Set Bratislava

... rebuilt in 1953 and was being worked on at the time we were there; the best you can say for it is it allows for pleasant views and it’s free. Certainly, there is nothing unpleasant about it but also nothing about it to recommend.

We had an extra day to work with and decided we would get out of Bratislava. However, the two places we thought about going were closed that day, and our other option, Vienna (only ...

... protests in Europe that I have ever seen at home. I've now seen protests in Jyväskylä, Copenhagen, Vienna, and likely a few more, but those are the first off the top of my head. Eventually we stopped wandering and made our way back to the train station. We stopped for coffee before we left and then we boarded our train to leave. It makes me sad that I didn't really get a taste for Vienna. I was thinking I got a sort of appetizer, but I didn't even really get that ...

... to a bridge over this road and made my way up the hill in now heavy rain. It really didn't matter since I was having such a good time already here. All I saw at the castle was a glass exhibit hall and I figured that had to be the ticket counter area. A total lack of people there surprised me and I thanked the rain for driving the crowds away. It looked like the whole place was all mine. An older woman waved me in and I asked her if she spoke German or ...

... s a lot." Johnny: "Dude, you're an idiot. That's like two bucks." In a random pub we wanted to order some shots, we saw Um on the menu and decided to order that no knowing what it was. He got confused looked at us, looked at the menu obviously not knowing what the hell Um was and responded with these words, "Mozhe byt." If you understand any Slavic language you'll understand why it's so funny and why it sums up the people of Bratislava perfectly.

... you have to love the dedication! As for Bratislava, it is really nice town. The old town is completely restored, and all of the bars and embassies are located here in a six square block area. Although they were overwhelmed with the Irish mob, they were polite to us and as far as I could see there was no trouble with the cops the entire weekend. Everyone just had a great time...

... of this small city, surrounded by ugly blocks, dirt roads crossing asphalt ones and absolutely no soul in sight. Easter Monday, damn! We made our way across the vast spaces between the buildings to what seemed to be an important road and, lucky us, found the only other small shop selling tickets which was still open in the city. We bought 30 minutes and asked the guy for a bus number, he wrote down 90 and we got on board. Crossing the Danube for the second time, we got off and ...

... amazingly precisely carved from Mammoth tusk thousands of years ago. The best views of the city and the Danube were also from the castle, so I spent some time just loitering. In the evening, enthused by the Marriage of Figaro, I had intended to see somthing by Puccini that was on at the National Theatre. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived (two minutes after the show was due to start) they had run out of tickets. I quickly realised I was too hungry ...

... at an amazing place and the trout I ate was delicious. I am glad we took the bus trip here to experience all of this. We went to a castle to where you could see Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. We went to a cathedral that was so detailed. I finally picked up some souvenirs for my family, something I had yet to do for anyone! I have been busy taking everything in. I will try to have some more pictures up within a day or two!

... beauty products... It snowed pretty much the whole time we were in Bratislava, which makes a pretty place prettier in my view and leads to snow jumping, snow fights, snow men etc. Lots of cobblestoned streets again, a castle (albeit not a gorgeous one but a biiiiig one with many many rooms of things) and of course the UFO restaurant/club which was great. Very funky. We also at some stage found ourself at a disco on a boat - which reminded me of a blue light disco but ...

Chapter Summary Slovakia Bratislava - Eastern Europe adventure starts here 08 Aug, Monday Start point: Petronell-Carmuntum End point: Bratislava Via: Odom(Km): 55.92 Moving(hrs.mim): 4.34 Ave(Km/h): 12.2 Total Ascent(m): 419 Max Altitude(m) 192 Max Speed(Km/h): 40.5 It was a cold night and a fresh start. 11 DegC when I woke up and my winter gloves were unpacked for the first time since leaving Finistère (France) in May ...