Of Trains, Old Towns, and Fall Beauty

Ahhh... I'm enjoying a few days of rest and unlimited internet at a friend's house.  I thought I'd catch up on my blog since it has been sorely neglected this fall.  So much to tell.  Be looking for a few posts in the next few days.

Last week, was a Hungarian holiday on Wednesday.  My friends and I decided to take the day to visit the nearby city of Bratislava, Slovakia.  We were up early on for our 7:30 train ride that got us there around 10am.

Then the exploration fun began.  First, it was trying to navigate in a new city, new language and not knowing anything.  Perhaps, it was a bit exaggerated by the fact I forgot Rick Steves Eastern Europe on the kitchen table at home.  After buying a map, and some bus tickets to the old town, thanks to a kind gentleman who spoke very good English, we were on our way.  

Our first stop was the castle.  The city of Bratislava was once part of Hungary and the residents of the castle were part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.  The view from the castle was an amazing view of the Danube and the rolling hills beyond full of fall colors.  

Rachel & Danielle at the castle 

 

Danube River in Bratislava

 

After our castle exploration, we headed down into the "old town" to find some lunch and explore more.  We had lunch right at St. Michael's tower in the center of town.  

After our quick stop for lunch, more exploring ahead.  We went to the old town square for a stop at a coffee shop for hot chocolate and some souvenir shopping.

Our day ended after some delicious ice cream, a stop at a small grocery store for some Slovakian chocolate, and food for dinner on the train.  It was a delightful day full of the beauty of fall, friendship, laughter, and adventures.