A Day in Bratislava, Slovakia

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Currently I am sitting at a hostel in Vienna which is surprisingly very nice and clean. But, before arriving in Vienna myself and 5 of my comrades ventured slightly east to the city of Bratislava in Slovakia. The 5 hour train ride from Prague to Bratislava was priceless. Just sitting back and enjoying the extensive green countryside and small cottage villages over a beer with 5 friends was a memorable time. When we arrived in the city it did seem a little less sanitary than we have been experiencing in Prague but we soon found that it was just a less desirable area of town. When we arrived at our Hostel (btw this city is where the recent horror movie Hostel took place, kinda intense) we immediately checked in and hustled downtown since we were only there for the night. After we traveled 3 blocks to the main part of downtown we heard the sounds of salsa music coming from the illuminated old city. Bands played beneath the glowing clock towers and steeples as we roamed through the city. We eventually found a traditional Slovakian restaurant and sat down for what I think is the best meal I have had since being in Europe. I had the pork cutlets with seasoned potatoes. The gravy over the pork and potatoes was amazing and like nothing I have ever had. Very good food. After this slightly expensive but tasty meal we wandered to a nearby salsa club where at the bar we could watch the Liverpool game. After leaving the crowded bar we decided to go back to the hostel and save energy for the following day of exploring.

The next day we got up and walked up and down the main square and street again seeing what we had seen previous in the daylight. We wandered up to the castle of Bratislava which hovers above the city. From there we could see the whole city including the suspension bridge that lay directly below. After viewing the simple but scenic castle area, we made our way down to the shops and museums until it was time to catch the train to Vienna. Bratislava is a small and very cool town. I would recommend staying a day there for anyone traveling in the area. I will put up pictures when I get back to Prague on Sunday evening.

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Photos

On the train
peaceful countryside of the Czech Republic.

Downtown Bratislava
Carlton Hotel illuminated.

Downtown Bratislava
More pretty structures.

The square
A very dreamy atmosphere.

The square
Another angle.

In the city.
Cool street.

Castle through the ally.
The castle is up on the hill in the back.

Another cool ally pic.
The town is full of small allys with very nice views.

At the castle
Victory dance.

At the castle.
Backside of the castle.

Back in the city.
Funny Stuff.

Over the city.
Shot from clocktower to the castle.

Traditional Dancing
The dresses and dancing made the city feel authentic.