Bought me a bus ticket

Fri 18th July

Perhaps Purple was just a bit moody or maybe it was overhearing our discussions of sending her to scrap metal heaven, but she hasnt failed to start since the mechanic deemed her dead.

On Monday morning, we hopped on the ferry to Split then drove 4 hours south to Dubrovnik, preferring to be stranded in a new town so we could keep ourselves busy while the mechanic checked her out. We pre-apologised to anyone parked behind us in the ferry queues but there was no drama -- she started everytime!

Still not feeling entirely confident, we decided to take a short break and hop on a bus into Bosnia rather than risk breaking down in a country that might not have the latest in road side assistance services. Meantime, old Purple is sitting back at the campsite in Dubrovnik awaiting her fate.

Bosnia is nothing like I expected, and unfortunately this computer doesnt have a USB port to upload photos so I ll have to do another update when we get back. (I also cant find the apostrophe key anywhere.) We made a one day stop in Mostar and it was one of the most beautiful old towns we ve seen but with such a harrowing past from the recent Balkans War. I had visions of encountering a country still torn to pieces, and while there are still signs of the fighting and devastation, this is certainly a country quickly on the mend.

The plan is to spend the next two days here in Sarajevo and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik to pick up the van again. Still not sure what we ll do from there, but the decision is leaning towards driving her until she breaks down again and the starter spray doesnt start her. (I asked the mechanic if he thought she would last another 2.5 months on starter spray and he laughed pretty hard but here is hoping.)

I also wanted to say thanks to everyone for your encouraging emails and advice on the van!