After deciding to go separate ways for a little while, Tyler and I split. He went to Switzerland (which will be posted) and I went to Vienna (Austria), Zagreb and Split (Croatia). The train to Vienna was interesting indeed. Not needing a reservation for the trains, I entered what looked like a friend cabin. A cool New Yorker joined me and after a few minutes of conversation we were joined by the smellest, loud, dirtiest, middle aged Czech men. We quickly decided it would be in our best interest to sit in the dining car for the remainder of the trip, which turned out to be a really pleasent idea. Arriving in Vienna there was a sense of comfort and home. The city felt like a large Boston mixed with more culture and bigger museums. My couchsurfer met me at the station and we spend the night bonding and doing laundry. :) I love clean clothes. After a day of exploring the city, we meet up with other Vienna surfers to enjoy a photo exhibition, my first shnitzle and a drink. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. It was interesting to see 12 people all from different countries speaking English because it was the only language that united us. The following day one of the girls took me to an all you can eat Pakistani buffet that you pay whatever you want. Amazing! I'll spare you an everyday play by play, but in all I could see Vienna being an amazing place to live. They have great music, amazing food, exotic culture, and friendly people. It was truely a cross roads of worlds.
Continuing after 4 days in Vienna, I headed to Zagreb, Croatia's capital. Unlike Vienna, you can tell that Zagreb has been through hard times. Most people over the age of 25 do not speak English, although most of them seem to understand it. My couchsurfing host proved to be a great friend and translator, taking me around to all the local and tourist spots. He was even kind enough to take me out with his friends to some amazing bars. For lunch, my surfer took me to their University's caffeteria, which was like a flash back to the high school lunch line. The food was actually pretty good and it only cost $1.50 (can't beat the exchange rate). After 4 days of buying too much at the extremely large farmers market and craft market it was time to take the bus to Split, a southern city located on the Adriatic Sea. The atmostphere completely changed. The city is based around and fort built in 305a.d. and has continue to expand. The weather has been perfect and boats, bars, beaches truely make this city fun and beautiful. The first night here I instigated the entire hostel (of 18 people) to go for a night swim in the Adriatic. Today, myself and 2 Aussies jumped off the 4 story brick fort into the ocean. It has been a truely exhilerating experience.
PS. forgive my spelling and errors... there is no checker on this site.
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What an exciting time. I'm so envious. Can't wait to see the photos.
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