Bratislava
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 165: Bratislava greeted me with a weather as fickle as a cat in a yarn store. 16.74°C, feels like 15.54°C – as if I could tell the difference with my stone skin! Scattered clouds playing peekaboo with the sun, a faint chill in the air – enough to make a gnome’s nose cold. Wind speed at 5.71 m/s, almost blew my red hat off! Humidity at 41%, not enough to dampen my spirits or my beard. In this gnome’s world, the weather’s always perfect for an adventure!
Trdelník Trek: Gnome Sweet Dough!
The road was long but the scenery was so captivating, I barely noticed. I crossed the border into Slovakia, and immediately I could hear the change in language. From the Hungarian ‘köszönöm’, I was greeted with the Slovak ‘ďakujem’ (thank you). Fascinating isn’t it, how a simple line on a map changes so much?
What caught my eye was not the grandeur of the Bratislava Castle or the majesty of the Danube River. No, it was something much simpler: a small wooden cart selling Trdelník, a traditional Slovak pastry. The sight of locals and tourists alike, waiting in line for this sweet delight was a testament to its popularity. And of course, I had a bite… or maybe three, who’s counting?
There’s a Slovak saying: “Kto chce bez práce žiť, musí sa naučiť krásne žobrať“, which translates to “He who wants to live without working, must learn to beg beautifully”. I’m no beggar, but I do live without the conventional work, and boy, is it beautiful!
The rhythm of the journey hums in my ears. In the words of the local song “Na Kráľovej holi”, “Na Kráľovej holi, holi, holi, tam mi moja milá, milá, milá…”, which roughly translates to “On King’s Mountain, there is my beloved…”
With 4961.4 kilometers behind me and 165 days on the road, I’ve seen the charm of cities like Pezinok, Pezinok again (yes, I liked it that much), Mosonmagyaróvár, Bratislava, and Malé Dvorníky. But my journey is far from over. There are still many miles to walk, many songs to sing, and many stories to tell.
Until next time, na zdravie (cheers) from your favorite gnome, Oliver!
Wandering Bratislava’s Streets
Gnome’s Quaint Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Bratislava.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Bratislava: Gnome Treasure Hunt!
Now, let’s talk culture. Bratislava was the birthplace of the renowned composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel. As I strolled through the city’s Old Town, I could almost hear the strains of Hummel’s compositions wafting through the air. ‘Ach, tak to je na Slovensku dobré!’ (Oh, it’s so good in Slovakia!)
Bratislava is more than just a city; it’s a living, breathing ode to Slovakia’s rich culture and history. Ahoj, do you hear that? That’s the sound of Bratislava, beckoning you to uncover its secrets.
Víno, Halušky, and Hustle: Bratislava’s T
Ah, life in Bratislava is as smooth as a well-aged bottle of “víno” (wine). Each day starts with a “dobré ráno” (good morning) and ends with a “dobrú noc” (good night). The locals, called “Bratislavčania”, are as warm as the “halušky” (dumplings) they serve. In the “Staré Mesto” (Old Town), you’ll find folks savoring the “káva” (coffee) in charming cafes. The hustle-bustle, the “Korzo” (promenade), the “Hrad” (Castle) – oh, it’s a sight to behold! Just remember, when in Bratislava, follow the old Slovak saying: “Bez práce nie sú koláče” (No work, no cake). And trust me, the cakes here are worth every bit of work. Now, “do videnia” (see you later), I’ve got more exploring to do!
Bratislava: Gnome’s Playground
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 