The farmers walk

One thing I don’t think I’ve mentioned is my appreciation of the kindness of some fellow travelers/strangers. I have had so much more help from them than the people who are paid to help (information centres, etc,)

Oh, and another thing. The farmers walk we do at the gym sure has paid off the last few days!!𯒪 

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava to Vienna trip

 The one hour trip to Vienna was uneventful. I checked in to my new hotel and I am completely happy with my choice. I spent the rest of the day in the vicinity of my hotel. I even had a little nap this afternoon so I am feeling really refreshed for my train trip to Ljubljana tomorrow. Only 12 km in the last two days.

I am so relieved i don’t have to deal with busses or trams tomorrow!! I’m looking forward to an easier start to the day.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava train station

 The lady at the hotel in Bratislava was so nice and only charged me for the one night. I spent the morning wandering around the historic centre of Bratislava so I did get a feel of it. It’s a lot smaller than Prague, which I knew, but was a nice change of pace. I walked to the tram stop and bought my tram ticket before checking out of the hotel.

I’m so glad I did this. The train station at Bratislava is a bit sketchy and I just couldn’t imagine doing this at 5:30-6 in the morning.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava to Vienna

 Well, that’s my day. I’m glad to be in my comfortable room for the night.

I decided to change the plan today. I had been told that it was no problem to get to the train station in Bratislava by 6 am to get to Vienna (1 hour train trip) to catch my 7:58 train to Ljubljana tomorrow morning. It was the one schedule that always concerned me. 

This morning I decided to come to Vienna today to make a less stressful trip. I am 100% glad I made that decision!! I am at the Star Inn in Vienna, right across from the train station.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava 3

 The downtown area here is very nice. Picturesque and a lot quieter than Prague. I stopped at an outdoor cafe that looked nice. I ordered a beer,which I desperately needed after my train trip, and a Caesar salad. The waiter brought the beer then told me they didn’t have that today so I ordered a soup of the day. He came back and said it wouldn’t be ready until tomorrow lol. So I said what do you have that is small. I wasn’t up for something big. He said fried potatoes so I said ok. So I got an order of French fries 𯘂

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava 3

I had directions from the station in Bratislava to my hotel but I always like to ask someone before I hop onto a bus or tram. There was a young girl who showed me where my tram would arrive. I bought my ticket and got on. I got off at the stop then I had to walk. I asked another young girl and she quickly got out her phone and gave me directions. They were both so nice and happy to help. Much appreciated!! After checking in I headed out for a bite to eat.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava 2 blind football

 I was chatting to a lady from Berlin at the Prague station. She was with a group of blind football (I’m presuming soccer) players. She said they weren’t the best players but they all get to play. I’m still trying to figure out how they can play soccer?? I guess they’re not completely blind but somewhat. I didn’t believe her at first but I saw her group and some of them did have canes. That would be interesting to watch lol. She said it’s becoming a thing but she wasn’t sure if it was in Canada yet. As we were talking she said Canada to Europe, 3 weeks, Alone. You’re my hero and she gave me a thumbs up lol.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Bratislava

 Well I’m here. I decided to take the metro to the train station. It went well. I arrived way too early but I didn’t want to take a chance on missing my train. The train was delayed. 

What frustrates me is that they don’t announce the platform until about 10-15 minutes in advance. Then you have to rush to get there, figure what carriage you’re in, etc. But it all worked out and I’m sure learning as I go. No pictures today. I was focused on the trip.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague 3

 I’ve found that food and beer is very reasonable when you’re outside the tourist areas. It is considerably less than at home. Looking in the stores clothing is about the same price as home and they have pretty much the same stores as we have plus a lot of others I’ve seen in London.

I’ve really enjoyed my time in Prague 𯇨𯇿 Tomorrow I’m off to a new city and country.

Bratislava, Sep 30, 

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague 2

 
I visited with an older gentleman from Hamilton who travels the world taking pictures of old trains and a couple from Pittsburgh who had just arrived and were struggling with jet lag.

I also forgot to mention the beautiful countryside. It is a mixture of rolling hills, trees, cultivated land and small mountains. There is a lot of canola. The girl on the train said they still call it rape here. She said it’s grown all over the EU because of the subsidies for a biofuel. 

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague

 Today was spent mainly wandering around the historic district. 12.4 km worth. I really took my time and tried to walk down every side street I came across. You have to really look while you’re walking. Beyond an open doorway can be a cute little courtyard cafe or restaurant. I picked up a couple little souvenirs and a Czech bohemian granite necklace in the shape of a four leaf clover. It made me think of a mixture of Czech and Irish. :)

I meant to say yesterday: No means yes lol.
Shawn (to be continued) 

Last Day In Rome, Italy

 Today we visited the Borghese Museum. It is a private collection of statues and paintings but almost as beautiful as the Vatican Museum. We couldn't take pictures so you'll have to take my word for it. It did have a beautiful park surrounding it!!

Then we got on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus for a ride around Rome. It was wonderful to see everything one last time. We did get a close-up of the Colosseum so those photos are attached.

Then one last meal in Rome! And one last gelato (no photo attached).

Ciao Roma!

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Last Day In Rome, Italy

 

As we came down the other side of the hill, we saw Rome's Pyramid!! It was built many centuries ago as a tomb for a very rich man. It became part of the city wall; you'll see the towers and gate in the pictures.

One more day in Rome then we have to go home. I have come to love Rome as much as I love Paris.

Mamma Mia!! We have to go home tomorrow!! Good news - Bad news!! It will be very good to get home and sleep in our own bed!!! But we have enjoyed our travels so much that we will miss all of the adventure!!

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Vatican City

 We then walked around the Vatican City wall to the Saint Peter's Basilica. That is also an amazing view; and overwhelming!! We didn't go inside because there was a very long line and we were tired. We had spent 3 hours in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

In the late afternoon, Luca took us on a walking tour of the Aventine Hill area. This is one of the seven hills that Rome is built on. At the base of the hill is the Circus, used for horse racing in the Roman times. At the top of the hill we had another beautiful view of the city.

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Vatican Museums

 Today was the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel!!! It was wonderful!! Not many people were there and we took our time just taking in all the beautiful works of art. Of course there is no way to see everything; it is just too huge. The pictures will show you a selection of things we saw - statuary, ceiling paintings, and the Pope's carriages and cars.

The Sistine Chapel was the highlight! We were able to find seats along the wall and spent an hour looking up at the beauty. We had audio-phones that tried to explain the painting to us, but it is just so overwhelming, it was hard to take it all in.

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Day 2 Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

 After lunch, we walk to the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. It is monument built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy located in Rome in 1885; so it is relatively new!! It is fondly called "the wedding cake". It is so elaborately designed that it is hard to describe and even take pictures of. 

Behind the wedding cake is a wonderful view of the ruins of the Forum, government buildings of ancient Rome and the Colosseum.

(to be continued) 

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