Day 11, July 12th 2010

Got up around 10, had a very nice breakfast on the terrace. Spent most of the day walking around the old city of Dubrovnik. I remember seeing the images of this city being bombed during the Balkan conflict. Dubrovnik was bombed day and night for 3 months in 1991. Some of the people I spoke to were still bitter. It was very hot, around 38c. I had some lunch in the old city then went for a ride. When I got back to Villa Amfora, Kristian & I had a cold drink then rode down to their family house for a quick swim in the Adriatic, great stuff.
I packed the bike up and said goodbye to Kristian and thanked him for his great hospitality, he even made me a packed lunch for the boat trip...
The boat was small and packed. I had no room or night chair. I ended up on a semi open deck for the night with 3 very noisy Italians. 1 hours sleep by the time I got to Bari.

Day 10, July 11th 2010

Long ride today through Croatian mountains, 375 miles.
Trip was from Zagreb to Dubrovnik where I am staying the
night at Villa Amfora.
The ride down was amazing, mountains all the way with long
sweeping bends and stunning views.
10hrs riding but well worth it, especially when hitting the coast.
Just when you think it's going to be another mountain valley, you
head through a gap between the huge hills and bang, the coast.
What a view....
A quick blast down the coast to Dubrovnik where Kristian met me
at the Dubrovnik Bridge.
Chat and a cold drink, then bedtime, knackered lol...

Day 9, July 10th 2010

Arrived in Zagreb late afternoon. Found hospital very quick so made my
visit first. Very busy place, had to wait a while but no problem. There were
quite a few families with babies waiting to be seen and of course, they are
the priority. The Dr I met was very pleasant and happy to receive Teddy :-)
Had a good chat about trip and children's hospitals.
Went into city centre to take some pics and get a cold drink, so hot again...
Stayed at the Hotel Zagreb after meeting a guy, George Fila. He showed me
the way to hotel. had a chat with him for a while. Had a nice evening meal
while watching footie....

Day 7 & 8 July 8/9th 2010

Budapest, what a beautiful city. I had no expectations about this
place but it is stunning. Had a little drive around before going to hotel.
I have 2 days here so will make the most of it. Very hot, 39c...
First night in Hotel Rila was very comfortable and the staff were great.
A big thank you to Mr Charles, very good man :-)
Went to hospital which was 5 mins from the Rila. The hospital is in old
Eastern block, always seems busy but always calm and in control. Once again
the staff were very happy to see me..
Lots to see but hot, 39c again....
Took loads of photos, too many to put on blog at the moment, will do later.
2nd night stayed at The Gellert Hotel. Luxury :-) spa, sauna, indoor/outdoor
pools etc... Very very comfortable.. Made the most of it...
Zagreb tmw...

Day 7 July 8th 2010

Great shower and very big breakfast :-)
Had a fantastic reception at the hospital. This is what the trip is all
about for me. The people here were great, very genuine & so happy
that I made a visit to their hospital. I wish all people could be so kind
& thankful. Thank you for your very warm welcome :-)
Another quick spin around city and off to Budapest.
Thank you again Bratislava :-)

Day 6 : 7th july

It's a 2 city day today. 1st stop Vienna then a short ride to Bratislava, about
275 miles the route I took.
1st hospital was in Vienna at the St Anna Kinderspital. Not many people around
but found a couple of Dr who accepted Teddy No5 :-) he now has a new home.
Rushed around city for a couple of pics then shot off to Bratislava to Ibis Hotel.
Hotel very good as you would expect. Showered and watching footie....
Great shower and very big breakfast :-)

Day 5 : 6th july

Arrived in Prague around 22.30 last night. What a wonderful sight.
A small but very beautiful city, both sides of river well lit up, very pretty.
Found a cheap hostel, clean, tidy & quiet. Had garage parking for "Frenchie".
Rode into city centre, 2 mins from hostel. Got some brekky and sat by the river.
Met a very nice couple from Taunton who stayed and chatted for a while and
contributed to my breakfast, thank you Jan & Steve :-)
Had a good ride around to see the sights. Met a Cuban guy,Carlos. He is going
to tour Europe one day, so gave him my email and told him to contact me when he
does. Went to the hospital to deliver Teddy No4...
Massive storm. Good job I took bike cover, stopped everything getting soaked.
Staying the extra night and will head off for Vienna & Bratislava in morning.