Reset search
Christmas Markets and Balkans
  • Lyn and Warren Brown
  • Lyn and Warren Brown

Christmas Markets and Balkans

A 17-day adventure by Lyn and Warren Read more
+3
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    December 3, 2023
  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Desert taken from plane
    Concrete as far as the eye can seeStunning water feature Dibai mall.1Not so stunning water feature mugs got in the wayChristmas decorationsAlmost as tallFrame

    Dubai

    December 3, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Dubai stopover. Deciding for a slow day and early night after a long overnight flight and early start tomorrow.

    After arriving we jumped on the metro for trip into the Dubai Mall to see the fountain show. Opulence and extravagance, think of big brand name and it’s here.

    The people very friendly and helpful, despite very full train I always had a seat. Metro very quick and efficient. Train every few minutes.

    City very clean, noticeably absent was graffiti and unlike Brisbane homeless people. Lots of concrete not much grass. On edge of desert so expected. Interesting thing we noticed was outside the shopping mall huge numbers of men with women conspicuously absent.

    Photo of Burg Khalifa (tallest building)    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Arrived Prague Airport
    Snow everywherePrague Old Town Christmas MarketsChoir making the evening magicalMaking Chimney CakesEating Chimney Cake2

    Prague

    December 4, 2023 in Czech Republic

    A 6 hour flight from Dubai and arrived in Prague. Blanketed in a layer of fluffy snow. Temperature is minus 15, somewhat chilly. Warren has decided a new beanie and maybe another jumper is in order.

    First stop is the old Town Christmas market. Mulled wine, chestnuts, chimney cake and hot chocolate. Now off to dinner.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    1Throwing snow balls
    Apple dessertSnowing selfieAt castle in snowCold jobCathedralColumns and vaulted ceilingA part of large sivler sculptureMagnificent Organ

    Prague to Bratislava (Slovakia)

    December 5, 2023 in Czech Republic ⋅ ☁️ -4 °C

    Today started with an early morning walk that encouraged me to add more layers of clothing. And it was SNOWING. Yay.

    After breakfast, headed to see Prague castle and cathedral. As they say if it is not baroque don’t fix it. Absolutely stunning constructed in the baroque style with vaulted ceiling. Stained glass beautiful.

    Walking with the guide across King Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square to see Astronomical Clock strike twelve.

    Follow with a Goulash and mulled wine to defrost and headed off to Bratislava.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Buda side has castle and palaces
    Holy Mary cathedral. All rebuilt after bombingLion guarding castle - symbol of the royal familyKing Stephen stong, wealthy, good hunterCathedral at marketsBudabest Christmas marketsOne on the seven tribe leaders united Hungaryparliament buildingParliament buildingsStill snowingRoof top view bridges over the DanueStill trying to break cameraFoot prints in the snow2

    Budapest

    December 6, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ 🌧 3 °C

    Still snowing in Budapest. Beautiful old city of two halves. West Bank of the river Danube is called Buda has the castle and palace and hills. More up market than the eastern side of the river which is called Pest (pesht).

    The snow eases and the rain is wickedly cold. We tramped around the castle, down to Elizabeth Bridge and the tunnel. The tunnel was made to protect the bridge. The mechanism is maintained by the ‘keep of the bridge’.

    Christmas market for mulled wine and spicy hotdogs for lunch.

    Dinner was cruise on Danube with folk dancing to complete the evening.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Tracking alongside the lakeTowns dot the lake sideTown squareCathedral repairs from earthquakeWitches PrisonTesla photo for MichaelCroatians always seem to take the wrong sideTown mapRenovating city wallsMacDonalds

    Zagreb, capital of Croatia

    December 7, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ 🌙 4 °C

    Left Budapest for Zagreb, stopped in at Lake Balanten (also known as Hungarian Sea). 600 square kilometres of freshwater and it is the holiday spot for Hungarians. Bitterly cold as the wind whipped up the lake. Small townships dotted the lakeside as we travelled to Zagreb.

     Zagreb, Central Europe, average income $20k euros per year. In a city that has faced many wars and natural disasters. The city is recovering from an earthquake three years ago. Repairs/restoration works undertaken by private owners not the state.

    Zagreb delighted with beautiful blue skies.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    11

    Plitvicka Jezera National Park

    December 8, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    Today we traveled from Zagreb via the Plitvicka National Park. What an absolutely stunning amazing place. A series of connecting natural lakes, ponds and waterfalls. Also resident in the park are bears, wolves, lynx and some very friendly little birds. The paths constructed for visitors are mostly timber and easy to transverse except when covered in ice where they quickly transform into skating rink.

    From the park we traveled to Zedar, Still in Croatia but on the Mediterranean Sea.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Outside Split - something requiring a surrounding wallRoman ruins

    Split

    December 9, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    2nd largest city in Croatia. Old town on the water front is built around on upon Roman ruins. Here operates a large busy port.

    Here on Saturday and the area is full of families enjoying the advent festivities.

    This afternoon we are heading to Neum in Bosnia.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    3

    Zadar

    December 9, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Mediterranean feel to this city on the Adriatic Sea.

    Home to sea organ. The tune is made by the air driven by wave action passing through holes in the sea wall ( see video)

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler

    Dubrovnik

    December 10, 2023 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    The magnitude of this castle and the city wall was astounding. It used to be easy to see why the site was chosen for the Game of Thrones set.

    The walls are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city. The walls were constructed mainly during the 13th–17th centuries. The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 metres in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 mtrs.

    The town sits on the Adriatic plates, which have a tendency to move and the town suffers frequent earthquakes. Rebuilding has occurred but the many of the original buildings remain.

    About 1000 people live in the old town, despite the UNESCO listing (buildings remain unchanged) and the monumental number of stairs they need to climb each day.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler

    Mejugoye

    December 11, 2023 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Apparition (Mother Mary) appeared here October 1981.
    3m pilgrims come to see the site each year. And large masses are held at the church and sacred sites.

    Three of the visionaries have visions everyday others once a year. The visions (secrets) are held by the visionaries until her Lady allows them to be told.

    The visionaries were prosecuted under the Soviet regime.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Trout pensLunch by the streamYou guessed it - its a duckPomegranate juice

    Mostar

    December 11, 2023 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Another stop on our way to Sarajevo. Mosque and trout farm. Trout for lunch accompanied by a couple of ducks begging for bread crumbs.

    Bought a bottle of hand pressed pomegranate juice from man on lside of road. Second hand drink bottle but figure of if I mix with vodka will kill any germs.Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Snow boarding anyoneFoggy smoggy morningCity SkylineSarajevo Rose. Grenade burst ftom civil warCompanions when having lunch in park2 chess players, 20 advisorsEast turks - west EuropeanOrthodox ChurchCatholic ChurchTeslaNot used to seeing bullet holes in buildings

    Sarajevo

    December 12, 2023 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    Sarajevo the most polluted city in Europe. And it is certainly living up to its name this morning. I am pleased my lungs don’t have to live with this. My nose is suffering with the constant smell of burning tyres.

    I am sure it is a beautiful city, have a tour later this morning. Lonely planet says one of the 10 cities worth visiting.

    Hotel is certainly quirky room decorated in industrial sheik. Snow board swings as you walk into the lobby. And the most amazingly painted piano ever.

    Wandered around the old town with a guide and longer without one. Old town architecture very Turkish influence until you cross the east west line then it’s Austria Hungarian. Evidence of civil war very apparent with damaged buildings, bullet holes and Sarajevo roses, grenade bursts.

    All the churches (Catholic, Orthodox, mosque) are within a few meters of each other.

    Tried Bosnian coffee and Turkish tea, coffee will keep us awake till next year but Lyn says the tea was just black tea.

    We had bought local pastries for lunch and sat in a local park. We were watching 2 men play chess with 20 advisors helping. Dropped crumbs in the park means your lunch is shared by many many pigeons.

    Off to Vinkovic in Croatian tonight then Budapest again.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    1

    Pec

    December 13, 2023 in Hungary ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    What seemed to be a pointless way to spend 5 hours. We saw some old buildings. Bought umbrellas. Went on yeti hunt. Ate yummy pizza and huge donuts.
    Now heading to Budapest then Vienna tomorrow. Interesting to think this time next week we will be home.Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    Schonbrunn palace
    Definitely not hot chocolateSupersized apple strudel pretzelPeople powered merry go roundEmpress Maria TaresaVienna decked out for ChristmasSt Stephens CathedralInside St StephensCharles's churchInside Charles ChurchMarket in grounds around Charles Church. Everyone outside enjoying the evening.Fun at market

    Vienna

    December 14, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    First stop Schonbrunn Palace. Stunningly beautiful with gold detailing, super high ceilings, and I have never understood how prestige is defined by the height of the doorways. Not allowed to take pictures of the inside. Christmas markets at the palace selling all sorts of goodies. We indulged in mulled wine, apple strudel pretzel, goulash soup on cob bun and roasted chestnuts (easier to open than macadamias).

    By this time it was getting dark sunset about 4.30pm. We headed into the city to wander around. Magnificent buildings, cathedrals and statues. Couple of Christmas markets were in full swing.

    Then off to a Viennese Waltz Concert. Orchestra played magnificently. Conductor reminded me of Mr Bean with his enthusiasm, expressions and movement.

    Tomorrow off to Germany (Munich) via Hallstatt. Expecting cooler temperatures and maybe if we are lucky some snow.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    21

    Hallstatt

    December 15, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌫 2 °C

    Alpine stopover on way to Munich. Listed as the most beautiful town in the world and is world heritage listed.

    Really is quite lovely though snowing and a bit cloudy today. Took cable car up the mountain to salt mine entrance with great walk in the snow then lunch of goulash soup, apple strudel and mulled wine which was delicious.

    Well worth the stopover. Lovely spot.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    1Mugs at beer hallSeasoned beer drinkerNice beer - novice beer drinkerAppartments impressiveSchoolNot sure how this guy is going to get out. The whole street was similar.Old Town HallNew Town Hall (rebuilt)

    Munich

    December 16, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    Quick overnight in Munich. Arrived after dark and of course first stop the Hofbräuhaus beer hall and a litre of beer. Super Quick Look at markets then back to the bus.

    Munich rebuilt after the war. So old is actually new. Buildings magnificent, even apartment blocks imposing. So different to the Central European apartment blocks of Bosnia and Croatia.Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler
    1
    Snowball fightSnowball delivered

    Mt Titless

    December 16, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C

    And today Switzerland. Drive toward the mountains full of towns and villages. Green grass, blue sky’s.

    Mountain in Switzerland with a cable car to top, 3020 mts.

    It was really a “I’m on the top of the world feeling”. Breeze blowing at the top making it a little chilly.

    The facility included an ice cave, and of course ice cream.    Read more

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler

    Lieser

    December 18, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Final night of tour spent in a castle in the German town of Lieser.

    Castle rather impressive. Town quaint. Reindeer awesome.

    Off to airport in the morning to start the trek home.

  • Lyn and Warren BrownChristmas Markets and BalkansTraveler

    Dubai Airport

    December 19, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    A hotel room is provided by Emirates if the stop over is over 10 hours. So after a few hours sleep on a flat bed we are back at the airport.

    4.4 million people are expected to pass through Dubai airport in the two weeks before Christmas. We are joining the crowd.

    Flight leaves here at 10.25am and arrives in BNE at 6.40am tomorrow, some time difference 14 hour flight. So the current treat is airport breakfast, a lovely gentleman had just bought me a pot of tea and Turkish eggs. So everyone good.    Read more

    Trip end
    December 19, 2023
  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice