Bansko Bulgaria

We have eventually made it to Bulgaria and are currently in the ski resort of Bansko. Two different worlds in one town. New 5 star ski hotels and apartment blocks at one end, old ladies washing rugs in a pit at the other with horse and cart for transport. We get our water from the same trough as the horses, good fresh mountain spring. If it doesn’t kill the horses it should be alright for us. Emptying the van loo has been a bit tuffer around here but where there’s a will and a bold front your in. We thought customs were going to dismantle the van at the boarder crossing, but they only had two screwdrivers in their toolbox and gave up when they couldn’t budge the first screw. Tonight we are putting on the glad rags again and I’m taking Jac to the 5 Star hotel to post the Blog and collect the E-mails, lucky girl. Keep you posted.

Quick note from Jac, Ian's glad rag's were his usual scruff's!! Men.
Hi to Lilly!

Greece

Ian and Belle Vikos Gorge
Originally uploaded by jacqui.jsb.

Spot the Ancient Ruin
Originally uploaded by jacqui.jsb.

What a couple of babes
Originally uploaded by jacqui.jsb.

Needs A Bit Of Work Love
Originally uploaded by jacqui.jsb.

Greek Mobile Home
Originally uploaded by jacqui.jsb.

Happy Father's Day

Sorry we couldnot phone and no we did not forget but you don't get mobile reception in the middle of the Greek mountains. Tried to phone from the top of Mount Olympus but battery went flat :-( Oops. So hope you both had a good day.
Speak soon. J&I x

Mount Olympus Greece 3000m

Yesterday we climbed the mythical mountain of the Gods, Ian said he was the only God I needed. It was the toughest trek of our lives, 6 hours straight up on very steep,rocky, loose paths. We really did not think pooches would be up for this one but no problems there. Another 6 hours back down was agony on the knees. Most people do the trek over two to three days as it's such a slog and stop at the refuges. Having dogs we did not think they were allowed in the refuges so we went for it. We managed to acquire the local stray dog of the mountain, a bit of a BOB!!Tag's onto friendly folk. Usually hangs around one of the refuges. He followed us for 3 hours down the mountain and spent last night asleep by the van. He seems to have the hots for Belle. He was still following us in the van as we headed back down to the main village. Hopefully he gave up and headed back up the mountain.
While in Greece we have been to Athens (awful), Olympia to see the ruins of the Olympic games 750BC, Vikos Gorge and a few days rest on the beach after our Albania escapade. Next we are off to the north to find some quiet beaches and then onto either Turkey or Bulgaria.
Sorry no pictures but technology over here is a bit behind so can't hook up with the laptop.

Durres Albania

We are now in Albania after spending a couple of weeks in Croatia and the last 4 days in Montenegro.The border crossing here was interesting, had to wait while the guards all had their morning brew. Two guards came into the van to marvel at the interior and the push button catches on the doors!! Oh they loved Holl and Belle too. In fact every where we go all these tough looking officials all go soft when they see them.
The roads here are like those in Romancing the Stone, dirt and gravel tracks with more pot holes than roads and these are the main roads. We had one lovely smooth drive on one tarmac road it was a real treat!! We are now heading along the coast road to Greece its about two hundred miles away but will take 8 to 10 hours to do, we hope there will be the odd decent bit of road.

Ian's First Blog

This is your first blogg update from Ian, Jac’s working on her photos tonight so I have hit the town, having a few beers and checking out the talent oops web. After leaving Omis we caught the ferry to the island of Hvar to find more climbing areas. A small fishing village provided a beautiful backdrop to some small crags for Jac and I. Not long climbs, only 8 meters but testing never the less. 40° in the shade and the only bar in the village was not selling drinks yet as it wasn’t summer!!! How hot does it have to get for summer to be declared in Croatia? But, we still had a good time. After parting with Tony and Carol on their wedding anniversary we spent the night again on the dockside waiting for the first ferry off the island next morning. A lovely drive brought us to Dubrovnik and Auto camp Solitude. The solitude didn’t last too long when the Hotel Disco down the road started to blast out YMCA and “Agadoo doo doo push pineapple shake the tree” and then it gets stuck in you head. Last night we joined the culture vultures for a concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and it was fantastic. Hitting the road again tomorrow and heading for Greece, will keep you posted, get it!
Last minute update, I'm sat in a private party with a bunch of journalists flown in from Zagreb to promote T.com. Free booze and food and Jac don't know about it. Anybody who is anybody in Croatia is here including the National Football Coach. Its a hard life