I woke up at around 0200H to prepare myself for the long trip to Bratislava because the bus will pass by Vienna and from there I have to transfer to another bus going to Bratislava.
I left the hotel at around 0230H and walked towards the bus station near my hotel. It was cold and nippy that early morning and my excitement for the trip was already in full gear. I cannot believe that I am leaving Prague and my unforgettable experiences here together with my newly found friend Lynn who really smothered me with so much hospitality during my entire stay here.
Before I left the hotel I texted Lynn a very long and meaningful text as a sign of my ultimate appreciation for her unselfish hospitality during my sojourn in Prague. I really thanked her for her goodness and her genuine sincerity. I'm glad she liked it. Complete text was sent via WhatsApp.
I walked towards the bus station dragging my only luggage and waited there for the bus in the cold hours of the morning. At around 0300H, the bus arrived and I immediately lined up at the queue and showed my bus fare and passport then the driver let me go up the bus.
Some of the passengers from the last town were already there sleeping and so I carefully selected a vacant chair near the restroom and aisle because I just wanted to make sure that I can go to the restroom with ease just in case the call of nature arise. The bus was kinda warmer enough to neutralized the cold that I have endured outside while waiting for the bus for less than an hour.
After all the passengers were in check, the bus continued it's route. The road was kinda gray and gloomy because of the powdery snow that covers it and the dark was really looming at that eerie wee hours of the morning. I checked the battery of my iPhone and checked if there were enough so that I can charge it while on the way.
It was pretty convenient that the bus has its own WiFi and battery charger station for passengers to load up just in case their phones ran out of power. Then I checked all my messages and emails and then reviewed all my itineraries and the map of Bratislava so that it would be easier for me know the places that I needed to see when I am there. I then slept afterwards when I got tired so that I will feel energized when I arrived at Bratislava.
At around 0800H, we arrived at Vienna where I loaded out my luggage and checked my next transfer at the bus station. I then turned around the corner where my bus was already waiting and then showed to the driver my fare to Bratislava and my passport. Then I gave him my luggage so that he can load it inside, then I went to the bus and find a vacant seat.
The trip lasted for thirty minutes and by 0845H we already arrived at Bratislava safely. There was no formal bus station in Bratislava. It was just a drop station so I went down the bus and doesn't know what to do. I was waiting for a taxi or looked for a taxi line but there was none. So I decided to follow some landmarks and started to walk towards the Hrad Palace as my landmark dragging my luggage.
With boldness I kept walking and went to the Centerville and had noticed that there were no vehicles passing by. So I felt that my agony was been prolonged because I have to get out of the Centerville so that I can find a taxi to bring me to the hotel. I walked and walked under I got to the Michael's Pass and then went out from there and saw a taxi where I instructed to drop me at my hotel.
I got tired from dragging my luggage from the bus drop off and passing by the Centerville. It was a drag indeed. Hehehe.
When I got to the hotel which was quite far from the Centerville, I checked in and went up to my room, took a warm shower and rested for a little bit. When I woke up after two hours, I changed and was ready to tour around Bratislava.
I went down at the reception and inquired how to go to the Centerville and then bought some tickets for the bus and then went back to my room and studied the map of Bratislava memorizing everything that I needed to go. After that, I left the hotel and waited for the bus at the corner.
The bus ride was cool and I kinda like Bratislava because it was there that I really felt I was in Eastern Europe because I felt that I am the only foreigner there and most of the locals were white and have colored eyes. I felt that I was out place because most of them were staring at me inside the bus and one of the passenger cannot hold herself asking me if she could touch my hair. Hahaha. She just can't hold herself up. I felt like a celebrity at last! Lol!
When I alighted from the bus I followed the group of people heading to the Old Town. It was already 1600H that time and I felt I have to hurry up strolling the town because in two hours it will be dark soon. I ambled towards the famous Michael's Pass and took pictures around there. I saw some tourists from China and Korea coming in throngs and was very boisterous but I did not mind them for I continued to do my browsing of the area.
The Centerville was really preserved and there were no vehicles allowed to pass there. So it was really easy for us tourist to check the area. It was pretty and nice there and the establishments were all really preserved and beautiful. Strolling around there was easy and astonishingly captivating.
The sun was already setting down and the cold breeze of the flowing wind from the nearby river was really bothersome. Yet, it won't stop me from exploring good old Bratislava, despite of the limited time I've got. By the time the sun will settle down it will be dark soon and the nippy air will become nippier. It will blanket the whole place and it's really hard for me to enjoy sight seeing.
For that time, I only concentrated in looking around the Old Town which was already geared for the holidays. A lot of Christmas stalls have decorated the once spacious square and the sensational festive atmosphere of the holidays is more prominent at that time. Yet the town's folks were not finished yet I think, but soon enough the place will appear festive when the lights starts to turn on.
I kept ambling around and became fascinated of the area because there were no vehicles allowed to pass through, so the area was just for the tourists and towns folks to enjoy. The restaurants were kinda inviting and I happened to settle myself on a bar restaurant trying to realize my dream of eating the famous pork knuckle which I miss trying when I was in Prague.
In my curiousity, I started ordering it and tried the black beer. When my order came out, I was in awe looking at my enormous delicious order. The beer was sweet and musty and I like the way it is. The pork knuckle was really tasty and delicious coupled with some pickled vegetables and pepper.
I took my time devouring the order, and really did enjoy how sticky it was leaving a pulpy taste on my palate. I was in awe and just really enjoyed it chasing it with the sweet tasty beer I ordered. Finally, one dream was quenched.
After eating, I paid my dues then walked around to empty my stomach looking at the famous "Men At Work" statues scattered around the town. These statues were so famous only in Bratislava. I also took a lot of pictures of the area for my online album and really didn't wasted anytime for it will be dark soon.
After I was done looking around, I retraced the trails I did earlier and found the bus stop where I alighted earlier. I didn't even missed my stop in front of the hotel and I was already tired when I got back at the hotel.
Lying on my bed, I tried to recall all my experiences and I was smiling how I did it bravely on my own to end up at a strange place where I don't know nobody. It was a brazen act but it taught me a lot of wisdom and sensibilities as I came to the realization of my goals. It's really true that experience is a good teacher.
Haven't I planned on this trip, I did not know of this other side of the earth where places are beautiful and people are just awesome. Thank goodness!
