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Post by tiffany on Mar 29, 2017 17:03:39 GMT
Thanks Chech. I already spoke to someone at my bank, and they told me I could get Croatian Kuna ahead of time, I just have to give them a few weeks’ notice in order for them to have time to order the money. At the time, it didn’t even occur to me to ask about the Bosnian Marka. I only thought about it recently because I’ve been reading about Croatian and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the book I was reading mentioned a different currency. I will use my credit card for optionals and any expensive items I purchase, and I’m pre-paying for my gratuities, so I’ll only need money for lunches, a couple of dinners and small it items, etc. Maybe I’ll just bring some Croatian Kuna and Euros with me, and then change money at the boarder if needed.
As of now, we’re staying at the Hollywood Hotel in Sarajevo, although that could change. I’m looking forward to going to Bosnia-Herzegovina, even though it was never a place I’ve really thought about before. To be honest, I wanted to go on Trafalgar’s “first class” Croatian tour, but it was too expensive with the single supplement, so that’s why we are doing the cost-saver tour. That being said, I’m glad we are, as I think it will be interesting to visit Sarajevo, Medjugorje and Mostar. I wish this tour spent more time in Dubrovnik though.
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Post by chech on Mar 29, 2017 17:44:57 GMT
If you get one full day in Dubrovnik, that would be enough. We had the tour in the morning and then I spent seven hours walking the streets and the walls. I had time to take the cable car up for a great view but I left that too late and my legs protested the walk up to the station. You'll enjoy the scenery in Bosnia. It is beautiful.
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Pauline
Full Member
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley, WW1 Battlefields and Northern Spain in Sep 2023 with Insight
Posts: 210
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Post by Pauline on Mar 29, 2017 22:10:22 GMT
Hi Tiffany, From memory, when I visited those countries back in 2010, I just took € with me and changed some when I entered a new country, though I seem to recall buying Croatian kuna online from Travelex, before heading overseas, as we were spending more time in Croatia than the other countries we visited. Pauline
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Post by tiffany on Mar 30, 2017 11:16:47 GMT
If you get one full day in Dubrovnik, that would be enough. We had the tour in the morning and then I spent seven hours walking the streets and the walls. I had time to take the cable car up for a great view but I left that too late and my legs protested the walk up to the station. You'll enjoy the scenery in Bosnia. It is beautiful. We have two nights in Dubrovnik. Our included sightseeing is upon arrival in the city, and then we have an optional dinner with either a cruise or a walking tour by night. This will depend on weather. The next day is free to do what we want, or, we can join an optional tour to Montenegro, which is what I plan to do. My travel agent told me that you can buy some nice red coral jewelry in Dubrovnik, and I was hoping to find a place that sells it.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 30, 2017 11:19:29 GMT
If you get one full day in Dubrovnik, that would be enough. We had the tour in the morning and then I spent seven hours walking the streets and the walls. I had time to take the cable car up for a great view but I left that too late and my legs protested the walk up to the station. You'll enjoy the scenery in Bosnia. It is beautiful. We have two nights in Dubrovnik. Our included sightseeing is upon arrival in the city, and then we have an optional dinner with either a cruise or a walking tour by night. This will depend on weather. The next day is free to do what we want, or, we can join an optional tour to Montenegro, which is what I plan to do. My travel agent told me that you can buy some nice red coral jewelry in Dubrovnik, and I was hoping to find a place that sells it. Thanks Pauline. I reached out to my old tour director from Germany on facebook, as he does tours in Croatia as well, for his advice. He will probably tell me to bring Euros and exchange them at the border, although I’ll want some Croatian currency with me upon arrival.
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Post by chech on Mar 30, 2017 14:54:24 GMT
If you get one full day in Dubrovnik, that would be enough. We had the tour in the morning and then I spent seven hours walking the streets and the walls. I had time to take the cable car up for a great view but I left that too late and my legs protested the walk up to the station. You'll enjoy the scenery in Bosnia. It is beautiful. We have two nights in Dubrovnik. Our included sightseeing is upon arrival in the city, and then we have an optional dinner with either a cruise or a walking tour by night. This will depend on weather. The next day is free to do what we want, or, we can join an optional tour to Montenegro, which is what I plan to do. My travel agent told me that you can buy some nice red coral jewelry in Dubrovnik, and I was hoping to find a place that sells it. Ahhh...that's too bad. We had 3 nights in Dubrovnik so we had the night tour and cruise after we arrived in the afternoon, had the tour of the city the next morning and I was able to spent seven hours wandering the city and walls and then we spent the second day in Montenegro. I would have skipped Montenegro to have the opportunity to wander Dubrovnik on my own if I hadn't had the chance the day before.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 30, 2017 15:00:58 GMT
We have two nights in Dubrovnik. Our included sightseeing is upon arrival in the city, and then we have an optional dinner with either a cruise or a walking tour by night. This will depend on weather. The next day is free to do what we want, or, we can join an optional tour to Montenegro, which is what I plan to do. My travel agent told me that you can buy some nice red coral jewelry in Dubrovnik, and I was hoping to find a place that sells it. Ahhh...that's too bad. We had 3 nights in Dubrovnik so we had the night tour and cruise after we arrived in the afternoon, had the tour of the city the next morning and I was able to spent seven hours wandering the city and walls and then we spent the second day in Montenegro. I would have skipped Montenegro to have the opportunity to wander Dubrovnik on my own if I hadn't had the chance the day before. The “first class” tour spends three nights in Dubrovnik, and has one full day of sightseeing and offers the optional to Montenegro on the second full day. That was what appealed to me about that tour, but, with the single supplement, it was too expensive. My friends and I were planning on going to Montenegro, but do you think we should skip it and stay in Dubrovnik? I think the Montenegro optional will take all day, so we won’t have time to sight-see when we get back to our hotel for dinner.
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Post by chech on Mar 30, 2017 16:53:07 GMT
Yeah, there won't be time when you get back. The border crossing into and out of Montenegro can take 2 minutes or two hours. We spent about 30 minutes each time and were back for a late dinner. Whether to go depends on what you like. The scenery was nice, but not any better than what you'll see on the Croatian coast and throughout Bosnia. The stops are to two places that are a lot like Dubrovnik....but Dubrovnik was much better. After doing both, if I had to choose, I'd choose Dubrovnik hands down. In fact, I probably could have spent another day there cause there was parts I didn't see. But I'm the type that loves to wander old cities and walls. There are little restaurants in the laneways and a great spot to sit for a drink on the outside of the wall above the sea. There are a couple of small museums that I visited as well. And the shops, of course. I picked up some jewelry here. Take a look at my pics for each to give you an idea what there is to see: Dubrovnik (pics of the seaside cafe are about halfway down): www.flickr.com/photos/chech1965/albums/72157630124706284/page3Montenegro: www.flickr.com/photos/chech1965/albums/72157630133402506If you decided not to go, you'd save the cost of the optional to Montenegro. (How much is it?)
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Post by tiffany on Mar 30, 2017 17:38:22 GMT
The description for the optional Montenegro is below and it’s 56.00 Euros. My travel agent liked it there and recommended that we take the optional. I guess I’ll have to discuss it with my friends when we arrive and see what they want to do. I wish there was time to do both! Thanks for the pics. I'll check them out.
“We drive south along the Adriatic coast into the country of Montenegro. At the border we meet our Local Specialist, and embark on a panoramic boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island, constructed by local sailors over six centuries in veneration of a holy relic discovery. Afterwards we sail across the Bay of Kotor, past spectacular fjord-like scenery, approaching the fortified town of Kotor, surrounded with steep mountains and protected by UNESCO. After a guided walking tour, we will have free time to enjoy delicious local cuisine and buy last Montenegrin souvenirs before returning to Dubrovnik.”
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Post by chech on Mar 30, 2017 20:52:50 GMT
That's a little different than our tour. We visited Kotor and another walled city and drove by the island. Not much on it...just a building sitting on a rock by the looks of it. I was told the scenery was spectacular as well but I was underwhelmed. The coast of Croatia was better. One other thing to consider is that if you take the optional, it would mean you're on the road for five straight days before you get the two nights in Split (if I'm looking at the right tour) so if you do decide to spend the day in Dubrovnik, that would be a day to relax, walk around, shop, have a nice meal etc. Either choice wouldn't be a bad one. You could also wait to see if you're satisfied with the time you get in Dubrovnik before signing up for Montenegro the next day.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 31, 2017 11:16:56 GMT
Thank Chech. I looked at your pictures from Dubrovnik yesterday, and will look at your pictures from Montenegro today. I think waiting until after our included sigh setting in Dubrovnik before deciding is a good idea, as long as we can book the tour at the last minute. I’ll see what my friends think about that. While I’d like to go to Montenegro, Dubrovnik is the main reason I’m going to Croatia, and I want to make sure I see enough of it.
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Post by chech on Mar 31, 2017 11:35:40 GMT
Yeah...if it's a big attraction for you, you won't be disappointed spending the day in the city. That would give you time to go up the cable car for that awesome view from above (you would want to do that first...I left it and by time I thought about it, my legs just didn't want to go up). And walking the walls are a bucket-list item that you wouldn't have time for on your itinerary (need a good two hours). If you do it, you'll see there are only two entrances and you have to walk in one direction. I did the east side first (go up near the main square) and I ran out of water before I got to the west side where there are a couple bars and kiosks.....so have at least two bottles with you. And it looks like your hotel is closer to the city than ours was. A taxi wouldn't be too expensive. I think if you make a deal with the guide that you'll decide on the optional the night before, he should be happy with that (he doesn't need to guarantee numbers cause you go with the TT bus). If he starts pushing the optional telling you how "spectacular" the fjord is...he's giving you a sales pitch. What matters is if you're satisfied with your visit to the city which is whole reason you're going there.
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Post by tiffany on Mar 31, 2017 16:27:16 GMT
Thanks Chech. I’ll talk to my friends and see what they would like to do.
On another note, I heard back from my Germany Travel Director regarding currency, and he said “Re the trip I asked my friend who does this regions trips sometimes and here is what they suggested, we have exchange offices everywhere, but if they want to have some local money with them I would say 1000 kunas to begin with and 50 Bosnian Marks, but TD will let them know where to exchange Hope this helps”
I think I’m going to do what he recommends.
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Post by tiffany on Apr 7, 2017 16:56:27 GMT
I just went to order my currency for Croatia and Bosnia, and my bank does not have Bosnian money, so I just ordered extra Croatian currency, and I will exchange when I’m there. I also paid for my gratuities, so I don’t have to worry about that when I’m there. I picked up my booklet at the same time, and, now all I have to worry about is packing! I can’t believe I’m leaving in less than three weeks! It looks like I’m going to make it this time!
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Post by tiffany on Apr 18, 2017 11:19:02 GMT
Less than two weeks to go and I can’t wait! Noting better get in my way of going on this trip this time around!
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Post by californian on Apr 18, 2017 14:37:55 GMT
I am very excited for you and more than a little envious! Have a great time and take tons of pictures please! Take care of yourself and don't overdo it!
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Post by tiffany on Apr 19, 2017 11:31:20 GMT
Thanks Californian! I will be sure not to overdo it. I can’t overdo it as I can breathe if I move too fast!
I picked up my money the other day, and I’m going to pack on the weekend. I still need to check out the long term weather, but I think it will be warm while I’m there. I hope it doesn’t rain thought!
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Post by Tulips on Apr 19, 2017 13:01:57 GMT
Tiffany, have the best time on your trip. Enjoy it all!
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Post by Tulips on Apr 19, 2017 13:04:18 GMT
Well, I am currently at the airport awaiting flights to Malaga, Spain to pick up my tall ship for 9 days sailing in the Med. I'm visiting several ports in Spain, Sardinia and Malta. So looking forward to it.
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Post by tiffany on Apr 19, 2017 13:37:45 GMT
Have fun Tulips!
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Post by marielouise on Apr 19, 2017 14:02:27 GMT
Tulips enjoy your sailing. Several years ago we saw a tall ship near Nice. I would like to hear about your experience.
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Post by marielouise on Apr 19, 2017 14:03:50 GMT
Tiffany, I hope you have a great time and that the weather is good. Enjoy.
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Post by tiffany on Apr 19, 2017 14:07:23 GMT
Thanks! As of now, they are calling for rain in Zagreb, but it's supposed to warm up and be sunny as we go south. Hopefully the weather forecast will change as I get closer to my departure date.
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Post by purvis on Apr 19, 2017 14:14:32 GMT
Tiffany: No matter what the weather it's got to be better than being in a hospital waiting for your chemo. The weather everywhere is changeable and you still have a couple of weeks for it to become sunny. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Apr 19, 2017 17:40:31 GMT
That's true Purvis. I'm just happy to be getting away!
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Post by tiffany on Apr 26, 2017 11:58:24 GMT
Hello all, I was at the hospital for treatment yesterday, and we have come up with a plan for me to go on vacation, and to treat my pain. My doctor has given me a prescription for MS Contin, which is a time release pain medication that works for 12 hours. I started it last night, and it made me very nauseous, even with Gravel. This morning, I took it with Prochlorazine (a prescription anti-nauseous medication), and so far it seems to be working. I’m also taking and extra strength Advil three times a day for another 9 days, and I have Percocet in case the pain gets really bad.
My nurse practitioner spent about an hour examining me yesterday, and it would appear that I pulled a muscle in my diaphragm due to all of the coughing I was doing in over the last few months. Because I am on chemo, it wasn’t healing, and because I never stopped coughing, it kept getting worse. We believe that this is what’s causing my pain, and my Atelectasis, and, in order to treat this condition, I need to see a chiropractor as soon as I get back from vacation, and continue with my chest therapy. In the meantime, I’m taking the pain medication in order to get me through the next two weeks, as I don’t want to have to cancel yet another vacation.
I told my nurse practitioner and my doctor that I was very upset that this issue wasn’t dealt with months ago. I’ve been complaining about chest congestion since last September, my cough and shortness of breath since last November, and the pain in my side and back since January. I was upset that it took a trip to the emergency room for them to finally do something about it. They told me that they were sorry, but, because I always looked so well when they saw me, they didn’t think it was that bad. I guess going forward, if there’s something wrong, and I want them to believe me, I’ll have to go into the clinic looking bad.
I discussed my future treatment plan with my doctor yesterday, and we decided, given everything that has happened to me recently, that I just can’t take Taxol anymore, and, my doctor thinks that the Perjeta and Herceptin won’t work for me on its own without the Taxol, so I will be transferring to T-DM1 when I get back from vacation. The T-DM1 will be a lot easier for me to take, and I will only have to go the hospital every three weeks to have it administered, so I will be there less often. This is a good drug, and I think I will have success on it. We shall see.
Anyway, as of now, I'm still planning on going to Croatia tomorrow. If that changes, I will let you know.
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daphne
Junior Member
LOVE Travelling!!
Posts: 58
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Post by daphne on Apr 26, 2017 12:59:28 GMT
Greatttt stuff Tiffany, sooo glad there is an explanation for the extreme pain and that you are able to manage it for now!! Enjoy all the last minute packing and excitement, I am excited with you, packing with you, looking forward to the trip with you, thinking of you!!!!
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Post by tiffany on Apr 27, 2017 11:27:24 GMT
Only 13 hours to go, and I’ll be on a plane to Croatia. I can’t believe I’m going to make it, given all of the problems I’ve been having lately. I’m still planning on going though, and I’m hoping that this chemo break will give my diaphragm a chance to heal on its own, so I won’t be in pain throughout the whole trip. At least I have some good pain pills, even if they do make me drowsy!
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joyb
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by joyb on Apr 27, 2017 14:08:27 GMT
Excited for you Tiffany! Enjoy your trip!
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Post by purvis on Apr 27, 2017 14:34:36 GMT
Tiffany: All of us have been hoping and some of us praying that your dream tour will go ahead. Please take care of yourself on your trip and have a very happy time. Your friend Purvis
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