Rachel’s Interrail Adventures

Up very early and did not sleep well. A noisy person in the room last night. I guess this is the disadvantage of hostels. It’s the first time it’s happened so far.

Had an easy ride into Bratislava. Quick drop of my bag at the Chors hostel and I made the 10am walking tour!

2.5 hrs walking and listening to Slovak history including up to the castle.

Lots on the tour about the Austrian Hungarian empire, Ottomans, Napoleon, the changing borders of Slovakia. I don’t know much about the history of this area and I would like to find out more after this.

Can you see the crown at the top of the cathedral spire? “A gilded replica of the coronation crown fixed on the top of the cathedral tower at a height of 85 metres and weighing 150 kg”. Many Kings were coronated here and in Vienna also (double coronations). At the time of each coronation, the monarch would give free beer/wine for everyone for two weeks! Coronations were understandably very popular!

After the tour ended I had lunch with Denise who I met on the tour which was nice. I had cabbage soup with local sausages and a massive doorstep of bread!

It was really good!

After lunch I went for a walk by myself – first to the Blue Church, and then over the river to walk along the Danube banks. Hot but fun.

I ended up with a quick look in St Martins and then a stop at the cafe next door for some refreshments

I walked to the main square later and saw a Ukraine protest

Chors

Finally I checked in at the hostel Chors. This is completely different to the one in Vienna.

Immaculately clean, friendly and well equipped. I was glad for the calm atmosphere but also the space. What a lovely place for anyone to stay, but especially a solo traveler! EU46 for one night (Saturday).

After a great nights sleep I stayed in bed for ages catching up on my phone and generally lazing about! I had been so knackered the previous day it took a while to come round.

As I write this, I am considering staying indoors all morning and having some down time. I was truly knackered yesterday and need to regroup. It seems a shame as I am only here for a short time. However I am only 1 week into a 4 week trip. I need to pace myself! I also made a big effort sightseeing yesterday.

I thought I might catch an earlier train, but remembered I have bought a 1st class upgrade for the Vienna-Innsbruck train and that’s likely not transferable.

Coffee and planning it is then!