From Sofia 2 Zagreb 12.12.12

I left the hotel yesterday in Sofia and started my 11 hour drive to Zagreb Croatia. The trip for the 1st 300 miles was through Bulgaria about 50 miles and then through Serbia 250 miles. Then another 160 miles to Zagreb. I drove through heavy snow fall, bad roads not cleared, narrow roads, mountain roads, anf at night through Croatia snow and fog spots. I had problems with customs in Serbia as I did when I came into the country last week. They kept me detained for about half an hour at the border crossing trying to play the tough guy game; I have been told by my colleagues in Sofia that the Serbs do not like Americans or British. They are a cold people and are at zero level for friendliness, at least to anyone speaking English. I never want to go back to Serbia again, for any reason. Full stop, case closed. I found the Hungarians, Romanians, and Bulgarians, quite friendly and helpful. However, the Serbs suck. I was ill treated there. I can't wait to meet some Serb in NY so I can give them some of their own medicine, and I'm not usually that way. But I will make an exception in this case. Whilst here in Zagreb, I find the Croatians to be very friendly and happy people, the city of Zagreb was a beautiful and welcomed surprise last night when I arrived, full of holiday cheer and light all over. Tonight I will take many more photos of the season activities here. 

One more thing, I had trouble finding my hotel because the GPS kept wanting me to go down an street closed for the Xmas Village huts. There are many trams here or trollies and they meander all throughout the city. I got lost and ended up driving down some tram tracks that cars are no allowed to travel on. I was stopped by local police and given a lecture then let go. Jsut a short time later I went down those same tracks only to be met by the same police officer, that just shook his head and waved me on. He said please sir, no more times and I hope you find your hotel, for it is just two left turns and a right and you are there at their car park. Just ring the buzzer and someone will open the gate for you to park. OK, I thanked him and did same. but why didn't he tell me that the first time. LOL

 My lighted bath tub in the Sofia hotel

 Dawn in Sofia and I'm gettin' outa Dodge

 This delayed me for half an hour.

 Coming into Serbia, UGH!

 Now I'm in Croatia heading for Zagreb

 On the outskirts of Zagreb's city centre

 My room at Hotel Dubrovnik, Zagreb

 Looking out me hotel window

 This band was doin' all Rolling Stones tunes, quite good actually.

 The city centre tram trakcs where you are not allowed to drive on and I did more than once, no wonder people were looking at me and laughing. LOL

More photos later today, Thursday 13.12.12

David