From the High Tatras to Bratislava

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The beauty about Europe is you can race through a lot of countries in a short space of time.

Slovakia is a neat little country which is a bit off the regular tourist trail. Spent a couple of nights in Stary Smokovec in the High Tatras Mountains. This area is riddled with hiking and cycling trails in the summer, which turn to ski trails in the winter; a paradise for the outdoorsy types. Only had one nice day during our stay, so did a 6-hour hike from Hrebienck (1285m) to Zbojnicka Chata (1960m). Totally awed by the rugged beauty and autumn colours. Didn't come across any English speakers, mainly Czechs and Poles.

It's also highly recommended to take out Mountain Rescue Insurance, which only cost 20Sk for the day (< A$1). The funny thing is that they categorise mountain biking as an extreme sport which costs more at 50Sk per day. They won't pay out in the event of false alarms, if you head out during announced avalanche danger, if you attempt suicide, or you're under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other "dazzling substances".

Then it was onto the capital Bratislava for a couple of nights. Talked to a young Slovak guy on the train (during a 2 hour delay) who told me that he wasn't working and was only interested in mountains. What the ? Seemed to be seeking some form of enlightenment, and was even fasting for the day. I had no such higher calling; I was straight into the station restaurant for some 80 cent bean soup with bacon bits.

You get a strong sense of the previous communist influence in Bratislava, particularly in the ugly apartment buildings near the Danube River. Most people only stop here for a night or pass through for the day as it's a pretty small city. What it lacks in memorable sights, it makes up for with a kicking music and arts scene. I'm SOOOO disappointed that I'm going to miss out on the upcoming Duran Duran and Deep Purple concerts.

When I booked into my hostel, I was asked if I minded being in an all-female dorm. Yeah fine, but why? Found out soon enough when a group of 3 girls started telling off the other 2 girls for making too much noise at night and in the morning. Very scary when they hunt in packs; like being back at boarding school. There is definitely dorm etiquette such as not trying to make too much noise, and not rooting around in your locker at strange hours. Plastic bags are the worst offenders. I certainly prefer mixed dorms only because everyone seems to be friendlier, and no girl is going to tell someone else off and be labelled "that bitch" and not get invited to the pub. Group dynamics are extremely entertaining.

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