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Traveling to a foreign country is both a memorable and rewarding learning experience for any curious young Canadian like myself. Thousands of us from North America flock to Europe each year for the challenge of exploring uncharted strange territories and meeting new friends from around the world. With nothing but a 50-pound backpack, a credit card, a passport and a phone card to call mom once the beer and mini Eiffel Tower souvenir funds run out, my annual summer pilgrimage begins.
Slovakia is officially known as the Slovak Republic. It is located precisely at the heart of central Europe. The countries of Hungary, Austria, Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic border Her. It is now a very popular tourist spot amongst Europeans; but it is still relatively unknown to most of us in Canada and North America. Slovakia is a must for those who have not experienced life aboard. Who could resist the many cafés, cheap guest rooms, inexpensive food, and a polar mix of a thriving modern city life and a serene traditional country co-existence? It is indeed an eye opener!
The first thing that attracts any tourist to Bratislava, the capital city of the Slovak Republic, is the world-renowned Bratislava Castle. It is a landmark and the national cultural monument for Slovakia. It overlooks the historic core of Bratislava city and several road bridges stretching across the Danube River.
Bratislava is also famous for its high art and culture. The national theater performs some of the very best operas, plays and ballets. Even people living in Vienna, the cultural Mecca of Europe, travel to this city just for the shows. Better yet, Slovakian theatre is very affordable compared to other major European centers.
The city is full of playful statues and witty art works. One of the best is the famous statue of Napoleon in the city center square, looking over a bench at a bird on the ground. It represents Napoleon overlooking the city from the historic Bratislava castle during his invasion of Bratislava during the early 1800’s.
A short walk down the cobble-stoned street from the central square, you’ll come across the head of a tired man poking out of a fake sewer plate. This statue signifies the work ethic of the entire Slovakian nation - overworked, tired but powerful.
Staying in apartment guest rooms in Bratislava is way cheaper than most other European destinations. The real uniqueness about living in these dwellings is the half-century-old Soviet-made elevator lifts. Many are now in ruins but still operational. Some don’t even have secured doors to keep the riders from falling off. Just imagine, me, with now an over-70 pound backpack, trying to squeeze into a small elevator shaft, with five other dwellers, trying to commit a death defying Cirque du Soleil balancing act. Needless to say, I am developing a liking for those steep concrete stairs. Now that’s what I call a non-North American safety standard!
Coming from Calgary, the home of our Calgary Flames, Slovakia is another fellow hockey-crazed nation of over 5 million people. The Slovakia Republic is now bidding for the 2010 World Championship of Hockey. This country is so hockey crazy that when the national hockey team plays a tournament, virtually life in Slovakia comes to a temporary halt. Lead by NHL superstar Peter Bondra, this nation is ranked amongst the top 5 all-time hockey countries in the world by the IIHF. There are very few things that can match our Red-Mile street parties during the 2004 North American Stanley Cup Championship Season, but the Slovakians can sure give Calgary a run for the money. Bratislava is still known as the ultimate hockey party central in Europe during the Slovakian winning of the World Hockey Championship of 2002!
Another big draw to the Republic is the famous Tatra Mountains. It takes roughly a morning’s train ride from Bratislava to the foothills. The mountains provide some of the best amazing hiking trails, ski resorts and caves in Europe.
On the opposite end, the ride to cash-strapped Eastern Slovakia changes my sheltered life perspective completely. As the train passes through several small towns, I could see numerous rundown shacks and poor kids running around with dirty hair. This vision gives me an impression that we are no longer in Kansas anymore! My fellow Slovakian travelers fail to even notice these drastic economic changes in their own country. They just take it for granted about these areas of depravity. Between a three-hour train ride, urban life in Slovakia comes to an unexpected halt. I just feel like traveling in a third-world country, totally beyond control!
By the way, if you are thirsty, drinking bottled water on the train is the way to go. The only trouble is that 90% of this bottled water is bubbly water. It may take some time to acquire the taste. Of course, if you still have a couple of coins in the pocket, liquor is the alternative choice. Local Slovakian wine is produced near Bratislava’s domestic vineyards. Although it is not well known around the world, the quality is still very favorable. Slovakian beer is cheap and has a great history in tradition behind it. If you are non-alcoholic, try a local Slovakian soft drink called Kofala. It is the counterpart to the American Coke, with a very distinctive taste. My warning for you before trying it is that it is a little on the mega-sweet end.
You’ll get the cheapest bangs for the Canadian travel bucks traveling across the Slovakian Republic. It can also give you a life-changing perspective on the drastic diversity of lifestyle across the vastness of this country. As the train engine roars through a quiet night’s sleep, my next destination will soon approaches Austria.
Until then…
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