flag of Hungary). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Jn.../i-JnL5Pvk.jpg Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-M3.../i-M3G7Rv9.jpg The Országház, or Hungarian Parliament, across the river from Fisherman's Bastion. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2t.../i-2tk8vZj.jpg The building was built in 1904. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-F5.../i-F5nPTzD.jpg I got to the Parliament building just in time for the 1pm english language tour. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-QF.../i-QFSFzWh.jpg It was built with 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 40 kilograms of gold leaf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-8T.../i-8TDxV4d.jpg The main debating chamber. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Xz.../i-XzN9nT8.jpg The Museum of Ethnography, just opposite the Parliament building. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-94.../i-94HNPsK.jpg I then stopped for lunch and had a traditional Hungarian dish of chicken paprika and dumplings. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Xh.../i-XhFMjWN.jpg Next stop was St. Stephen's Basilica, with an amazingly ornate ceiling. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-cc.../i-ccBGxRf.jpg And the great view from the top of the Basilica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-CM.../i-CMv2rXX.jpg I then went for a walk around the Christmas markets just in front of the Basilica. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Cs.../i-CssT2Kg.jpg And then caught the metro on the #4 line to Gellért. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9K.../i-9Kr8bvN.jpg The Szabadsag bridge reaching across the Danude at Gellért. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dV.../i-dV2rrxz.jpg Outside the Gellért Thermal Bath's. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-W3.../i-W3264gt.jpg Great place to defrost for a bit from the cool winter weather! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-gQ.../i-gQdxjGD.jpg I then walked over the Szabadsag bridge back to Pest. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-7g.../i-7gB6Tsj.jpg The Christmas markets at Vörösmarty tér. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dX.../i-dXrMQCq.jpg Where I got a good feed of Hungarian black pudding and grilled chicken with potatoes and bread. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-jv.../i-jvPq7gP.jpg Back at Budapest-Keleti Station to catch the overnight train to Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nt.../i-ntnBL82.jpg I had booked a sleeper cabin for the overnight trip, except there were only 3 carriages on the train, and none were sleeper. I asked the conductor and he just told me to grab a space in the first class car. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-FF.../i-FF79wkJ.jpg Luckily I managed to find an empty row of seats to lay out for the overnight trip. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Rz.../i-Rzxc8gW.jpg Day 8. The train crossed the border into Serbia at 2am, where I got my passport stamped and we swapped engines (the Hungarian engine took some carriages back to Budapest, while a Serbian engine took our 2 carriages on to Belgrade). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-FN.../i-FNQvgQd.jpg At about 5:30am the train started to fill up with passengers for Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-gL.../i-gLrSxmD.jpg Crossing the Danube into Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Bk.../i-Bk9VF3w.jpg And arriving at Belgrade station at 6:30am. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vQ.../i-vQQsP9N.jpg Some interesting 'artwork' on one of the Serbian trains. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-82.../i-82CTpHj.jpg I then walked up the street to the former Ministry of Defence Buildings. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-ww.../i-wwKv4qb.jpg The buildings were bombed in 1999 by NATO as part of the Kosovo war. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Mk.../i-Mkxxg8j.jpg They still lay in ruins as a kind of memorial. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-xc.../i-xcSvT3C.jpg The Serbian Parliament Building at dawn. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-rq.../i-rqCBrZ7.jpg My hotel room in Belgrade. I had originally booked a room at the Rezome Diamond, but they had rebooked me at the Rezime Crown with a 'luxury apartment' which was closer to the city centre. Decent sized room for 50 euro's anyway! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-pB.../i-pBrcCnQ.jpg With oak desk and crystal glasses. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-58.../i-583c9wB.jpg And a cavernous bathroom. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-22.../i-22J3DKZ.jpg After a shower and shave, I headed out to get some breakfast at a local café. I got an omelette, toast, yoghurt drink and a cappuccino for only ~$5. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-t2.../i-t2vxjxd.jpg Pigeons feasting on some bread from a dumpster. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hT.../i-hTQzHSW.jpg I then walked through the park at Kalemegdan Castle. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fr.../i-fr7VKf9.jpg The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Gg.../i-GgHChSb.jpg A Humvee outside the Military Museum, captured during the Kosovo war. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-pN.../i-pN5Mshk.jpg The flightsuit from a F-16 that was shot down during the war, and a panel from a F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft that was also shot down. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3d.../i-3d8qntZ.jpg The start of Kneza Mihaila, the main pedestrian shopping street of Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-wf.../i-wfDF674.jpg Books and records. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Pr.../i-Pr4Qt56.jpg Some anti-pesto at a café on Kneza Mihaila for lunch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-62.../i-62CkLwb.jpg And I couldn't resist having some of the tasty looking cakes too. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-jz.../i-jz2tD6W.jpg The Temple of Saint Sava. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-SQ.../i-SQpxxrK.jpg Newsagent. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3X.../i-3XHdRw7.jpg Diver. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-T3.../i-T3tfwVB.jpg At the Nikola Tesla museum, with the sparking Tesla coil lighting up the fluroscent strips. I think it temporarily affected the electronics in my camera too (note the horizontal bands in the photo). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fv.../i-fvtSvjC.jpg The ruins of the Radio Television Serbia building, where 16 people were killed when it was bombed by NATO in 1999. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9x.../i-9xVJjZ6.jpg Republic Square in the centre of Belgrade. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-XK.../i-XKGhFm8.jpg In the evening, I went to the restaurant, Mentalitet, after a good recommendation from hauteboy. Mini-beef pies, breaded roast pepper and rolled goat cheese for the starter. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-P7.../i-P79RcHz.jpg And for the main, beef tournedo with red wine and orange sauce. Definitely worth the recommendation! Quite cheap too for a total price of ~$14 for everything. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-gb.../i-gbjmcpK.jpg Day 9. Outside the main terminal at Nikola Tesla - Belgrade airport for the 7am flight to Rome. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-6m.../i-6mXQx7w.jpg A bag of goodies for the 80 minute flight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-pw.../i-pwb77r8.jpg And disembarking at Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-45.../i-45GR7tp.jpg Picking up my Hertz rental car for the day. I had prebooked the cheapest car possible for 36 euro's, but got upgraded to a Ford Focus Diesel instead for the same price. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-3D.../i-3DFDkWg.jpg As I had visited Rome for three days back in June I wanted to do something different for my 12 hour layover. The plan for the day was to visit some of the smaller towns, hopefully making it to the town of Tuscania. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-5r.../i-5rgPnjN.jpg After getting used to the 6 speed manual, I headed north-west on the Autostrada. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-hn.../i-hnhxCH8.jpg At the first stop of the day, the town of Cerveteri. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vZ.../i-vZTbmxR.jpg Conversazione. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-SX.../i-SXmQTBm.jpg 80 euro-cents for an espresso, definitely not Rome prices! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Pp.../i-PpR273m.jpg The town is famous for its many Necropoli (tombs) which date from the 9th to 3rd century B.C. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-6H.../i-6H9MdQP.jpg Out on the Autostrada again. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-x6.../i-x6FdBdH.jpg I then parked the car in a carpark in the centre of Civitavecchia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9Z.../i-9ZHpST9.jpg The town centre. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-M2.../i-M2rTdMR.jpg I then visited the local fresh food markets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-n8.../i-n864Bx6.jpg Frutta e Verdura (fruit & vegetables). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Kk.../i-KkVR2mR.jpg Pesce (Fish). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-7m.../i-7mNdcbG.jpg Carne (meat). http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-pM.../i-pM6xLrM.jpg Driving on to the next town... http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-KR.../i-KRpXTZZ.jpg ...of Tarquinia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-M3.../i-M3286ZJ.jpg Lady & dog. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-Mg.../i-MgzM75W.jpg Church. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nM.../i-nMFZrpR.jpg A ~300 year old aqueduct. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-np.../i-npjxtsX.jpg I then drove off the main road inland. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-nr.../i-nrM5HGc.jpg To the picturesque town of Tuscania. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-vW.../i-vWFWfVZ.jpg The town was built around ~7th century B.C. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-2R.../i-2Rscbck.jpg On February 6, 1971 an earthquake caused 31 deaths. The town has since been meticulously restored. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-9t.../i-9t7HnNz.jpg Famiglia. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fx.../i-fxm8f3Z.jpg Oranges. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-bg.../i-bgMtxRx.jpg Roses. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-M5.../i-M5cNHZ3.jpg Apart from the odd Italian visitors, it was completely devoid of tourists and was a welcome change from busy Rome. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-d5.../i-d5HZnSR.jpg I then stopped at a cool café/bar in the centre of town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-fV.../i-fV3w4sZ.jpg And had some local cold meats with bread for lunch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-B7.../i-B7H68Kp.jpg And chocolate slice for dessert. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-ST.../i-STrmkCM.jpg Some Christmas shopping before the drive back to FCO airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-tR.../i-tRS8mXL.jpg Tunnel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-dv.../i-dvdSpXn.jpg Paying my last road toll for the day. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-8n.../i-8nsgxKr.jpg And arriving back at the airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-NH.../i-NHTQfVr.jpg Enjoying a good read on the flight from FCO to DOH. http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-mn.../i-mnv7kSp.jpg And about to board the QR A340 at dawn for the final flight home! http://www.dsw-photo.com/photos/i-BN.../i-BNDhZ6g.jpg |
Daniel, what a wonderful trip and report. Your photos are simply spectacular and so beautifully capture the feeling and people of every place you visited. Thanks for posting!
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Thanks DanielW for another awesome trip report!
Which city is your favourite? |
I love your trip reports. Wonderful journey, wonderful photos.
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Daniel, whenever I read your TR's, I always wish you'd invited me to come along. Thanks.
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Fantastic.
I have not been back to Vienna since 1991. I had no idea they had a Metro. The Wienerschnitzel at Fiegelmuler is pork, not veal. And it really makes a difference. When I ate it I liked it but I suspected it was not veal as it is so much better. Makes me want to return to Budapesht as they pronounce it. I was there in 1972 and it seems so much nicer and more interesting now. How was it like driving in Italy? I drove in Sardinia but on the Mainland I am a bit nervous to do so. |
Wonderful TR. Thank you :)
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Lovely trip report and beautiful pictures. I always enjoy reading your trip reports. The pictures make me feel like I am right there with you. Thank you for sharing! :)
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What do you shoot with? Didn't see it under the about section of your website.
Thanks! |
Great trip report and photos.
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Beautiful pictures, thanks for doing this report
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Great trip and report! Austria and Switzerland in one row with Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Afghanistan;)
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