Bratislava, Slovakia

Along the way, many travellers told me to avoid Bratislava or at least only spend the day there. I spent one night/ 1 and a half days there and although I feel like this was indeed long enough- not because it is boring at all- but because It is very small and you can see and do a lot in a short time. Bratislava for me was one of the most beautfiul and quaint little medieval places I had seen so far. I always use these words to describe them because It is the most accuract description really. When i arrived to the bus station located in the centre of town, I walked throught the beautiful historical square by passing colourful trees, many statues and cute old buildings. I could barely take a few steps at a time without taking photos. It was so photogenic. I dropped off my bag at Wild Elephants hostel which was smack bang in the middle of the old town and had a lovely welcoming vibe- and an adoreable puppy there. I was just in time to join the Communism walking tour, which took us all around the old town and up to the grogeous castle overlooking the city, as well as describing the life of people here during the communism times. Our guide was a young student who was part Serbian and part Slovakian so she gave us a great insight into the differences between communism here and in Ex Yugoslavia from what her family had experienced. It was so interesting. On my way back I spotted the city tour which was starting by my hostel so i opted to join it. Three more hours- was I crazy? A third of the way through the tour, I opted to run away from the group and head back to the hostel- the guide was super annoying, over-rehearsed and irritating and I wanted to end on a high from my last tour. After the tour I went to a cafe in the old town for some craft beer and a vegan burger, before heading back to the hostel later on. Bratislava, the city in which the Iron curtain ended, was only a taste of Slovakia but I was so eager to see the rest of this small couuntry including the Tatras mountains which had been recommended to me. Unfortunatley, time was ticking and I needed to make my way to Budapest for some more reunions and events.