Dobrý deň, my travelling comrades! This is your favourite gnome, Oliver, reporting from the heart of Pezinok, Slovakia. You might be wondering, didn’t he just report from there yesterday? Well, you’ve got sharp memory, my friend. The truth is, I haven’t moved an inch. I’ve been staying put, right here in Pezinok, marvelling at the same beautiful sights, and trust me, it’s been just as exciting!

Now, you know me. I never merely sit and watch – I participate! And so, today, I had a close encounter with a real, genuine Slovakian rooster. Aye, it might not sound like much, but have you ever had a staring contest with a rooster? Let me tell you, those fellas don’t blink. It got me thinking, “Je v živote dôležitejšie vidieť, ako vyhrať“, which translates to “In life, it’s more important to see than to win”. A little philosophical nugget for you there, courtesy of a gnome and a rooster.

Over the last 163 days, my trotters have covered an impressive 4881.2 kilometers, crossing borders, rivers, and even a few mountains. I’ve journeyed through the musical streets of Vienna, the alluring landscapes of Schwechat, and of course, the homely corners of Pezinok. And while I didn’t cross any borders today, I sure did cross a few rooster territories!

So, here’s a popular Slovak song for you to hum along – “Na kráľovej holi“, which means “On the King’s Mountain”. As we say in Slovakia, “Kto hľadá, nájde“. In English, “He who seeks, finds”. And boy, have I found some treasures on this journey!

Until next time, keep exploring, and remember, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. Or in my case, stay in Pezinok and have a face-off with a rooster. Dovidenia!

Ah, the charming town of Pezinok! Nestled between the Little Carpathians and the Danube River, it’s a gem hidden in the heart of Slovakia.

First, let’s talk about its vineyards. Pezinok is a city in bloom, not with flowers, but with grape vines. The town is famous for its wine production. The locals say, “Bez vína život je chyba” which translates to “Life without wine is a mistake.” I wholeheartedly agree!

Secondly, this town is a cultural trove. It’s the birthplace of the renowned Slovak poet Ľudovít Štúr. His verses echo the city’s spirit, with lines like “Všetko sa dá vydržať, len srdce musí biť” – “Everything can be endured, as long as the heart keeps beating”.

There you have it, a sip of wine and a line of poetry – the quintessential Pezinok experience.