On to BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA!!!!
Another drive, this time through the Wachau Valley and along the Danube. That means we cross the border into Austria on our way to Slovakia! Today’s sunshine makes the greens on the rolling hills so fresh and verdant. Continues to be reminiscent of our PNW in topography and flora.
A curiousity pops up several times – a tall log post with a live, now-dead dry fir tree. Haven’t been able to find the reference yet though it may be in some way related to the Czech Witches Night that happens April 30-May 1st.
Another McDonalds bathroom break and we see fun little things like the car “wash box” and “pimp up your burger” ads at McDonald’s.
Along the way we see Krems from a distance, stop in a camping park to view Durnstein from the opposite side of the Danube and lunch/quick “sightsee” in Melk. We appreciated the scenery and little villages we drove through and generally liked being close up to less touristy places. Real people live in some of the quaintest of settings along this route.
The Danube was so high the ferry across to Durnstein was closed. Harold and I stayed in the castle many years ago on our first international trip. Opulent treat for us back then.
Melk’s attraction was it’s abbey and hillside town. We hiked up to the abbey grounds and chose not to pay for a peek at yet another golden frosted church interior. But this one seems to be striking some modern notes in its grounds.
Our driver, Justice from Deben, South Africa originally where he was fostered by a vicar, is relatively new to the Czech Republic. He’s friendly, has a rich chuckle and calls our president that “Trump Fellow”. He speaks 5 languages and most recently hails from London. He gets us to Bratislava and inside the city gate in the rain which we seem to be having trouble outrunning!
The main square is “drippy” and not as showy as most.
Bratislava is, we read, a new and hip destination as it restores its old town and looks to the future. We’re excellently situated just inside St. Michael’s Gate (Mary and Rick Steves chose the place) and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.
Mary met Schoner Naci, a carpet cleaner and town character, who greeted folks until the ’60’s in his suit and top coat.
And we found his friend on the square, Cumil (the peeper), who has no history – just an artists whim and our imagination.
Dinner tonight at Martin’s suggestion (our driver between Krakow and Prague) at Koliba Kamzik- a really lovely, traditional restaurant and meal.
St. Michael’s Gate in the old city walls from Michalska Brana on our way back to our hotel.
Dobru Noc! Oh, and may I mention that we had NO dessert tonight!
Meanwhile & Far Away 