EXIT

Ljubljana is a charming little place, with a pint sized old town clinging to the foot of the castle hill - a great place to spend a couple of days reading and people watching at a river side cafe.

Alas we had to move east and on to Zagreb. Initially this had none of the charm of Ljubljana - but that's what comes from staying too close to the train station. The old town is nestled on two small hills, and given the amount of restoration work going on, is desperate for UNESCO world heritage status.

While Slovenia felt a bit like Italy, Belgrade defiantly felt like Eastern Europe. It's an ugly city, and our hostel on the 6th floor of a dilapidated apartment block opposite the train station did not make for a pleasant introduction.

OK so we're now in Novi Sad for the EXIT festival, and what an odd place it is. On the way in, along with the no alcohol and no glass signs, was a no Nazi symbolism sign - that speaks volumes. The festival site itself is much smaller than I expected, with tiny stages squeezed into various moats. Predictably enough there are thousands of Brits here, forming the largest non-Serbian group. Tonight it's The Gossip and Primal Scream (oh and Paul Weller).


Kirsten's Flashpacker Review:
Alibi Hostel, Ljubljana (http://www.alibi.si/hostels/alibi_hostel/) - The main selling point of this hostel is it's excellent location in the middle of the main pedestrianised street in the heart of the old town. As a result it was a little noisy at night but this is reasonable sacrifice for being right in the middle of all of the bars and restaurants. The hostel itself is large and relatively impersonal -you get given linen and reception and have to return it at the end of your stay, check out is at 10, breakfast isn't included, and the two internet terminals were constantly busy. Most disturbingly, however, drinking alcohol is not allowed in the hostel. Despite these disadvantages, it was clean and the central location can't be beaten.

Arcotel Allegra, Zagreb (http://cc.arcotel.at/document.asp?id=1248) – Although marketed as a “design” hotel, this place feels more like a relatively nondescript mid-range business hotel. It is conveniently located for the train station and about a 10 minute walk into the old town. Would recommend trying to find somewhere with more character although our searching indicated that this might not be easy in Zagreb.