We decided to take the 2.5 hour train trip to Bratislava, capital of Slovenia. Would you believe that it is the third richest area in the EU, though that statistic doesn’t include Slovenia as a whole, which is very poor?
I have to again mention the fantastic public transport system. Budapest has a population of 1.7 million, not that much greater than Dublin, yet its pubic transport system would embarrass the latter. Metros, trams, cable busses and busses traverse the city. One never needs to wait for a means of transport to any part of city. Each system seemlessly links up with the other. In addition if one is over 65 years, one can travel free on any public transport system within Hungry and that includes transport from the airport!! (Your passport is all that is required should there be a ticket inspection).
The train departed on time. We took a 10 minute walk to the Metro - en route we met a guy from Dundalk who accompanied us to the station - three stops and we are at the railway station 40 minutes early!!
As we left Budapest the countryside was guarded by mountains - the Carpathians I think ?
Later as we approached Slovenia,the valley widened - the mountains no longer to be seen.
The Republic of Slovakia is the result of the breakup of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Bratislava was established as its capital in 1993. It is the only capital in the world located on the borders of three countries Slovakia, Austria and Hungry. Slovakia became a member of the EU in 2004. Unlike Hungary where the Florin is currency, the Euro is the currency of Slovakia. Unlike their Yugoslav counterparts there was no animosity and both countries continue to co- operate.
We arrived just after noon.
Bratislava, formerly called Pressburg was the former capital of the Kingdom of Hungry and the coronation town of the Hungarian Kings of the House of Habsburg -1563 -1830, where 11 kings and 7 royal spouses are crowned in St Martin’s Church - among them Marie There’s in 1741.
Unlike Budapest, where tourist information is everywhere, there was none at Bratislava station.
We took the tram down town and alighted at the historic town - an announcement in English made on the tram.
We took the 10 minute walk up to the castle - originally a royal residence - now home to the Museum of History with its 47m tower, where the coronation crown jewels were once stored.
Back down the hill to the old town , where we visited the Primate’s Palace, where representatives of the French Republic and the Emperor signed the Treaty of Pressburg, following Napoleon’svctory at the Battle of Austerlitz.
The city was home to world famous artists, architects and inventors such as Mozart, Liszt, Beethoven Hayden and others. Their villas were not identifiable - Bratislava’s tourism is in its infancy!!
Next we passed through Michael’s gate- the only remaining gate in the city’s 14th century fortification. Here is housed the Museum of Arms.
Nearby is the narrowest house in Bratislava. Is it narrower than its challenger on the canal in Amsterdam?
We continued to the National Theatre,
from whence a long avenue was graced with an X-Mas tree and beyond the X-Mas market lined Hviezdoslavovo nameste, the latter named after one of the city’s famous writers. Gluwein of all varitues were available for purchase here as were X-Mas trinkets.
Many old restaurants abound - lunch of garlic soup in a bread bowl at one and a cup of organic chocolate and chili at another later in the evening were our culinary experiences.
We met second son in the latter - here on a stag party. They are eating at UFO observation Deck - a 95 metre high bridge pillar and tomorrow.
Restaurant located at an elevation of 95m in the Bridge pillar seen on right side of bridge!!
They visit Vienna tomorrow - a mere 57 km away with trains departing every half hour!!
Night had fallen, the working week was over for most and the streets were thronged with people in the crisp evening air
It was time to return toBusapest. We took the No 1 Tram back to the station only to discover that the 17.53 departure for Budapest was delayed by 40 minutes!! We adjourned to the very Soviet inspired restaurant in the station to await the train.!!
It had originatecd in Hamburg, travelled via Berlin, and Prague to Bratislava, eventually arriving in Budapest one hour late!!
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