Eastern Europe trail

Poland
So Poland already seems like so long ago... But I really didn't tell you much about our week in Warsaw, so a couple of notes about our week there...

We had a really awesome apartment in Poland with a really nice, comfy lounge which led to spending a couple of days just chilling out in the neighbourhood and one day was spent in Chelm. So it left us with four days to check out Warsaw.

We did a lot in those days - or at least a lot of walking. Our lovely place was a good 4.5km from the centre which meant lots of long walks into town. (There was a metro and a tram, but you see so much more walking...) I already blogged about our trip to the Old Town and the museum of modern art.

I don't think I mentioned that the museum's cafe was a super hipster hangout with great coffee and we spent a few late afternoons there with an aeropress and a piece of cheesecake - aren't we just insufferable??

We went to a few of Warsaw's beautiful city parks and hit another polish milk bar where two of the dishes tasted just like my grandmother's - worth the trip to Poland alone.



The polish zloty went far - with food, drinks and public transport all good value. Plus PayPass everywhere was bliss!!

While the metro was fast and reliable, the regional and intercity trains were not so much.

Our trip back from Chelm was - according to Phil - a sackable offence in Germany. We got home three hours late (at 11.30 pm - sooo tired) after that trip. And the train out of Warsaw was not delayed or stopped at all - but it just went slowly enough so we missed our connection to Bratislava making us two hours late! No announcements, no info.

I guess what I'm saying is don't trust Polish rail!!

Bratislava
Bratislava has been a distinct change of pace. Where Warsaw's weather was a bit rainy and gloomy at times, it's been sunshine all the way in Bratislava.

Where Warsaw is an enormous modern city, Bratislava feels much smaller - and very quiet. Almost a touch deserted. But not in a bad way... I like being able to close my eyes and cross the road! Okay, it's not that deserted... There are trams everywhere and the beautiful old city centre has a few tour groups wandering around.


National Theatre in Old Town

We hung out at the waterfront area which is a bit Southbank-esque but on a much smaller scale. Eastern Europe is obsessed with ice cream and Bratislava was no exception - every second person down there had one in hand. We caved and had the most delicious poppyseed ice cream...


Bratislava's waterfront

We also stopped by the National Gallery - which is sponsored this year, so free entry for all - and had a great sculpture exhibit and one dedicated to alcohol!

We visited the Bratislava castle - it seemed borderline compulsory, towering over the city watching you, but it was worth it for the incredible city views alone!! And we spent our last day walking in the forest - just a couple of kms outside the city centre. It was a beautiful and peaceful way to spend a day.



Stunning views


Slovakian forest

It all sounds very cultural, but we did spend a decent chunk of time in a great cafe we found down the road. There's only so much touring you can do.

And now?
We're heading back to Budapest. Did I mention how much I loved it? Plus, we are working our way down to Greece for the beginning of June and Budapest is really a necessary stop unless you want to take a 14 hour train, which I don't!

Plans include rollerblading at Europe's largest skate park and visiting the park for lazy afternoons. Phil's plan includes eating lots of hummus at the Hummus bar.

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