Bratislava 2 – Day 3

I was in bed for 11 hours, but unfortunately didn’t sleep for all that, as I had a migraine that woke me and persisted despite medication for a few hours, but then I slept well, and woke refreshed.

We had an excellent breakfast in the hotel, which is included in the room rate. They have a wide variety of items, including this time, a giant jar of Nutella, that dispenses with the push of the button. I managed to resist, but will probably have some on one of the days that I’m biking.

It was a much brighter day today, but very windy. 

The hotel we’re staying in is triangular, and we are in the middle of the and opposite the point.

Michael’s friend Marián, his wife Martina, and their three lovely children hosted us for a delicious lunch, and an afternoon visiting with them in their beautiful home. Another friend Dominik, who took us to dinner with his wife in May, dropped in for coffee.  He is also a cyclist, and gave me some ideas for destinations, and helped me prepare a route.

Marián picked us up at the hotel, and Michael suggestion, dropped us off downtown, which shortened his drive, and allowed us a night walk through the old town. I realize that I hadn’t been to some of the places we passed at night last time.

Workers were setting up the Christmas tree in front of the National Theatre.

The huts for the Christmas market have been set up near the theatre, and in the Main Square, ready for the Christmas market to begin on November 23.

St. George fighting the dragon in the courtyard of the the Primate’s Palace was beautifully lit, and beckoning.

The Old Market was also very inviting with its lights and seating outside. There were many people around, enjoying walking outdoors, and visiting the many restaurants, bars, and cafés in the old town. Out hotel is across the street from the new market which some have compared to the Pompidou Centre in Paris, but it’s quite rundown.

This hanging portcullis represents one of the gates of the old citywhich no longer exists. Only one is still standing.

We then walked  the church of Saint Elisabeth, popularly known as of the Blue Church. It is consecrated to Elizabeth of Hungary, who was a princess in the kingdom of Hungary. She was married at the age of 14 and widowed at 20. After being widowed she regained her dowry and used the money to build a hospital where she worked. She became a symbol of Christian charity after her death at the age of 24. It is usually closed, but there was a service beginning as we arrived there. I thought I might be able to get a better look at the interior than when we visited last time, and the gates were closed, but I couldn’t get past the crowds of people.

We then finish walking back to the hotel, and went to the food fair in the attached mall for stirfry for dinner, then back to the room, to write the blog, and have another early night, as we’re still both a bit tired from jet lag.