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Gotta love a half term holiday!!
I had been saying for ages I must go visit SARAH whilst I'm here in Europe.. (Sarah moved to Bratislava in September) So here I am!
The story so far...
First stop Munich! Spot of Gaelic Footballl, as you do! A diet of Strongbow, Whiskey & Guinness... Fountains, Bikes & Bratwurst! Followed by all night dancing, more beer, shots... & inevitably a hangover!
Onward to Slovakia & what would be my home for a week, Bratislava! Now anyone who has been here will know that you don't need a week here! Very small, very arty & old. Spectacular architecture, rich music heritage (Mozart wee`d in the street!) A place to potter & relax.. although I have begun to wonder what they do in the depths of winter?! I'm quite sure the place looks very spectacular with a snow covering, however, I have witnessed some wonderfully sunny & warm days here, sat by the river (Danube), people watching in the numerous cafe bars & restaurants! But can't help wondering what must happen in the winter?? How do the cafe bars stay in business? You wouldn't find me sat out in the cold, I'd be hibernating!! The cafe culture if Eastern Europe!
It's been great to catch up with Sarah & finally see all the things she has spoken about & I can understand how difficult a change moving here from Nairobi was! There's me thinking I had it tough in Berlin getting used to the German culture... One thing that stands out is, everyone speak perfect English! There is a very big international population here, but not only that, the local Slovaks have incredible English (a real plus for me & my terrible & embarrassing lack of language skills!) I always attempt, however fail miserably with languages... English is often a struggle!
When briefly reading about Bratislava (I've mentioned previously my lack of knowledge about most things! Should've listened at school!) It's fascinating to see what an incredibly busy and very turbulent history Slovakia has had & still keeps its own identity.. I do remember it being known as Czechoslovakia, however didn't know much more, it has in fact been through many names changes!
The old town is full of folk art, classical music & cafe bars!
The rest of Bratislava is really very ugly, high rise after high rise! No space is left before a building is planted! No greenery! There's the Presidential Gardens, but these are just gravel with a few statues! The surrounding areas are very green, with lots of mountain & forest (we'll be getting away to play in the mountains at the end if the week!!) It's a very busy place, despite being small.. Workers & tourist bustling around together!
So far I'm enjoying my stay, been out in the forest, visited some smaller local villages & with a bbq planned for this evening I'm sure I will continue to enjoy Slovakia!
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