Berlusalzvienich

I am home safe and sound from my trek into Bratislava yesterday, which was a great (though exhausting) success. As Vienna and Bratislava are the two closest capital cities in the world, it was really easy and cheap for me to take the train in and back. I walked everywhere, though I could have used the public transportation, which is actually very efficient. The city definitely has some run-down areas, and a lot of the streets and buildings have fallen into disrepair. But overall, it is very large, very safe, and very beautiful. Some of the buildings are abandoned and falling apart, but they are in the middle of otherwise well-kept cobblestone alleys and are still beautiful. It is a very interesting effect.

I found the language barrier to be a difficulty right away. In strong contrast to everywhere I've been so far, English was not a back-up option. In fact, I mostly used my German, and usually had to resort to hand gestures.

I definitely should have planned ahead more, but I did not realize just how much there is to see. So I spent most of my day walking around and shopping. But I did have time to see the famous castle at the outskirts of the city and the historical museum within. There are also many beautiful churches, and I stopped in a couple. Of all things however, I wish I had seen some palaces. They are supposed to be incredible. I was very happy to discover though, that I could recognize the communist art and architecture remaining in the city and the reasons for the details of the designs. Thank you, Dr. Pabsch!

Overall, it was a really interesting day, and I would love to go back and stay in Bratislava so that I could get a better picture of the place. It is not, however, as inexpensive as one might imagine. Though the dollar is worth about 24 SK, everything is priced accordingly. Out of curiosity, I checked the menu at a McDonald's, and a meal there is 125 SK. Some things are certainly cheaper though, and I would imagine rent or accomodation to be modest, as long as your income is coming from outside of the country.

I'm not sure the last time I wrote about Vienna, but I think maybe I've failed to write much at all! My time has flown here, which I think speaks volumes for the city. I have been to an art gallery, the music museum, cafes and kiosks, a palace, a concert, and a park. Today is my last day, and I'm going to try to get the most out of my tired feet and catch the last few sites.

I am really looking forward to my last week of travels, as it includes visits with German friends and a day or two in what feels like my Heimat...Berlin. But to conclude this entry, I've compiled a list of Dos and Don'ts that I've learned about travelling...

1. DON'T go shopping.
2. DO stretch.
3. DON'T expect to live off of nuts and chocolate.
4. DON'T go shopping.
5. DO bring earplugs.
6. DON'T expect people to be considerate.
7. DO be considerate.
8. DON'T go shopping.
9. DON'T sit in a smoking cabin on the train. They exist.
10. DON'T go shopping.

Sometimes it is hard to stick to the rules. Bis nächsten Samstag!