A Sunday in Slovakia

I woke up early Sunday morning to visit lovely Bratislava. Luckily, I arrived early because it took quite a while to get my ticket.  I got on the train just a few minutes before its mechanics rumbled, and it headed West. I read and watched the lovely views of sunflower fields and small towns.  I was also mentally preparing myself for my challenge of the day.  I had €4,20 leftover from previous travels and I was determined not to withdraw any more money just for a day trip.  I had packed lunch and dinner in preparation for my task.

I set the camera timer, and tried to jump
at the right time; I think I did pretty well.
Also, note my lunch/dinner.

Concert time!

Once I arrived, I took the bus to the city center (€0,70 down).  I saw Grassalkovich Palace and some of the rebuilt city center before heading to the historical center.  I wandered for a while until I found an info center with a map of Bratislava.  I really enjoyed the old sites, and enjoyed my lunch in the city square.  When I walked through the Primate's Palace (don't ask), I noticed that there was a free symphony concert later in the afternoon. Count me in!   The symphony was a college-age group from Poland, who were quite impressive.  When friends of mine go on choir and orchestra tours through Europe, I often wonder who goes to their shows, but apparently it's people like me. I ventured to the public restroom, and refilled my water bottle (€0,30) before exploring more of the Old Town.   

View of St. Martin's Cathedral from Bratislava Castle

While near St. Michael's gate, there was a foreign tour guide explaining the history to some tourists.  An angry Slovakian tour guide who was giving a tour to a bunch of Americans started shouting that he wasn't even Slovakian, and that he shouldn't be giving those people a tour.  It was uncomfortable for everyone involved.  While Americans-- like any other group-- have our fair share of subtle racism, few Americans react well to outright racism.  After that event, her guidelings followed her more reluctantly.  

UFO Bridge

Slavin Memorial

 I walked along the Danube, and marveled at the incredibly bizarre UFO Bridge.  It's technically called the "New Bridge," but the guidebooks and my map called it the UFO Bridge, which is a much more fitting name.  I walked under the bridge where there was some really neat graffiti before walking past the lovely St. Martin's Cathedral to Bratislava Castle. Overall, the castle was underwhelming, but the view from it was quite nice.  I, then, took what felt like an insanely long walk to the Slavin monument.  It was an interesting and beautiful monument, and the views were incredible.  After that, I walked back down the hill and took the bus back to the train station (€0,70).  The train was delayed half an hour, and as I saw the exhausted, hungry, war-worn backpackers, I felt no nostalgia.  It must have been more glamorous at the time.  I had a relaxing ride back to Budapest where I was glad that I had a bed with my name on it.  

Back in Budapest!