11th
Just my luck, its a nice looking day in Belgrade, yes the day i am leaving. Not to worry. The train trip from Belgrade is not a highlight. The train is old, but comfortable. From Belgrade to the border it is slow going. I guess it must be due to the bad condition of the tracks, as it is one rough ride in parts. We never get above 80kph, most of the time we are lucky to go 50kph. We arrive at the Croatian border and the train stops for passport checks. This takes about 30 minutes and we cross the border only to stop again for another passport check.

Now we are under way with speeds hitting 160kph. The tracks in Croatia are a lot better maintained. The trains pulls into the Zagreb station at 6pm. Its a 2k walk to my accommodation. Its a very nice and new studio built in the back yard of Barbara's parents house. This was booked on airbnb. After meeting Barbara and her father i unpack and head to the supermarket to get some dinner.

12th
With no noise at all last night i thought i would have slept like a baby. Wrong. Dont know what it was but it would have to be the worst sleep so far. Maybe tonight will be better. So after opening the window shutters i am greeted by beautiful blue sky. It might only be minus 1 but it still looks like a great day ahead

So the day is spent strolling both the new and old towns. which i have to say are very clean and beautiful. Zagreb would have to be one of the nicest cities i have visited. Big wide foot paths, lots of green parks, very courteous car drivers and no litter at all. The old town certainly has a nice vibe to it. For lunch i indulge in some street food, a huge chicken, cheese and tomato Calzone, very very good for $3. After its a big slice of apple strudel for 90 cents.
I also like the abundance of toilets everywhere, and they are free and clean. Especially in this cold weather i seem to need them a little more often.

The shops here are packed with people buying stuff, whereas Belgarde ************e in the shops. The food may be cheap but some of the stuff in the department stores is so expensive compared to home. Glad i dont need to buy anything.
My first day in Zagreb has been a wonderful experience.

13th
Another great day, little windy but almost warm with a temperature around 13c. Its back into the city which is really bustling with people. The city is such a nice place to walk around. The new town is very busy with shoppers, and a quick walk up to the old town brings a much quieter environment, a lot less people, cafes and bars full, and lots of beautiful old building and no cars. Its like stepping back in time. One thing i have noticed is happy people everywhere. Must be christmas.

Have to pack up tonight as i am on a bus tomorrow to Plitvice national park. It departs at 10.30 so i do get to sleep in.