Wednesday 22 July 1998

Slideshow Pictures

As we crossed the border there were noticeable differences between Hungary and Slovakia. The roads were in terrible condition with enormous ruts in them. The houses seemed darker more austere. The apartment buildings were shapeless concrete blocks. There were hardly any cars on the roads.

We found the Danube hotel without any problems. It is a modern hotel, and as the name suggests, on the banks of the Danube. It is beside the Novy bridge which looks unbalanced architecturally, because of the spaceneedly structure on only one end. It looks as if it is only supported on one end, very unbalanced. The graffiti under the bridge, where the pedestrian walkway is, also detracts from the appearance.

After freshening up we went for a walk around the city. Stopped at an outdoor restaurant where the smell of stucco was overpowering. The city’s buildings are being restored and the smell is very strong.

There are numerous beautiful buildings from the turn of the century in this part of the city. It should be beautiful once the renovations are finished.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at the outdoor restaurant that was across the street from the hotel. After browsing through the Slovakian menu, the waiter noticed that we were bemused, and brought us an English menu. As it was getting dark the lights were turned on the bridge. The graffiti previously mentioned, with the lights, was quite colorful and attractive.

After dinner Rachel went back to the hotel room and Rita and I went for a romantic walk along the banks of the Danube.

We had breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

 Then we decided to explore the Hrad. Which is a castle overlooking the city.

The castle was built by the Hungarians during the Turkish invasion. At that time, because most of the country was occupied, Bratislava (Pozsony in Hungarian) was temporarily, the capital of Hungary, with the majority of the population being Hungarian. We found a plaque stating that Hungary at one time belonged to the Slovaks. Isn’t history great. Everybody gets their own interpretation.

Another contentious issue at present, is the Slovakian national anthem that you are listening to (Nad Tatrou sa blýska). The anthem was adopted in 1993 by Slovakia. The Hungarians say the melody is copied from an old Hungarian folk song, protesting arranged marriages. The Hungarian lyrics are about a girl lamenting an arranged marriage when she is in love with someone else. Click on the play button below and you can decide for yourself if the melody is the same.

And again, isn't history great, At the time the song was composed, there were no borders between Slovakia and Hungary. People traveled back and forth taking with them their culture and music. Who really knows where the song originated. Why stir the pot over such inconsequential issues.

One thing we noticed in Eastern Europe, is that the castles and Palaces have been stripped of all furnishings. The communists have really done a great job of this.

As we left Rachel posed with the guards at the entrance and was very proud that she made one of them smile.

Went inside Katedrála svätého Martina, the cathedral in Bratislava.

 We went back to the hotel packed, checked out ($275 CAN.) and headed for Prague.