June 19-21, 2005

Visiting towns on the Danube

Bratislava in the morning

View overlooking Bratislava and the Danube River

I am getting to the end of my Central Europe adventure. I know that now I am in the travel mode. I could have continued to explore the area longer, but after the puzzling experience in Bardejov, I headed for Bratislava. If I were to live and work somewhere in the region, Bratislava is the place.

Overview of Bratislava city street with castle on the hill

It does not feel like a capital city at all. It is pleasantly laid back and unostentatious. The old city center does not lack colour and is quite picturesque but the pace is wonderfully relaxed. Bratislava has all the flavour of ex-communist Central Europe along with the trams, the splendid architecture, the cobbled streets and the florid churches. However, it is not invaded by hordes of visitors and locals have remained quite friendly. I particularly liked its Medieval castle, of simple architecture, solid and square, overlooking the entire city. I think I am getting "churched out" and "old cobbled squared out". I walked around old Bratislava without following a map, tired of reading write-ups. A nice change.

Vienna in the afternoon

Then for one day I hopped to Vienna. I know it sounds snobbish and "ritzy". Distances are minimal here. I could have breakfast in Bratislava, lunch in Vienna and dinner in Budapest all in the same day, using local transport! It took an hour on the train to reach Vienna. Again both the Slovak and the Austrian immigration officers did not want to stamp my passport. However, I insisted so much, explaining what had happened to me recently, that they complied just to shut me up!

Vienna street scene with horse drawn carriage

I enjoyed my day in the Austrian capital immensely. Vienna is truly flamboyant, romantic and classy. I had time to admire many of the landmarks.

Belvedere Castle in Vienna with reflecting pond and garden

The Belvedere Castle flanked by magnificent gardens. All white it was stunning in the early morning sun.

Karl's Church with modern statue in front

I saw the main Cathedral, Gothic of course, with the most unusual geometric motifs on its roof. I entered many churches, I walked everywhere. People were extremely helpful. They would not only put me back on the right track but often give me a mini lecture on the monuments around. A very gratifying day.

Budapest at night

Overview of Budapest as seen from the Buda side. The Parliament is seen on the Pest side.

Now I am in Budapest. Am actually staying in Pest, not Buda! I do not know how I feel yet about this city. I have noticed that it is very busy, that the sights are scattered all around town and that the women do not have the statuesque beauty of the Slavs. They look more Mediterranean.

A map of Buda and Pest showing some of the sights.

A view of the Parliament in Budapest as seen from the Danube

My trip is over now and I'm heading
back to Paris for a visit with family and a
wee vacation with a very special friend.
See you when I get home.

The Little Princess statue on the Corzo Pamanade

Back to Paris...