BLED

Even with the horror movie name of Lake Bled, there is nothing morbid about this romantic lakeside village surrounded by snow capped mountains in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. With it's towering cliff side Bled Castle and Church of the Assumption on the tiny island of Bled, this town is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Without a day here no trip to Slovenia could be complete. Sheer natural beauty blends in with the beauty of the historical buildings and tranquility of the residents that live here. Without a doubt this escape from reality screams majestic get away for any that witness its breathtaking scenery!

WIEN

Wien or Vienna is one of Europe's most historically significant cities having been a place of civilization and home to humans for over 24,000 years. It was founded as a Roman city in the 1^st century AD, was home to the famous and long ruling Hapsburg courts, as well as serving as capital of both the Austrian and vast Austro-Hungarian Empires until its fall after WWI.

Today the city serves as Austria's capital and is one of Europe's most developed cities attracting tourists from around the globe for it's history and beautiful buildings including the former Habsburg Palaces such as the Hofsburg or other sites like the Stephansdom Catherdral or one of Vienna's countless museums. The city offers a little something for everyone and is the perfect transfer point to anywhere else in Europe due to it's central location and excellent transportation network.

  

DEVIN

A short bus ride outside of Bratislava will take you into an entire new atmosphere in the town of Devin. Nestled between the mountains and where the Danube and Moravia rivers meet this charming small town exists in peace. With it's vibrant homes, bakery, butcher, flower shops and everything else needed along the cobbled stoned streets radiating out from the central church this town is the jumping off point to visit Devin castle. The castle ruins are perched above the cliffs overlooking the town and river. This 8^th century castle still maintains an edge of mystery and it's small but informative museum gives some insight in to the history and lives of the Slavic inhabitants over the centuries.

Street Art of Bratislava

The some times dark and drab streets of former Yugoslavian cities are often very depressing to stroll around. The streets of Bratislava however are among some of the most vibrant I have ever seen with graffiti murals covering the facades of bland buildings and unique sculptures scattered throughout the city. By the addition of these modern pieces of street art the city presents itself as a progressive nation trying to create it's own brighter future.

 

  

 

BRATISLAVA

Bratislava is one of the smallest capital cities along the Danube, and all the major sights can be completed in one day, however it should be given a few days to truly soak in its atmosphere. It's cobble stoned city center is traversed by trams and lined with historic buildings and churches. The iconic, although only recently built Bratislava castle sits atop the hill overlooking the colorful steeple filled city and the busy Danube river. During the day the city radiates a vibe of quaintness but at night it's numerous pubs and clubs fill up and has turned the city into a revered European party city.

The Land of Hockey!

I didn't take more than my first 10 minutes in Slovakia to realize what they live for! HOCKEY! From underground murals to the inside of bars, children's parks to souvenier shops, it seems clear that all things of Slovakian pride revolve around hockey!

When In Rome!

The phrase 'Rome wasn't built in a day' gains significance only after a visit to this city of epic proportions. Rome contains 1000's of years of ruins on top of ruins on top of ruins in an urban sprawl of historic beauty. One could spend weeks in Rome and not even begin to scratch the surface of the dynamic past and upbeat present. Just a trip to the Forum can take an entire day containing places like where Caesar was cremated to the infamous senate building, cemeteries to homes of emperors. With so many sights to see both ancient and modern, Rome is a tiring city for even the most avid of travelers!