Bratislava, Slovakia



Fellow train passenger (Miako)

Left Snojmo by train heading to next destination Bratislava. Thank goodness it was not as hot leaving Snojmo as when I had arrrived. This time I had a map and address, all set. Ah not be the case, was my patience being tested?  Clarified address with local bus driver, thought I was okay, however there seemed to be a mixup in the translation. Next thing I knew the bus was heading over the Danube towards the new section of town. I knew my accommodation was located in the old section of the city. Oh....no...it seems I was lost again. Asking a yound lady directions, she indicated I must get out at next stop, cross street and head back over the Danube. As the doors opened I quickly stepped off, but after a short look around I jumped back on quickly. There was no way I could cross the street, it was like a highway, many cars , no crosswalk or streetlight! Another lady came to my rescue, I was to get off at next stop, there was a crosswalk, go over Danube, and gave me the name of the street I needed to get off. I followed directions and found my way to my hotel. Located near many cafes, supermarket and a shopping centre...oh & pub! Perfect!! The staff supplied you with a map, marking off sites to see, so very helpful.



One of many street Royal Way indicators

 I had signed up for a walking tour which covered most sites with the exception of Hrad Castle. This was not too far away so I headed up the hill to explore this place and check out the view! This did not look like most castle, as it was actually built as a fortress against invasions by Turks, etc. The view from Hrad to both old & new sections of town was amazing! Invaders would of been spotted quite easily. Wonderful entrance gate monuments and beautiful lawn & groundscape.

 Hrad Castle in the distance

Hrad Castle



Gate entrance

  











   




At Hrad, Danube River in background

 




Tripper tagging along, ET bridge in background

 

I took the walking tour along with others from all areas of the world. The tour was conducted by a young man, Tim from Austrailia. Tim lives in Bratislava for 2 to 3 months in the summer doing walking tours. This would be his 3rd summer, he fell in love with Bratislava. When Tim is finished here he spends his time travelling in other countries. We visited the Capuchin, Trinitarian and St. Ladislavs church, along with the church and nunnery of St. Elizabeth. Detailed history was given at each location. The Blue Church was next, I wasn't really sure what to expect. The church was a light blue and cream colour, appeared soft, like it could of been made out of marshmallows or taffy candy! 

Blue church



Blue church



The tour was great, 2 1/2 hours long, very informative and covered so much of the city. Tim was the perfect person for this tour, so much enthusiasm! He had a degree in history and economics which helped I'm sure. All around great day!





Old Town Hall





                                                   





Opera House





Coolest High School!







Military building

I spent the next day touring the town, sampling local cuisine and being a tourist. I enjoyed the city of Bratislava and found the people to be friendly. The temperature was still more than I would like 36C!! Yikes.

Something refreshing!!



Presidential Palace





Cool looking bronze postal box!







Packed all my luggage that night and was all set to leave the next morning. As I was almost asleep I remembered my Ipod Touch was still plugged in and charging. As I might forget in the morning I got up to unplug and put away. Well I got the shock of my life, literally, I screamed so loud I woke up my poor roommate, she wasn't too pleased! I  couldn't believe how much that hurt, wow how to give your hair a quick perm!!  The plugin sockets in Europe are recessed in and not user friendly with the adapter we require.

My next destination was to Vienna via hydrofoil, however it was not leaving until late afternoon. With some time to kill and wanting some relief from the hot temperature I decided to hang out at one of the local shopping centres.

Entering Vienna via hydrofoil

Entering Vienna via hydrofoil





@ Danube River by Shopping Centre

The centre was very large, wide selection of stores and yes I did buy a couple of clothing items! Yes, I really needed them, so much for window shopping.
I stopped at the market to pick up some snacks for the boat trip. I was on my way to Vienna, Austria and being picked up by my cousin, Evelyn whom I had never met. The scenery on the boat ride was pleasant but nothing spectacular. There is a part where the Danube gets narrow and there is the land locks?  (like in Panama). Ten minutes before our arrival to Vienna it started raining, then pouring. What a difference to Bratislava where earlier in the day it had been 38C!