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.

Day 4 - 5th July 2010

Got up about 8.30ish after a very good sleep. Great shower at this place.
Rode into Berlin, arriving just after 10.00. Bought some bits for breakfast &
found a quiet place to eat. Ben from Radio Pembs called for an interview...
Weather starting to get hot, very hot lol...
Had a drive around, took some photos for blog. Remember coming here to
see Roger Waters perform The Wall in 1990, 8 months after the wall came down.
Once again, the hospital visited was very happy for my visit. They all thought I
am bonkers lol...
So after another flying visit to a capital city I'm off again. Next stop, Prague...

Day 3 - 4th July 2010

Left the very comfortable & clean Hotel Admiraal in Utrecht around 10.30.
Rode the short distance to Amsterdam. Had a spin around the city, stopped
to remember some good times :-) Had a cold Fanta outside the Bulldog lol...
The ride out of the city took me to the AMC Hospital, it's huge...
Things were very quiet, not many bods about but got a young nurse to
accept a Teddy and she signed my book. Time to hit the road for Berlin.
Got as far as Magdeburg anblagged a room at a motorway services, cool.

Day 2 - 3rd July 2010.

Left Annequin, Ch'ti land at around 15.00 and headed for Brussels.
Found the hospital, Reine Fabiola, it was having major works done
but one of the doctors took time to have a chat & photo. The hospital
was pleased that I stopped by & offered them a Teddy.
Took a slow ride up to Utrecht to find my nights bed, the
Admiraal Hotel. Weather looking good....

Day 1, July 2nd 2010

Departed from South Quay Pembroke with a great send off by the kids from Monkton & Grove Schools.
Thank you very much to all involved.
Headed for 15.30 deadline at the Children's Hospital for Wales. As you can see by the photo it was a little
bit of an anti-climax :-)
Never mind, long journey ahead, so let's get cracking.

1 day to go...

Well here we are, the day before...
2nd of July is nearly here, everything is ready, well I hope so...
A few things left to do, anything forgotten, well tough lol..
So thank you to all who have helped so far. I will be setting up a
"Thank you" page on website as soon as I can so all will get a mention.
Time for a cuppa :-)
Watch this space for trip news...