September 6, 2017
Ready or not, we are about to depart on another adventure. We can’t wait for time to come back and get us. So we are off to parts of Europe neither of us has ever visited. Thirteen different countries in 45 days. Are you tired already? Starting in the Czech Republic, we will begin our adventure in Prague then travel by road to Krakow, Poland; the High Tatras in Slovakia; and on to Budapest, Hungary; from there fly to Bucharest in Romania; drive through Transylvania to Sofia, Bulgaria; continue driving through Bulgaria to Skopje, Macedonia; visit Pristina in Kosovo; drive through Albania; take a rest (Mark is looking forward to that already) at the Villa Milocer in Montenegro; drive to Mostar and the religious shrine, Medugorje, in Bosnia Herzegovenia; spend 10 days visiting the islands and seaside towns of Croatia; and finish in Bled, Slovenia. Yep, there are 13 countries. I will need this blog myself to remember where we have been and what we have seen and done. I just hope I have time to do both the sight seeing and the blogging. Pray for fast wifi everywhere. This map gives an overview of countries we are visiting. I will also try to include a map of each country as we visit them.
I have already been reminded by a few of you that we are going only to Central Europe and not, as I supposed, to Eastern Europe. But I am not giving up on Eastern Europe. The maps I find on Eastern Europe and Central Europe tend to overlap, although this one, which I picked because it is easy to read, puts all 13 countries in Central Europe. So it is not clear where the line is, if there is one. When I get to Bulgaria and Albania, which do not show up on some Central European maps, I will ask people in what part of the world their country lies. Stay tuned. That will be in mid October.
Today we fly to New York and will spend three nights there so we can do some sightseeing we have missed on previous trips and see a couple of plays. Then we will fly to Prague with a connection through Heathrow. So Here is a map of the Check Republic. We will spend 5 days in Prague and then drive east to Krakow, Poland.
We are about to board our plane. More later. We are off. Julia
Adventures with Julia 
Comments
Šťastnou cestu! How exciting that you will be in Praha for Dvorak’s Prague Festival at the Rudolfinum! Hope you’re planning to go to some of it! http://www.dvorakovapraha.cz/en/ Superstar conductors, soloists and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra playing a wild program to show off the best young players in Europe! (Jean-Yves Thibaudet will also be spectacular playing the Gershwin) Can’t wait to follow you on another whirlwind adventure!
Hi Mieko,
Sorry we did not connect with you before we selected the concerts to see. We have tickets to Bolero at the Spanish Synagogue and a Dvorak performance at the Rudolfinum, but I can’t remember what we will be seeing and hearing. Will tell you later.
Bon Voyage and Happy Trails! I’ll miss my singing partner on the right but can’t wait for the vicarious thrill of reading your blogs! Ta ta…alto Nancy
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Hi Nancy,
Hope you had a joyful summer. It flew by for me. Way too many projects on my plate.
Will miss you the next two months. Let me know how rehearsals go. I will try to slip in when I get home even if I can only sing in rehearsals. Have finally left home and am beginning to relax. Nothing much more I can do. Hugs to you and our singing buddies.
Julia
I did Eastern Europe 2 years ago. Some advice: get small value coins in Each country. They do not accept each other’s or Euros. Reasons for small coins are so you can use a toilet. They charge and don’t budge even though one is hopping around holding themselves. Also,the baths in Budapest are an adventure not to miss. I loved the area you are going to. Enjoy!
ANN
Sent from my iPad
Hi Ann,
Thanks for your advice about change for toilets. Will remember that detail.
I will try to take
in the baths in Budapest, although they are not in our program. Will see what we can do.
Are you and Sherry home from Russia? Did you have a good experience? Do share a bit with us. Use email if you prefer. Hugs to you and Sherry. Julia
Bon Voyage. Looking forward to following your trip. Love , Maria Howard
Thanks for your good wishes. I hope you are well. Did I read something to the contrary in the newsletter?
God bless you and all you do. Hugs, Julia
Have fun.. safe travels!!
Thank you. We are already enjoying our adventure.