Slovakia (Without the Czecho- in front!)

We woke up next morning in Bratislava, 

capital of the "Country at the Heart of Europe," Slovakia.

If you're like me, you may want to add the Czecho in front of Slovakia - 
that's how my brain is programmed from school.

Czechoslovakia was ruled by the Communists until Communism fell during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

In 1993, the Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully in what is called the Velvet Divorce, 

and the Czech Republic became a democratic state 

and Slovakia became an independent nation. 

Our tour of Bratislava began with a motor-coach ride up to the Bratislava Castle.

On a clear day, you can view three countries - 

Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.

Note the Apollo Bridge, built during Communism.

As we were waiting in our bus for everyone to get back on,

we watched a little drama unfold.

Sure enough, after a bit of maneuvering, 

the big truck got through the opening!

Old Slavic National Theater

We walked through Michael's Gate into Old Town.

Bratislava had a different kind of charm than what we had seen in Holland, Germany and Austria.

I loved to look up at the old architecture in each country, then get close-ups.

Roland Fountain

Our guide told us that the original version of the little cherubs with water coming out . . . 

. . . was changed - now each of them is holding a fish! 

This little statue is called Rubberneck.

They said his head has been run over by cars, 

then replaced many times.

Main Square

 After our walking tour, we passed this pastry shop window . . .

. . . and Lynn and Annette gestured through the window for us to come inside.

They had purchased a caramel pastry, and wanted to share it with us.

Yum!

I was thrilled to find this hand-made Slavic table runner 

for our dining room table in a little shop at a very good price.

The lovely clerk is a student of languages at the university there.

 Back home 

There was a Farmer's Market with fun crafts.

I found a very inexpensive pair of yellow enameled earrings there.

A sculptor paid tribute with this Sconer Naci Statue to a legendary true gentleman of Bratislava 

who would wave his hat and greet local ladies with flowers.

We returned to our boat for lunch,

then Roger visited Captain Boris to have a look at the Wheelhouse.

Alas, the next day was our final day of our cruise,

which was in Budapest.

Viking held their Farewell Dinner that night, the night before.

Pat, as did many on our cruise, got a cold and was resting in her room (Clyde took her a To Go plate). 

We girls had lots of laughs together throughout the cruise.

The Taylors and the Sitteruds also extended for a 3-day trip to Prague,

but after our tour in Budapest, we said good-bye to the Bartons.

They extended their vacation for extra time in Budapest.

We had such great fun with these couples throughout our adventures!

Having the opportunity to be served by two different Viking longboat staffs was a joy.

Both crews were outstanding!

Now on to our cruise's final stop - Budapest!