High Tatras, Slovakia

So, much has happened since the last update. We moved on to Slovakia starting in the capital of Bratislava and unfortunately have to admit it has been a bit of a let down. We think perhaps potential travelers to Slovakia should wait a bit as they don’t quite seem ready for tourists. I guess that’s a bit harsh but Jeff is in charge of this posting and he has not been impressed by this country. It started out with paying way too much for a hostel booking two nights when really all one needs is a single day in Bratislava. As we made attempt to cancel our second night at the overpriced hostel, we were told we would only get 70% of our money back as we were 1 hour past 24hrs cancellation notice. The helpful lady behind the desk suggested a nice bus ride out of the city to the wine rich town of Modra and all it had to offer. Always trying to make the best of things, we thought “let’s give it a go”. Now, if anyone has ever been to the Okanagan valley there is no way in hell you would advise anyone to take a trip to Modra. The wine was almost as plain as the one horse town itself. Anelia is getting on my case a bit about being to negative so I will have to reprieve and put something positive in. Anelia would like to report that Castle Devin (another day trip from Bartislava- bottom pic) had the nicest bathrooms we have been in this trip, AND THEY WERE FREE!!! On the down side most of Devin castle was closed, under renovation, upon arrival. (Jeff would like to note here that Bratislava castle was also under renovation and for the most part closed to the public, thus, not ready for tourists) Undaunted we pressed on out of Bratislava to Ruzembrok, the base for a 6km hike to the UNESCO world heritage site of Vlkolinec. (4th pic) Vlkolinec is a quaint village of 35 inhabitants kept in pristine condition as a traditional Slovakian wooded mountainside settlement. (see pictures) Worth the stop.

After that stop we moved on to Poprad and the “High Tatras”, the mountains of Slovakia. (2nd pic) The mountain range is only 25km wide. Poprad is the major center from which you can travel by bus up to various villages at the base of the mountains. Each little village is kind of like a mini Banff or Jasper (without as much money). From there, various lifts, trains and trolley cars will take you to different staging areas where you can undertake hikes up into the mountains, stopping in at various “Chatas” (kind of like day lodges) and spend an arm and a leg on food or and ice cold brew. In addition you can also pay and arm and a leg for the pleasure of being able to use a washroom while trapped up high on the mountain. Anelia would like to say those interested in hiking the High Tatras should reconsider. Anelia has changed the name of the mountain to “Mount Break your Ankles.” (See picture of Jagged, rocky and uneven pathways) It was quite an adventure and upon completion both Anelia and Jeff would agree it fell a bit short of the Rockies. (yes we are spoiled in Canada). However, the two shining moments making it all worthwhile were #1 – a speedy race to the bottom of the mountain on a three-wheel cart and #2 – Anelia finally got to sample some Slovakian corn on the cob (corn fields are abundant and Anelia loves fresh corn!). Now that I have rambled on for too long and most of you have quit reading I will wrap up this post. Until next time.