For our 43rd Wedding Anniversary we thought we would cross the border into our neighbour Croatia. Good to be able to visit another country by train instead of air! Boarded at Pragersko near us, then changed trains at Zidani Most junction. Caught the "Alpine Pearls" train which travels from Vienna, through Austria into Slovenia at Jesenice, then on to Ljubljana then Zidani Most and to the border station at Dobova. Although Croatia joined the EU on Monday, the passport controls still apply as they are not yet within the Shengen area. Passports were first checked by Slovene authorities, then immediately afterwards by Croatian officials. All without moving from our seats! (Reminded us of the time we crossed from Ontario to Michigan on the "International" when travelling from Toronto to Flint, MI) After the delays of passport control we headed into Croatia, now with a HŽ electric locomotive up front. On arrival in Zagreb, the train continues on to Belgrade, Serbia, so quite a long run and why the train included sleeping cars! After coffee and a chat with some local girls, we explored the city which has some lovely buildings and churches and a superb central park area with fountains. Then headed for a cafe for lunch and beer where we chatted to a group of Americans who were touring Europe (and loving it). Afterwards took a look around a medieval themed craft market. Then took a funicular to upper town (saves the legs). It was an extremely hot day, so we kept in the shade as much as possible and just had to drink more cold beer! On return to the station a few shots of trains were obtained Then the ride home with the passport checks again and the ride home on familiar territory. Some sample pics added, all are on the link below. http://www.flickr.com/photos/andersley_images/sets/72157634520510763/
Alan , drinking beer at your age ... AWESOME dude !!! I got some ammo cases that was made in Croatia ... er , maybe Serbia or was it Slovenia and maybe traveled here by train ....Nice fotos of the trains , is the steamer operable ? Congrats to you and yours anniversary !!!
Steam loco is not operable but just plinthed. There are many at stations in Slovenia and the rest of former Yugoslavia Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using tapatalk 4 beta
Alan, it's wonderful that you and "Mrs. Alan" are able, and can travel all over Hell's Half-Acre. I really envy you two having such a well-supported rail network. Sometimes we Colonials do NOT have a better idea. Oh Well.
Thanks for the report, Alan. Interesting 0-6-0, or judging from the size of the wheels on the tender, maybe an 0-6-6-0? Glad you are still enjoying the beer. As former residents of UK and now visiting Jokovic territory, you must have heard the news that Andy Murray won the Mens Singles Championship at Wimbledon today.
No Jim, it is an 0-6-0, we have an identical one plinthed at Pragersko station, about 20 mins drive from here, and where we catch most trains. Yeah, difficult not to keep up with Murray match, it was on twitter as a blow-by-blow commentary! Not really interested in tennis or we would have watched live on TV. Still pleased he won though! Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using tapatalk 4 beta
