11.5.2011 - Croatia - Zagreb

We started out early again and drove through Styria's forested mountains also known for the beef, and forests, main source of income and industry. We had an hour and half in Slovinea, and what a difference to Vienna and other EU countries. Slovinea is EU now, but you can still see the poverty fron the comunist ruling days. You could see the depression. But nevertheless, it was a good experience, the highlight would be we saw the oldest 'grapevine' in the WORLD!!! (PS how do they actually know that) photo included)

We drove through the Slovenian border and got our passports stamped, then 100m throughto the Croation border, which is non UN to Maribor. We followed the Drava River to Croatia and it's capital Zagreb. We got to Zagreb early 3pm, staying in the Sheraton, with unlimited free wifi...(computer internet term) We all went on a guided tour to see the green squares of the modern Lower Town at 5pm, then moved to see the medieval Upper Town and its presidential palace, stone gates etc, the tour guide was very passionate, and droned on and on......, St Marks Church and the Pope's tower. I did find the town a bit depressing, and allot of the buildings are in serious need of repair, some look delapidated and brick and concrete fretting...no money in the town to fix the buildings.

Tonight we had a choice of 3 restaurants to dine in, instead of eating hotel cuisine all the time. We all opted to go to a traditional croation restaurant where they cook veal (beef) under a bell, sort of a steam cooker....last but not least - I bet you did not know that the neck tie was originated from Croatia - google it....- do not miss it!!!! ciau for now xx