Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Bratislava Photo Diary


Arriving in Bratislava is certainly not a glamorous experience but definitely a challenging adventure, at least for a clumsy solo traveler like me. Overshadowed by Prague, Vienna and Budapest, Slovakia's capital is a small city where Danube teams up with that pretty castle where once Putin met Bush; endless rooftops contrast with Socialist era derelict (or at least derelict-looking) buildings, baroque churches, pedestrian friendly alleys and charming medieval heritage. It is an unpretensious place for unpretensious people - if you loved Prague maybe Bratislava won't impress you that much but it's certainly worth a short visit (2 days should be enough, trust me when I say it is a small town) for the sake of its own charm, quirkiness and details. And that UFO-looking bridge is really something! With nights so cold and crisp you feel like either staying at home, getting drunk until you feel warm or eat some good old comfort food. Food in Bratislava is kinda like the Czech: heavy, meaty, gravy-drenched, a bit dull if you have it on a daily basis really. However, there was this creamy garlic and cheese soup in a bread bowl which was hands down one of the most delicious and comforting meals I have ever had in my life! I didn't even photograph it, meaning it appealed too much to my tastebuds rather than my visual stimulation. I've also enjoyed strolling the silent streets in the Old Town, passing by decadent gambling dens, dingy stripclubs and dodgy yet touristy Eastern European taverns. Generally speaking, Slovaks were a bit cold and aloof whenever I approached them or tried to. I found it hard to ask for directions because even in the airport no one happened to speak English - but I expect that from any ex-Commie country these days, considering my previous experiences. All in all Bratislava was a positive experience. I had to share my hostel dorm with a few Austrian guys who got hammered but hey, at least they were polite and went to vomit outside.

16 comments:

  1. That statue in the manhole is kind of creeping me out! Cool photos though

    COOCOO FOR COCO

    ReplyDelete
  2. You travel alone? that is so brave, dear! And possibly what I always had wanted to do in life. Travel and contemplate. I sort of want to travel with you right now, you know? If you ever come to a Polish city, let me know! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bratislava não me atrai mesmo nada em termos de visitas. Resta-me dizer que tive três aranhas e todas elas se chamaram Bratislava.
    http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pode não ter comparação com outros lugares, mesmo assim tem alguns prédios bonitos, a igreja e a parte antiga.
    Gostei do "Renovate me"...tal como em Portugal, onde se deixa cair tudo.
    As fotos estão muito bonitas.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love your photos of Bratislava, especially the beautiful buildings and candy colored skies!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ugh, such beautiful photos. I wish I got to travel as much!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tu não estás quieta rapariga! Adorei as telhas arranjadinhas na casa velha! Estás-me a fazer olhar pra cidades que nunca pensei muito e estou a adorar :) Gostava era de ter a tua coragem e senso de aventura pra viajar sozinha, mas sou tão medrosa xD

    ReplyDelete
  8. that's breath-taking... I love this architecture

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your photos, as always! I don't know much about Bratislava (aside from that part in the Eurotrip movie which I am sure now is an untrue portrayal ha). I do want to see more of Eastern Europe in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gente, que fotos lindas e que lugar maravilhoso! Eu que já morro de vontade de conhecer a Europa, estou ficando ainda mais com os seus posts! Gostei muito da primeira foto, ficou perfeita :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. This place is unique. Don't you feel like it's kind of magic, mystery? I love your photos ♥

    ReplyDelete
  12. bratislava looks gorgeous! i've really not explored very much of eastern europe but i would love to one day. i think it would be such a different experience to the more western european countries and i'd love to see what it's like.

    jessica - littlehenrylee.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely post! Your blog is absolutely amazing and you take beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've been there! :D

    I have great memories from my visit to Bratislava. I was staying in Wien, and no, Bratislava is not as impressive, but it's a great, friendly town with lots of unexpected and interesting details that look especially great in photography. ;)

    Where to next, Nancy? For me, it will be Scotland, hopefully. Fingers crossed!

    www.joanofjuly.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Been reading all your other experiences and travels today and I totally didn't notice you were travelling alone until you mentioned it here. That is awesome and brave. And the last part about the guys made me smile.. what a group of gentlemen :D

    P.S. Bratislava seems awesome :)

    ReplyDelete