Bratislava

3 European capitals in 3 days.  Each their own Habsburg drama, every capital a CASTLE.

Downstairs at 8am, piled-in our driver’s 4-door, crossed EU borders an hour later.  Country farms, brightly-coloured town centers.  Every 6 years, Austrian gov’t helps subsidize a fresh bucket of paint.

Welcome to Slovakia.  Hand-off to Luba at Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad).  Likeable gal, our guide – but think Sis signed us for the Brainiac edition.  3 hours later, I’d be JEOPARDY ready.

Slovakian authors.  Beethoven recitals.  Fall of the Austro-Hungarian empire.  The Socialist era. Communists.  year Czech & Slovak cultures nationalized.  So much info.  Breathe, Luba, breathe.

Bratislava Castle wow’d.  Built high above the Danube.  Panoramic view of the Slovak capital.  Picturesque gardens.  Cathedrals.  Cobblestone filled our path DOWN to city center.

Restaurants, flowers, shopping & CHOCOLATE.  We’d backtrack here after exams 🙂

Bestest weather.  Mix of sun, comfortable temps.  Authentic Slovak dining; Maria Theresa stories came to an end.  Whatta wealth of knowledge!  “I think you know” – well, I certainly do now, Luba.

Unplugged, brain off, bring on the chocolate.  Warm BOWL of it, please.  Strawberries, coconut, banana, mountain berry toppings – red chiles my personal pick (dig spice in my life) 🌶️

Train station find on Google, one-way ticket back to Vienna.  Hotel-home for schnitzel.

Tomorrow: Budapest.  A Hungarian Hop on-Hop off adventure awaits.

Bratislava (short 15-sec clip)