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.

Vienna

Jeff and Anelia arrived in Vienna and have saved a pretty penny by couch surfing with Andreas, a 26 year old history student who has been a fantastic tour guide.  Vienna is a very beautiful city with incredible architecture, rich history, delightful food, and scrumptious gelato (which is different than ice cream)!  We spent the day touring the city on foot, (a modest 8 hour hike) ending up at the royal palace gardens.  (seen in the 4th photo)  Not much else to say, the pictures speak for themselves.

Cesky Krumlov

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cesky Krumlov was well worth the stop.  The last photo is taken from the veranda of Hostel Skippy, our first stay. The town boasts picturesque streets, tasty sweets, and a baroque castle from the 16th century seen in the fourth photo. The highlight of the castle was most definitely the castle gardens (photo one).  Next stop Vienna.

Loket

So far, our most memorable sight was the castle in Loket, a medieval fortress perched above a quaint village.  Built in the 12^th century the castle has stood for 800 years under various managements including various royal families. Though undergoing many renovations, the castle retains an authentic feel.

Karlovy Vary

We are currently in Karlovy Vary enjoying the movie like setting with pillared colonnades, palm trees, outside restaurants, and a river running through it all. The Pupp hotel (pictured above) is where the movies Casino Royal and Last Holiday were filmed.

      We luckily ran into 2 ex-Czechs living in Canada, back in the Czech Republic for 3 weeks before they head to Spain for the winter. Jeff and Anelia hit the jackpot and were invited to stay at their Karlovy Vary apartment!! Mike and Stania are very gracious hosts, providing much travel info and the “best of” everything.

Kutne Hore & Sedlec

Next involved a quick trip on the train to Kunte Hore, a small silver mining village, 1 hour east of Prague. Kunte Hore is rich in history having grown along side Prague during medieval and baroque times. At one point Kunte Hore almost became the seat of royalty however, a large fire and the drying up of the silver mines saw Kunte Hore dwindle under the immense growth of Prague. Kunte Hore’s rise to fame left behind some memorable sites such as St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the spooky Bone Church where the remains of 40,000 souls are arranged throughout the church.

Prague

Having dropped off our bags at a dingy hostel, we continued to tour the town, hitting all the tourist attractions at a rapid fire pace over the next 2 days. Some highlights included, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and some exquisite cathedrals.