Never Been to Slovakia Before

Friday, July 06, 2012
Bratslavia, Slovakia
We left Vienna about 3:00 am. I heard us leave, but quickly back to sleep. Something about the humming of the engines and very gentle rocking that puts me to sleep. Some of the folks had gone to a concert and ballet in Vienna...we stayed on board. The folks who went said it was "quite lovely." (An Aussie expression we hear all the time.) But they had no air conditioning, so it was hot...97 degrees. Glad we stayed on board. I did get up at 10:30 for the late night snack...Hungarian goulash...and again to use the Aussie expression, "Quite good."

Up early and breakfast ...had a mamosa today. Nothing like starting your day out with a little orange juice and champagne! Then we were off to explore the city of Bratslavia. I'd heard of the town, but never given it much thought. It is only 4K to Austria. Speaking of which, saw a great t-shirt which having all the Aussie's on board make it even funnier...it said, "There Are No Kangaroos in Austria!" Very clever. Anyway, Bratslavia is part of the former Soviet Union. They were part of Chezkoslovakia with Prague as it capital. They gained their independence when the Soviet Union disolved in 1989. They were invaded and occupied by the Germans in WWII. We visited a nice monument to 6000 Soviet soldiers who died in 1945 alone to liberate the city from the Nazis. Of course, Bratslavia's hey-day was the 17th and 18th centuries when they were ruled by the Hapsburgs (of course during the reign of Maria Theresa). Saw another funny t-shirt. It had the Burger King logo look to it, but it said, "HapsBurger King." (Maybe only a history major can appreciate that play on words .)

Walked through the town and saw the American Embassy. Got a Coke "light" at McDonalds. They aren't as ubiquitous in Europe as they are in the States, but there seems to be a McDonalds in every city over here too. Saw a great statue...I really can't describe it and do it justice, but when I get home and upload the pictures to this blog, you'll definitely want to see this picture. Make a note when I upload the pics...most interesting pic I have taken. (How's that for a teaser?) We walked back to this ship for lunch.

After lunch we went on an excersion to another palace called Schloss Hof. Beautiful place, but it was almost 100 degrees, so we cut it short after the apple and mixed fruit schnaaps....again, burned all the way down....just what we needed on a hot day. We spent the next half hour in the cafe having a Coke light and a local beer.

Back to the ship, shower and "Port Talk" with our Cruise Director, Dragan. It was also the farewell champagne reception and gala dinner where they introcuded the entire staff. Not so coincidentally, they also put in our rooms "tip envelopes." We tipped everyone in general, and a bit more for our cabin steward (Dimas...from Indonesia), our faborite waiter Boris, and my favorite bartender, Annita (from Macedonia). They also had some great entertainment. Five young ladies playing flute, violin, viola, cello and piano. They played a combination of pops, show tunes and Slovakian songs. Very well done.

Hard to beleive this cruise is about over. It's been outstanding!

Dave & Sandy
Other Entries

Comments

Uncle Johnny
2012-07-08

Hey, Dave, I've never had a mamosa. Is is anything like a mimosa? (Not to be confused with a tree which is also known as a "silk tree.") Sorry, call me a smart a.., but I just couldn't resist.

Kevin Callis
2012-07-09

Dave and Sandy,

I've enjoyed following your trip...what a great experience. We enjoyed Vienna and Bratislavia a couple of years ago. The historic buildings and designs were interesting, easy to see the blandness of the contemporary structures. Hope you have a great time...

Kevin

2025-02-14

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank