BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. AN AFTERNOON WITH FAMILY.

Though Kate and I did arrive in Europe a bit earlier, our trip down the Danube started with the gathering of some family in Passau, Germany. 

No better way to conclude our month adventure with  more family in Bratislava, Slovakia. Having grown up in Canada where I have next to no relatives, here we will be graciously hosted by more family, from my father’s side, than perhaps I`ve ever have joined at a table at any one given time. 

Glad to share some photos, as you can see for yourself what a great time we had. 

I know I can safely say that on behalf of all four of us is how thoughtfully and courteously we’ve been welcomed by all, family, new and old friends (except a couple of taxi guys) in Slovakia.

 

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA................AN EVENING STROLL.

 

THIS POST IS RELATIVE.

MORE!!!!!.....

relatives....

ouch.

Over the next three days we will travel to Piestany, Slovakia, once home to our mother, to visit out Aunt Eva (yes, from Ottawa) and her sister, along with traveling to Peter`s home outside of Bratislava to spend a day with a great crowd from our mother`s side.

 

I can't help but to remember some of my favourite sights, historical and all, from past trips to this country.

Here being a sight of a CHEESE VENDING MACHINE.

Hell ya!!!!!!!!!!

Not only a machine vending cheese, but one of my all time favourite cheeses,

PARINITZA.

A stringy, salty, Slovakian.......

Grand Hotel in Piestany, Slovakia.

Home to one of the many hot mineral baths that made this city famous.

OPLATKY.

If you know, you know.....

Yes this post was suppose to be about visiting relatives............

BUT!!!!!!

again..........

A CHEESE VENDING MACHINE!!!!

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.

Our plan following the cycle tour was to head to Slovakia to do some sightseeing and most importantly some visiting of relatives. Both of our parents early lives were spent here.

At first we are just going to get reacquainted with Bratislava, once home to our father. 

We all have been here a number of times, so for comparisons sake we will find the old town where we will stay and enjoy continue to develope into a very beautiful tourist destination. The bars and restaurants that spill onto the mostly pedestrian core provide ample hospitality for what at times seem like hordes of people making holiday.

 

We've invited a local artist to join us for a portion of our supper..

What better way to share the spirit of global friendship than with a little music amongst fellow musicians.

Thanks to our enthusiastic restaurant owner for providing us with some hats so for us to better get in the spirit.

Please join us for some traditional song that perhaps was inspired by a lonely goat herder on some Slovakian hillside.

Hello Hyla.

I`m pretty sure the idea behind this image was to inspire some rustic pottery work,

and not for the remains of an amazing dish of......

With the history that this city has to offer there is a lot to see but one of the most "selfie sights" in old town is the manhole man.

The famous castle overlooking the city continues to provide a dramatic setting for any number of events outside and in.

I found the current presentation of Marie Antoinette`s

finery a little too real.

I get that she needed a replacement because we all know why Marie had such bad memory......

........she kept losing her head...........

More Slovakia ahead.