Bratislava, Slovakia

Okay, rewind a bit!  I never posted our photos from Bratislava, Slovakia!  We drove there on a quick road-trip from Vienna, Austria when we visited with my friend C in June.  It was a really lovely city and completely different from Vienna.  As soon as you cross the border, everything is different.  The language is very Slavic-sounding, similar to Russian.  The people, who were isolated for so long under Communism, look different and are much more homogenous.  The country is poorer than Austria and the food is simpler.  In Bratislava at least, many of the buildings and neighborhoods still hadn't recovered from Communism's fist.  Even so, the cultural differences are profound and fascinating and I enjoyed it very much!  I think "Eastern Europe" in its many, many forms has been the most interesting experience for me, living here in Europe!

Without further ado:

 Crossing the border from Austria to Slovakia!

 I wouldn't mind going back to Budapest, Hungary another time.  I loved the city!

 Outside the Bratislava mall where we parked.

 The architecture here is pretty, and very unlike Vienna.

 The Slovakian equivalent of the Boy and Girl Scouts were doing demonstrations at the farmer's market.

 C bought something called a "trdeln" (and I have no idea how to pronounce that!).  It was basically a column of cinnamony doughy goodness.

 Slovakian women making some king of dumpling-thing.  Looked and smelled delish!

 Love the red roofs!

 Bratislava is a virtual GOLD MINE of street art!!!

 :)

 The old city walls by the church.

 By the church in the center of the "Old Town".  This old building across the piazza was boarded up, but still a lovely canvas for artists!

 See?  A canvas!

 I like it.

 We happened upon a long procession of medieval reenactors and a parade!

 Lots of dragons all over this city!

 Looking for more street art and wandering aimlessly.

 I love European doorways.

 We came upon a small children's choir practicing in a quiet, cool church.  They sounded so great!

 Creepy puppeteer-thing in a box on the street.  I don't know if Slovakians are as freaked out about this as I am, but this little girl loved it.  Cute!

 Little artistic surprises all over...

 The power of the paintbrush (and the stencil, and the spray can, and the paste!)!

 Climbing up the hill to the castle.

 D and C waiting for me up top...

 Incorporating old with the new?

 I FOUND AN INVADER!!!

 D checking it out!

 The main square.

 D found an Invader sticker - haha!  :)

 Street sculpture by the square.  Bratislava is a very art-friendly city!

 Filling up for a performance of some kind.  Wish we could have stayed!

Stopped for caffe on the Danube before heading home to Vienna.  Thank you for a lovely visit, Bratislava!