Slovakia

Strbske Pleso
Feeling like a member of the Czechoslovakia ski jump team staying in Hotel Fis. Directly under the two enormous ski jumps. An introductory hike to the Tatras, around Strbske Pleso (lake) and up through the snow to Chata Sloisko Pod.

Tatranske Lomnica
Suburb londgings in our wood cabin Pension Daniella. Three days hiking in the region, two six hour days and as Sinead said an epic eight hour effort. Stunning peaks, frozen lakes, snow filled valleys, snow melt filled waterfalls and rivers. Not to mention the Chata's that dot the trails. Questions abound as too how they managed to put a cable car up the precipitous peak of Lomincky Stit. Unbeleivable devastation caused to the pine forests by the 2004 storm. The wind would have truly been something too behold. Swiss like trains connecting the tiny alpine villages. A bit of a laugh on Tatra Bob.

Bratislava
The impressive fortifications at Devin Castle. Great views to the Danube and Austria across the water. The eyesore UFO bridge, with the ubiquitous communist housing in the background. Impressive displays and moving stories at the brand new Jewish Museum. The under construction Bratislava Castle. Cobbled streets and the sad sight of named polo shirts with English accents in the Old Town. Did I mention the 90 cent beer.