Motorhome – Page 4 – Time Travel

Tuesday, 14.05.19, Thessaloniki

18.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 22 for the records. After a very good breakfast we walked to the White Tower where the Hop-on / Hop-off buses would take off. We arrived early, they would only begin in 45 minutes. So we had a coffee nearby. At the payment point we were advised about some “specials”. The second bus would be full with a school class. And every hour the round trip would take longer and longer because of road maintenance in town. We said thank you, but thank you and started the tour on foot.

Soon we reached the Archeological Museum and bought the ticket and had another visit to the past. Next we found Agia Sophia, the first of two orthodox Churches. The second was also nearby. From there up the hill to the castle. Before we reached it, we had another coffee at a terrasse overlooking almost all of Thessaloniki.

**Archaeological Museum with fine artifacts**

Strolling around the city and up the hill to the top.

On the way back we found a great restaurant with healthy salads. Leisurely we reached the hotel, collected our bags and maneuvered the motorhome out of its trap in the parking. As the “manager” of the place, who was clearly a choleric, started to shout at me he got a mouthful from myself and restrained his anger.

We drove southwards to the first finger of Chalkidiki for a camping ground and found a decent one with a spot on the beachfront again. After a stroll at the beach and drinks in a nearby hotel we had dinner at home.

Monday, 13.5.19, Camping Armenistis – Thessaloniki

18.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 21 for the records. As my trip around Eastern Europe would last more than a month, Ingrid planned to come to Thessaloniki and accompany me for about a week until Dubrovnik. On that Monday morning the weather was again rather dizzy and humid. I had breakfast at home and left the camping ground at 11:00 a.m. I arrived at Makedonia Airport Thessaloniki at 13:30 about when Ingrid’s flight left in Vienna and had my C+C in a coffee shop on a terrasse.

As next day was Ingrid’s birthday I booked a hotel in town. To find parking was a little effort and a short discussion with the runner of the place. A directed me into his last corner close to the fence. I accepted gladly. Alternatives were scarce. Cost me 15 Euro for 24 h.

The hotel was a good choice. We could walk to the Aristoteles Square and back easily and had quite a good dinner back close to our place.

Sunday, 12.05.19, Kavala – Chalkidiki, Armenistis Camping

17.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 20 for the records. Early rise, walk to the little harbour, photo shoot. Change to swimming costume, make a short dive and be very relaxed and happy. Took more photos, found a dead squid on the small shore. Like the crab in Vana Veche it must have seized only a short while ago. It looked like sleeping. I tried to help it back into the water, but in vein. After the morning ritual I went back to the same Cafe for a little breakfast. As they had not croissants I had to settle with ham and cheese toast. I also took the salted chips. Do not know why.

I left with fond memories again and on today’s stretch I had many up and downs. Not emotionally but geographically. I must have conquered about 10 to 15 mountain passes. Ok, not higher than 300m altitude, but it sums up. On top of one of the higher ones ws a parking spot with a view over the Agaian See. Spoke to a pensioner couple from Nurnberg also driving with a motorhome. In total I had seen so few companions.

Beach pantomime in the morning.
**

ooo

Some publishing, a lift for a local woman and a chat with a neighbor.

As my target I had chosen the middle of the 3 peninsulas of Chalkidiki. I thought I can circumvent this semi-Island but underestimated the road profile. In mid afternoon I stopped already on the eastern sid at the Armenistis Camping ground. Hidden away from the road I found my spot directly at the beach front across Athos, the Holy Mountain. The lady at reception was very friendly and helpful. She will travel to Scotland in September, when they close the business for the winter period.

Saturday, 11.05.19, Istanbul – Kavala, Greece

15.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 19 for the records. Early start at 07:15 a.m. with minimum traffic in my area of driving. Reached the same hanging bridge as I came in and felt the departure from Asia to Europe in a special way. Smooth sailing until the first stop at a Cafe attached to a fuel station. A fine gentlemen served me turkish coffee and I bought additional biscuits. As a gift he served me a cup of tea before I left.

I was hoping to have my next stop in the town of Alexandroupolis, but they had a festival using the beach road. Additionally all roads in town were blocked, I could not find alternative parking. Tough luck, I left. Unfortunately I had drastic coffee withdrawal symptoms but I did not stop at any of the fuel stations on the way, because they just did not look good. Saw the sign to a hotel, turned right and was then the only guest in their coffee shop with a charming turkish lady having grown up in Russia as my host.

Carried on then to Kavala, a town I never heard of and was therefore not on my radar. But we adjust to circumstances quickly and I had no regrets. It did not open to me easily. I should have used a detour because of a road maintenance. The detour was very narrow and therefore unacceptable. After turning around and back to where I came from I saw on the right hand side lower down a romantic fishing boat harbor and some restaurants alongside. This was my spot. For the parking I had to turn around once more, but then all was good. Needless to say I found my Cafe with Wifi in walking distance. When I entered 4 young ladies looked at me as if I was George Clooney. At least I had the impression…

Friday, 10.05.19, Istanbul

14.05.201926.11.2020Franz Hartinger

Day 18 for the records. As it rained a little in the morning I went to nearby Starbucks for C+C and had an interesting chat with the (male) waiter. When the rain subsided I took the bike and cycled to the ferry terminal. Took me about 45 min. I found a hidden spot behind a restaurant to lock it away and went through the same procedure as yesterday with the Istanbul card for the ferry, etc. Because of the uncertain weather I used the tram and went straight for the Archeological Museum and had a great time. And also with the tram to the foot of the hill where Galata Kasei, the dominating tower stands. Found a snack and coffee terrasse before the ascent and upgraded my energy levels.

Some 20 min queuing for the tower, but then the view above Istanbul was magical, of course. Had a coffee also after that visit, went down the hill, walked over the bridge, found the ferry, crossed the Bosporus the 5th time (of in total 6), found the bike and cycled back to the east to my motorhome.

Found the helpful hotel receptionist in her late shift, had a short chat and sat down in their coffee area and worked with their Wifi. Another day with tons of beautiful impressions came to a quiet finish.

Thursday, 09.05.19, Bachkovo to Istanbul

14.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 17 for the records. Back a short stretch on the same top highway towards Burgas but turning right soon to southeast towards Turkey. Actually passing a 3 country corner Bulgaria – Greece – Turkey.

Border procedures into Turkey cost me a Visa for 25 Euros which was obtained quickly. The reward was that the Diesel price was 20% less than in Bulgaria. I filled at the border. My original plan was to stop rather far outside Istanbul and travel to the city by train or bus. But I became brave and found a camping site on the eastern side of the Bosporus and drove there on the city highway. Crossing the Bosporus on this impressive hanging bridge was exciting. Not the least because I took pics and videos and was one hand driving…. Ups. The nasty surprise was that the Camping Site Google suggested did not exist. And you guess what followed. Very tricky maneuvers to get out of trouble of VERY busy and VERY narrow roads. Found parking lot nearby for 36 Lira per day = 5 Euro / day. Nearby hotel receptionist gave me all the advice and recommendations I needed to find my way around and changed my Euros to Lira without commission.

Took group taxi to the ferry terminal, asked a lady how the payment for the ferry works. She went to the kiosk with me and ordered an Istanbul card for me. It can be loaded with cash at machines all around the city and is used for public transport. It cost me 17 Lira, about 2,5 Euro and would pay for the ferry there and back and for the tram around the mosques.

I could not believe the recommendations of the receptionist would work out so easily and I would be sight seeing in mid afternoon in the center of Istanbul. On the ferry I took the upper deck and enjoyed crossing the Bosporus again towards Europe and took the shots. I also spoke to young lady who came down from Edirne near Bulgaria, which I passed on the highway. Her English was limited. I also watched a group of what must have been Scandinavians. They were obviously touring Istanbul as well.

In the hotel I received also a map and I knew where I was, but not the individual buildings. So I followed the Scandinavians and also took the tram. Good choice, they knew their way around better and after 10 minutes we arrived at the Blue Mosque. Here I lost them and followed my guess and the crowds and found Hagia Sophia, the Obelisk, another mosque and finally the closing Grand Bazaar. At Hagia Sophia an beautiful young Russian lady asked me to take a photo of her. I did it with pleasure.
On the way back I was very hungry and stopped at a bar style self service arrangement, because another lady who just left, sad in passing by “it is really good food”. As it also looked good in the display I did it and had great noodles, rice and yogurt salad. And all for 12 Lira, another 2, Euro. Back to the ferry and crossing back in charming twilight. To find the right group taxi took about 10 minutes and another young lady next to me helped me to tell the driver where I wanted to get off. It worked not so well, I was dropped 2 km before my destination. Good digestive walk “home” at 10 p.m. along the shores. No problem whatsoever.

Wednesday, 08.05.19, Sozopol to Plovdiv and to Bachkovo monastery.

12.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 16 for the records. Soon after Burgas started a top highway to Plovdiv and I made the usual coffee break at ÖMV again.
To find parking in Plovdiv was very hard work. Negotiating very narrow roads and circling around until suddenly a big lot was there near old town. Also very reasonable prices. Yes, I took the bike and started a pleasant tour around. Some steep stretches with ROUGH cobblestone surface were a little challenging. First I found the remains of a Roman Theatre above town. Stunning.

As I missed the Archeological Museum in Varna I visited the one in Plovdiv. No regrets, wonderful artefacts from centuries B.C. Old Town was not too big, took it easy back to the car and left for Bachkovo. In the next town of Asenovgrad Garmin lost me, sent me into narrow roads and I had to reset it to come on track again.

The last 5 km lead through a narrow and picturesque gorge with wild waters alongside the road. Cobblestone surface the last 500 m through all the stalls with the usual tourist articles. Parking for 24 h cost me 6 Lewa, 3 Euro.

What a jewel of a monastery at the end of the world. Enjoyed every minute walking around and shooting the pics. Spoke to two French ladies from Paris, because the one had crutches and could not put the one foot to the ground.

As mine was the only car on the parking lot, I had a wonderful silent night.

Tuesday, 07.05.16, Nessebar – Ropotamo – Sozopol

12.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 15 for the records. Left Nessebar rather early and stopped later at ÖMV fuel station for coffee and croissant. Spoke to young lady who sold tobacco heating systems which take out (thousands of) poisonous ingredients from cigarettes. Makes her boyfriend cough much less. She does not smoke. Cost 90 Lewa = 45 Euro. So cheap for good health…

Selling smiling healthier smoking

Drive towards Sozopol but pass it on the side to the Ropotamo National Park which I found in Marco Polo. It was a bit tricky with Garmin and Google to find the right entrance but once in it was one of the best ideas where to go. Drove on a very small and bumpy road into the forest only to find a closed barrier deep inside. To turn around was a peace of art and I stopped the motorhome just there. Took the mountain bike and started my excursion into the unknown. What an unexpected adventure and surprises all along my way.

Later then to Sozopol. To find parking did not take too long, it was the harbor’s parking ground and was cheap again. Took the bike again and cycled around for about one hour and then first sat in a posh hotel with Wifi, later again in a Greek restaurant with a view to the sea and the other side of town. What a blessing in the sky. After my return to the parking spoke my neighbor motor home user, a young lady from Sofia who visited her father.

Monday, 06.05.19, Vana Veche to Varna to Nessebar.

07.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 13 for the records. I had a very early prayer walk along the beach and was blessed with a light show which could have been a present from God. Made me very humble and grateful for my eventful and safe journey so far.
Crossed the border soon and found a man helping newcomers to by the road tax from a machine. Changed Lei to Lewa. Drove to Varna and stopped at the harbour first for coffee and cake. Found a great restaurant with a view.
Drove up to town and found parking near the Archeological Museum which was as small miracle. Only to find the museum as all other public places of interest closed because of another public holiday. A little sad but I decided to make the best of it and still cycle around the city. Was not in vain.

Mystical morning at the beach of the Black Sea:

Next comes Varna.

First stop at Harbor restaurant Nemo, fine dining with a view.

Archaeological Museum and Roman Bath closed. Such a pity..

Moved on to Nessebar which is on a peninsular connected only via a small dam.

Another spot with a view for about 4 Euro per night.

” I am the light, the truth and eternal life”

Sunday, 05.05.19, Lake Murighiol – Vana Veche

07.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 13 for the records. The boat trip started at 07:00 a.m. and we were 5 people. My neighbours, a German couple from near Stuttgart and a Dutch couple.
Short trip with the car to the landing and off we go. Chilly this morning, we all had jackets and hats, only the German guy forgot his hat and suffered in the cold wind when the boat sped.

It is needless to say, that in this case as in so many others, reality exceeded imagination by miles and miles. The Delta is so vast, sometimes with secretive narrow channels, sometimes with wide lakes, with glass clear water, with an enormous complex vegetation and a birdlife reminding of the time of creation.

The photos shown are painful selection of so many other.

After the boat trip we returned to the camping ground and I left soon to the south towards the border to Bulgaria and had Mamaia in mind for the first stop.

Later found a beach in Vana Veche, last village before the border. Was a bit too optimistic what a motor-home can do in the sand.

Safer spot around the corner. Again with a view.

Saturday, 04.05.19, Tulcea – Murighiol

05.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 12 for the records. Had a short night because went to bed late after posting and working in the nearby Cocktail Bar. And because the early morning party freaks leaving that Bar woke me up at about 04h30. Went for a stroll about 6 a.m. and found a peaceful harbour promenade with a picturesque sun rise.

Early woken up by party finishers, motor-home was shaken a couple of times, ups. But rewarded with a first class sunrise.

After that relaxed stroll I headed for Murighol further into the Delta. It took about 40 km on a country road.
As there was no boat trip from the camp site anymore today, I cycled towards the harbor but could not find any organizers. So I explored the neighboring fields and channels and found my first pelicans!

Friday, 03.05.19, Bucharest – Tulcea

05.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 11 for the records. Cosmin and Marco Polo warned me of the rather aggressive traffic in Bucharest. But my plans to reach the city center with the most points of interest evolved like this:
Walk to the nearest stop of the hop on – hop off buses. But they start only after 10 am.
Cycle to that. Hmmm
Cycle to the main boulevard and see what happens. Great choice.
Nothing special happened with the traffic and I cycled safely all morning.

Well kept parks and gardens all around the city

Bucharest was a busy place but much better organized than I had imagined. Plenty of impressive buildings and squares, restaurants and cafes, parks and churches.
Time to move on and head for one of the main targets of the journey:
The Delta of the mighty river Danube.

FIRST VIEW TO THE BEGINNING OF THE DELTA OF THE DANUBE

TULCEA is not a really posh place, but it is the gateway to the Delta of the Danube.
Stayed here overnight.

Thursday, 02.05.19, Ramnicu Valcea – Bucharest

05.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 10 for the records. Breakfast at Cosmin’s parents and small talk as good as possible. His father guided me to a free parking ground and then drove me to the area where Cosmin wanted to meet me for coffee.
Intense conversation about the world and God. About the truth and money. We found completely common ground, that Jesus is Lord and this makes even sense from a logical point of view.

Cosmin’s parents, so kind and hospitable.

Left for Bucharest about lunch time and had the welcome tailwind.
Found the planned Restaurant Parking area, but looked for a supermarket parking lot nearer to the city center. Google Maps guided me through increasing traffic safely to a Penny Market. Found a spot near a side wall, went for some little shopping, was not noted and stayed there all night (again).

Not much more to say about this day, I left only at lunch time and after arrival went shopping, asked a young lady for a coffee with Wifi. She offered to guide me to it, it was literally around the corner. She did not have time to have a coffee, unfortunately.
But I had time to organise photos, do some posting and enjoy myself.

I say quite a challenge how to sightsee in that busy place. But tomorrow will be another day.

Wednesday, 01.05.19, Sinaia – Curtea Arges – Ramnicu Valcea

02.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Relaxed morning at Penny’s parking and at about 8:00 I left for the short stretch to Peles Castle. They should open at 09:15. Maybe I can walk around before that and even find a C+C somewhere nearby.
Parking cost me 30 Lei / 7 Euros despite attempt to negotiate. It was really cold with 6 dgr C and humid. But the walk up from the parking to the castle was warming me up a bit and really a pleasant exercise.
I found some stalls in preparation for the public holiday and a dominating restaurant across the even more dominating castle. I tried my luck and went in and found some seven ladies chatting around a large desk. Can I have a coffee, please?
I caused some amusement, they all smiled at me and one jumped up and said, of course. Anything else? Yes, a croissant if you have. Of course….

Peles Castle in the morning from the road leading up to it.

As on the 1st of May they only opened the ticket shop at 10:15 and I heard a guide saying that the tour through the interior is only very short I gave it a miss. Strolled around a bit longer and back to the car.

The next target was now Curtea Arges. Took directions from Garmin which I had already checked the day before. Led to a long and winding very hilly road, but the alternative was about 1 1/2 hours longer. As the next fuel station was not at the corner of the turn off I had to turn around for one on the previous main road. Only then to seed that Garmin found now out that the main road is only 5 minutes longer. Filled diesel a bit later and had an ok passage.

Only rather rarely you see this traditional way of transport on the main roads.

From Arges I drove to Ramnicu Valcea to meet Cosmin, a friend of Sara whom she met in Brazil and is still in touch with him. The route led across a hill with a road in an unspeakable bad condition. Not only potholes but sunken “basins” on the side demanded superior driving skills, which I possess, of course… 🙂

We met where he pointed me, he then guided me to his parent’s house where I was invited to stay over. But before they fed me like a king. As the Easter weekend was just over, there were leftovers just welcome for that occasion of an surprise visitor.
Very grateful to meet some locals after all and to be able to ask about God and country.

Tuesday, 30.04.19, Sighișoara – Brasov (Kronstadt) – Sinaia

02.05.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 8 for the records. Smooth ride to Brasov, after a short search found parking near historic center. Light but stubborn rain. But there were meters which only took coins, no cards. Did not have any Lei yet. Asked in the hotel lobby. No currency exchange. Pointed me to up the road. Hoped not to get a ticket in the meantime, found ING DIBA Bank, but only ATM. So drew money in local currency, 200 Lei, cost me 45,2 Euro. Asked in the hotel lobby again, but even no till, no cash, no splitting of the 10 Lei note. Funny enough, the money collectors from the parking meters came just then and changed the note for me. As in Timisoara I walked slowly in the rain to town enjoying low level of actions all around.

The town hall is in the center of the square, quite unusual they say..

This where the battle for coins happened in the morning.
Of course the rain had subsided when I finished my tour.

My aim was actually to go now to Sinaia for Peles Castle and then carry on to Curtea Arges for the Monastery with the King’s tombs.
Other then I was caught in (Orthodox) Easter traffic and at some stage did 20 km in 2 hours. That just led me to Saina where I was welcomed with a hefty thunderstorm. Luckily I found a spot at a Penny parking lot and could relax and even have my home cooked supper. There was no thinking of visiting the castle that afternoon any more.

Later I had the desire to still find a coffee shop with Wifi to do some postings. For that I drove to town which was up about 50 m higher and crowded with Easter holidaymakers and their cars. At the end of the main road I turned right even further up in a steep and winding road. What do you do here Hartinger was a valid question! Only to find a negative one way street ending in a bend I just accessed. I turned around and parked there reversing into the space. A few steps further were the stairs leading back to the main road and across the road was the coffee shop with Wifi and excellent products and very friendly staff.

When I finished my postings I returned back to the Penny ground and had a peaceful nights rest.

Monday, 29.04.19, Hermannstadt, Biertan, Schässburg

30.04.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 7 for the records. Had a quiet night at the parking lot and did not bother for a breakfast at home but speculated with the usual a bit later. To start the cycling there is a procedure: unlock the wire lock, unlock the rack fasteners, lift down the bike, loosen the handlebar bolts, turn the handlebar 90 degrees, tighten the bolts, put lock and key into bar-bag, mount speedometer, mount head- and tail-light. In reverse when I come back. So it is a very important decision whether you go for the bike or go for a walk.
Here in Hermannstadt I went for the bike, which was perfect.
As most of the time I did not look into a map, followed my nose, the crowd and my instinct and found enough points of interest.

Main square with town hall which looks like a church, they say.

The “Lie-Bridge”. When a liar crosses over, the bridge will collapse, the legend says. Imagine….

Again I attended the service in the Orthodox Church for a short while enjoying the singing (from the others) and the relaxed spirit. Cannot remember being in Church so frequently. Why there are so well visited services is because it is the Orthodox Easter Weekend.

One of seven defense towers and the city wall on the right. The Siebenbürger came from Germany and knew how to organize life and protect their place.

Although I had my relaxed coffee time I finished my excursion in about two hours. So I found it was time to move on. I had studied my Marco Polo in the morning and found a recommended “adventure tour” to the north towards Schässburg. I followed it step by step on this friendly sunny day.

The whole area is famous amongst other things for their fortified churches. This one is in Schechen. As typical for the Germans, int times of trouble these fortresses could shelter all the villagers including life stock. Climbed up a shortcut through the bushes.

Birtan, surely the best kept fortress of all. What a presence. Another one, top right.

I reached Schässburg about 16h and hoped for a parking near the historic city. Turned to Penny parking lot and started on foot. 500 m later was the staircase to the hill.

Now in Schässburg (Sighisoara). View from the hill of the historic city.

The lovely main square with outside tables and chairs to dine and wine is posh.

Looking at all the stops and paces I had an unbelievable day of beauty. Needless to say I walked 10.000 steps plus, no bike after Hermannstadt at all. Remember the procedure. Another gift from the heavens was finally a camping ground in town. In the planning with Google Maps I found only one out of town in a hotel garden.
This time Garmin made its point and directed me to Aquaris Hotel and Camping.
Could even maintain my motorhome for water and sanitation.

Sunday, 28.04.19, Belgrad – Timisoara – Hermannstadt

29.04.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 5 for the records. Early start about half past six. Easy going out of the city of Belgrade. Fill up the tank and get the daily cappuccino with croissant before the border to Romania. Border procedures relaxed, a very attractive lady on the Romanian side. She advised me that I can drive until Timisoara and only then by the road tax. So I did. The guy at the fuel station was kind. Instead of forcing me to by for 30 days, offered me 2X7 days. First surprise. Was more work and less income for him. Looking for parking there was quick. I asked at a another fuel station near the city center and they said I could even stay overnight. Second surprise. On the bike with pullover and wind breaker, it was chilly and windy.

Another Orthodox Church with broadcasting the service to the outside via speakers. The priests and the choir sing alternating and that very beautiful and I for myself and some others were pulled towards the entrance. As I described from Belgrade, movements, coming and going was accepted throughout the mess.

By following my nose I found this elegant river parade with restaurants all along.

Some of the many flower arrangements along my short cycling tour around town.

In Chinatown in San Francisco they have their red balloons. Here in Timisoara they are more pragmatic, but not less colorful.

The big main square with other historic buildings and my fitness and transport aid mountain bike.

As Timisoara was not as large as I thought I decided to drive on to Hermannstadt, Sibiu in Romanian. The weather was cold and wet anyway and gusty winds as usual. But this time I had strong tailwind which was welcome for the mileage of my vehicle.

Here the small village of Sibiel. On arrival I forgot why I planned to visit that place. Walked around, enjoyed my time, found no hint. Left soon for Hermannstadt. After about 20 minutes I remembered: they host a famous collection of Ikonen. But they had closed when I arrived anyway. Getting old slowly…
Parking in Hermannstadt (Sibiu). After a short circle around the center I found this public parking lot for 2 Lei/hour (= 0,25 E/hour) for max. 24 hours. In perfect walking distance to the historic city.

I must mention this. I cannot count any more the number of little prayers for little things like parking, a reasonable coffee shop with Wifi, a currency exchange and so on. It makes me very grateful that God is watching over me.

Saturday, 27.04.19, Belgrade, P II

27.04.201926.11.2020Franz Hartinger

After posting from the Cafe a few more shots afterwards. The Dome of Holy Sava has escaped me until then. As it is probably the most visited place in Belgrade, it would have be a shame to miss it.

Some of the nuns who visited held their hand in front of their mouth, surley in awe, but maybe also asking how much help for the poor could have been provided…

At the end of the day I had cycled some 38 km, 50 % of it quite up and down, but never steep. At the camping ground I quickly reparked my motorhome to a spot where the Wifi is strong enough to do some posting. What a smart move, one hour later the yard was full again.

Saturday, 27.04.19, Belgrade, P1

27.04.201926.11.2020Franz Hartinger

Day 5 for the records. Took my bike and rode to town. Found another Castle and although riding at least one circle, found some or most of the places of interest. As so many big cities, also Belgrade has many faces. From posh to poor and neglected. I followed partly my offline map and partly my nose and had a great day so far.

As the rain caught me about 01h00 when I anyway looked for a coffee place, I was forced to stop at one near the merger of the river Sava with the Danube. And they have Wifi on top of it where I managed to catch with up some postings. My guardian angel seems to be a great tour guide as well…

Overview of the merging rivers Sava and Danube

The classic from southern side of river Soave

The service was in full progress, actually the holy supper was celebrated and the bread and wine was offered, still the people moved around all the time also with visitors like me coming and going. It felt a very peaceful place to me. A source of strength.

Friday, 26.04.19, Budapest, Novi Sad, Belgrade

27.04.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Day 4 for the records. Looking at a large scale map yesterday I wondered whether I had chosen the most sensible route at all. To cut it short, I decided to change: instead of going to Timisoara in Romania I headed south to Novi Sad and Belgrade. The latter I had in mind on the way back from Skopje and turn off to the Madura Caves in Romania
I had to sacrifice the caves, but the total distance was reduced by almost 1.000 km. Timisoara would come then on Sunday, 28.04.19 and not further changes until Thessaloniki.

Caste Novi Sad with my faithful companion

Street parking. Asked another cyclist for the parking arrangements. There was a board with a mobile phone number. He said it is a Public Holiday, actually Easter Weekend for the Orthodox Church. The parking is free then. He also explained a short history of Novi Sad with Queen Maria Theresia awarding the town rights to them.
Took me some circles in town until I found my way back.

It was not the day of successful navigation at all. Near Belgrade I ended up in this rural area following my Garmin with correctly spelled address, but it was one of more of the same. This gentlemen, obviously a keen cyclist as myself, followed me because he guessed my misery. In his mother tongue Serbian he explained to me, I must go back to town. Cost me about 20 km over all and one hour.

Not the most romantic camping ground, but very well located and very friendly welcome and fellow travelers.
Good end, all well…

Thursday, 25.04.19, Budapest

27.04.201926.11.2020Franz Hartinger

Day 3 for the records. Took the map with the hop-on-hop-off bus tours which I received from the camping reception and it was very useful. I drafted a route from the outer skirts to the inner. Took my bike and went off and must say, it went very well.

Already yesterday Budapest exceeded my imagination by far, today would only confirm that.

Burg Vajdahunyad and City Park

Dome St. Stephan’s

Main Synagoge

Castle and Parliament

Wednesday, 24.04.19, Bratislava to Budapest.

24.04.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

Good morning in Bratislava, shopping and another round through town with the bike. Weather much better than yesterday. Found government’s palace at time for changing of the guards. Exactly two soldiers were commanded by one officer for the change.

What a difference the sun makes… also in Bratislava.

Government’s palace and “Changing of the Guards”.

Departure towards Budapest at about noon, again gusty south easterly winds, arrival about 16:00 at the camping site after heavy stop and go traffic in the city. After check-in on the bike again up to Fisherman’s Bastion with that great view over Budapest. On the way back quickly to the nearby Castle. Looking forward to tomorrow’s discovery ride.

First impressions from Budapest, palaces and bridges, two melted towns.
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Fisherman’s Bastion
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The view of a life time from Fisherman’s Bastion

Haller Camping in the city center ideal for all excursions.

Tuesday, 23.04.19, Haag – Bratislava

23.04.201918.01.2021Franz Hartinger

After a relaxed morning and breakfast with Ingrid I left at 08:00 a.m. as planned. Last additions to the equipment e.g., warm rain jacket and hat proved immensely valuable later the day. Quickly draw some cash in town and then join the highway direction east to Bratislava via Vienna. Strong and gusty south easterly winds called for maximum attention. Quick stop in Steinhäusl for coffee and croissant. Payed 10 € toll at the border and reached Bratislava around 11:30. Finding parking proved challenging as Garmin found only park garages. But after about one hour I found my spot quite hidden near a restaurant and near the big bridge. Take the bike and jacket and hut and ride to the castle and the historic city center. All in light drizzle. Only at about 15:00 rain became a little more.

First relaxed view of the Danube and the Castle
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Took the pictures, had another coffee and croissant (c+c) at Mackies and headed for my motor home. Asked the restaurant manager if I can stay over night. He directed me to a camping ground which Garmin did not know. On the way to it after 5 minutes I saw some other motor homes among other cars on a parking ground near the river Danube. One spot under a tree was left open for me. As outside temp is around 11 dgr. C, I activated my central heating. Had to switch to gas bottle 2. All in all you have to make the best of it.

April – Mai 2019 Eastern Europe

18.04.201926.11.2020Franz Hartinger

Trip map and main destination:

The idea to visit the Delta of the Danube came watching a TV documentation called “Universe” about the area a couple of years ago. Similar to many dreams it took some time to make it happen. And once you travel that far, it makes sense to me not to come back the same way, that would be a sin, but find a circular path.

My route planning tries to accomplish that circle. Google Maps indicates for this about 5.900 km, but the sum of the detailed plan is about 7,100 km and about 37 days.

Summary:

I visited 14 countries in 33 days and traveled about 6.700 km.
One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain:
“We travel to compare our imagination to reality.”
Realty surpassed my imagination regularly all the time and the beauty of countries, landscapes, cities and foremost of the people I met was just overwhelming. I always ask God to upgrade my support with 3 additional guardian angels (to have one on each side of me) and I am so grateful that the only incidence was a broken bulb in Croatia. And yes, a stolen Mountain Bike in Kosovo, which is bearable.