I left Lisbon for a quick jaunt to Slovakia, and Bratislava in particular.  When I was navigating this trip, it was more a matter of what countries would work from Lisbon, but Slovakia was very much on my wish list.  Unfortunately, there are no flights that connect Lisbon to Bratislava, but interestingly Vienna is only 45 minutes away.  So, I left Portugal headed for Austria.  As it happens I was in Austria for little more than 1 hour, as I caught the €10 Flix Bus that took me to Bratislava, and within spitting distance of my hotel lobby, so it could not have worked out better. It was unfortunate to by-pass re-visiting Vienna because it is a beautiful city, but I have been there before the Avison travel bible states ‘thou must always find new pastures.’

Finding out that I could connect Slovakia so easily by bus from Vienna only happened by accident and made many internet searches of airlines, flights and possible connections.  I am so pleased that it worked out so well, and goes to show just how close the country of former Czechoslovakia are to be able to connect to the rest of Europe.  Slovakia separated from Czechoslovakia in 1983.

 Like many of the countries I have found in central/eastern Europe, Bratislava (Slovakia) is excellent.  A wonderful vibe around the place, sparkling in the autumn sunshine and a thoroughly pleasing place to visit.  It is small, so it is not a challenge to wander around and take in the sites over a few hours in the afternoon.  The streets of the town centre, it is actually a city, but it feels more like a town, are laden with bars, cafes all filled with smiling faces. It is almost impossible not be impressed with Bratislava.  Quaint, cute and would set a postcard off perfectly. Views from the clock tower were only marginally spoiled by the beating afternoon sunshine that just happened to be directly into the town square.  As I wandered around it was clear that this is a weekend break destination, and as I arrived on a Friday I am sure many of the people in the town were on these weekend trips.  I, as it so happened am just here for one day.  I was worried I would want to stay longer, but I am good with one day in Bratislava and feel I have been, saw and conquered 🙂

I was told not to miss out on a pint at the appropriately named Slovak pub… obviously I didn’t miss the opportunity~

 I keep counting countries into the Avison vault of visited places and Cyprus will add one more.  Awoken by an early alarm call, on Saturday morning got me up and headed to Cyprus, a country I am really looking forward to exploring.  The benefit of a hire car will help to travel around the Cypriot isle, and 4 days in the warmth and sunshine sounds perfect for an October trip.