Sometimes when you travel in unknown territory, especially when you travel on bicycle, you depend on the reliability of the directional signs. If they're not accurate or, as happens from time-to-time that you miss one, you can add huge kms to an already tired body. We are learning to take lots of extra care when we reach important directional signs but the signs don't always help ... case in point ...
We figured it out and arrived in Bralislava none the worse for wear and just in time for a late lunch which, for Slovakians, was right on time!
Our hotel "Michalska Brana" is located at the historic Michael's Gate in the old city. Bastova Street is considered to be the narrowest and most romantic street of Bratislava. The street itself has quite the history. It was built in 13th and 14th century and in medieval age and for centuries it used to be famous for being a home of the city hangman. Who would think that behind these walls, sits an oasis of calm ...
While touring the impressive St Martin's Cathedral, we learned that between
1536 and 1830, eleven Hungarian kings and queens were crowned at this church. We learned that Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn (amongst others), considered Bratislava home for periods of time. The history of Bratislava goes way back to a Roman times when Marcus Aurelius was emperor and fought back the Germans from the forts (now ruins) here in Bratislava. Cool ... who knew history could be fun too :-)
Today, much of Bratislava is focused on the Danube, tourism and trade.
We're down to the last 4 days of cycling followed by some well deserved R&R in Budapest. The Surly's have held up well, but with approx. 6000 km on Peter's, it is due for some rehab. A new drive train will be first on the list and likely new hubs and wheels not long after.
The bikes need to be ready for our next adventure, wherever that may be. Stay tuned, keep smiling & keep riding!
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