Hotel Flora - Sternstunden In Der Westslowakei Turcianske Teplice

... I was in Parnica I noticed that one thing which runs through a large percentage of Parnicians is a high blood alcohol content. Despite the alcoholism the people I have met are wonderful, a little more communicative in the evenings than the mornings but nevertheless, good, welcoming people... a big shout goes out to Olo and his twin brother for keeping the pub in business and entertaining the crowds.

Ryan´s ...

... It is a terrific spot, but you can't move for grockles and signs advertising places to sleep or eat. I stopped at the first shop off the main road and spent all our remaining Polish money on groceries. I packed the bags in the boot and then drove off.

Three hours later, in Slovakia, I noticed my purse was missing. One theory was that I had left it on the ground when packing the groceries into the car. I was really naffed off about losing my favourite Celtic wallet. I'd had it ...

Ania and I decided early on that we wanted to spend New Years in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery and lots of snow. We knew of a few places nearby where we could stay, in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but we found ourselves in a little trouble when come early December we didn't have a reservation. We'd called more than 40 hostels and pensions in the three countries, but all were either fully booked or had a minimum stay of 6 nights. We didn't give up though ...

... trees and rocky ledges. The climb is steep but the path is well maintained as we amble up towards cooler heights. Finally the view opens up and the crowning ridge can be seen bold and imposing above on the verge of rocky avalanche. The path winds along the lower regions of the crumbling ridge and through fields of dwarf spruce and sub-alpine flowers. As we round the bend and come above the first plateau a crystal clear lake like the eye of a giant fish looks back upon us. We continue ...

... the train lines. It's still alien to us: From here, there's a nice view over the city: It's strange, there's a peaceful country feel to it, with a motorway running through the middle and a dilapidated ex communist industrialism to the whole place. After a few wrong turns, we eventually make it to the ...

... the town a bit, except for the fact it was pouring with no cover, and I could not find shot glasses anywhere! Anyways, I met up with a few people and we decided to make the run down the hill. We ended up running TOO far, had to walk through a bug puddle, and finally made it onto the bus absolutely soaked. AND the windows were leaking a little bit. On the way, we saw some gorgeous countryside scenery. The rain made lots ...

... out for a sec as well. damn they can be slippery. :P. Later that night, guess what, drinking. But no, this time we went out to Milanos or something (the town next to ours). Pretty mad little place with a few nice clubs and bars. Started of with a few easy drinks, then "accidently" punched a cop in his balls. He was off duty and yelled at me, but couldn't do ****, so he decided it would be nice of me to buy him a wodka. so i did and he ...

... every koruna. It was so wonderfully authentic, fantastic musicianship, showmanship and danceability. Everyone commented on how good they were, so we couldn't have asked for better. We drunk some more and people started to mingle. The next tradition was a game involving swords. I was a bit worried when Marek poked a sword in my chest in front of everyone, then tossed me one. I played along, for the crowd's benefit naturally. Marek said "of course, we will not fight", to which I ...

... yet. Most of the Zvolen-based guests were off on day trips today but we are just pottering around. We had a big breakfast outside, followed, it seemed, immediately by an even bigger lunch. The lunch was awesome - chicken, pickles, klobasa sausage, potatoes and beer. Tim raved about it. After a short break, it was straight into dinner, then some last minute preparations. By this time tomorrow, I'll be married, probably drunk and standing in a medieval castle. As you do.

June 25 (Saturday), Krivan I slept like a boulder. Jane says she didn't do anything to wake me except look at me but I can't believe I would voluntarily awake after a slumber like that. After a shower and a shave I felt vaguely normal again. Breakfast was the full-table, three-course, fill-you-till-you-pop extravaganza that I was used to from last year. Maria is still feeling under the weather but we all jumped in the car anyway and Janko drove ...