Thomas had always been captivated by the magic of Christmas. The twinkling lights, the festive melodies, and the heartwarming scents that filled the air during this time of the year never failed to put a smile on his face. But more than anything, it was the promise of delightful meals at the Christmas market in Prague that excited him the most.
From the moment he arrived in the enchanting city, Thomas was determined to explore and savor every culinary delight that the market had to offer. The aroma of sizzling sausages and roasting chestnuts drew him in like a magnet, leading him through the maze of stalls adorned with garlands and ornaments.
He started his culinary journey by tasting the traditional Trdelník, a sweet pastry made from rolled dough, grilled over an open flame, and coated with cinnamon sugar. The warm, sugary treat was a perfect way to begin his adventure through the market. With each bite, he felt the holiday spirit infusing his soul.
Next on his list was the famed Czech Goulash served in a bread bowl. The rich, hearty stew warmed his stomach and his heart as he marveled at the historic beauty of the market surroundings. The combination of the flavorful goulash and the chilly evening air made the experience even more memorable.
As he meandered through the market’s colorful alleys, he stumbled upon a stall selling traditional mulled wine. The sweet scent of spices and wine enveloped him, enticing him to sample a cup. Sipping the warm, spiced beverage, Thomas watched the world go by, feeling content and at peace.
But the true highlight of his culinary exploration was discovering a stall offering a variety of Czech street foods. He indulged in smažený sýr (fried cheese) served with tartar sauce, and langos, a deep-fried bread typically topped with garlic, cheese, or other savory ingredients. These unique and flavorful dishes left him in awe of the diverse and delicious offerings the market had.
By the time he finished his culinary journey, Thomas was not just full from the scrumptious food but also filled with an overwhelming sense of joy. He was grateful for the opportunity to experience the warmth and festivity of the Prague Christmas market, and the delightful meals had made the experience even more magical.
As he made his way back through the market’s glow, carrying the lingering taste of the festive treats on his lips, Thomas knew that the memories of this culinary exploration in Prague would forever remain a cherished part of his holiday traditions.
Thomas stood at Dublin Airport, a teenage boy with a mission. He needed to find the best way to get to the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin with his younger sister in tow. The problem was, they had a lot of luggage, and his sister was incredibly annoying. She sat on her phone all the time, and worse yet, had a short bladder. He was in for a long day.
He weighed his options. He could take a taxi, but he knew that would be expensive, and the traffic in Dublin could be brutal. The bus was an option, but that would be crowded, and he didn’t relish the idea of dragging his sister and their luggage through a packed bus. The train was also an option, but they would have to change trains, and the timing might be tight.
In the end, he decided to take the airport shuttle bus. It was the cheapest option, and it stopped near the Samuel Beckett Bridge. The downside was that the shuttle was often crowded, and he would have to carry all of their luggage on and off the bus. And there was the issue of his sister’s bladder.
As they got on the shuttle, Thomas’s sister immediately plugged in her headphones and started playing music. Thomas rolled his eyes and settled in for the ride. The shuttle was crowded, and they had to stand for most of the journey, holding onto their suitcases as the bus lurched through the traffic.
Every 30th minute, his sister would tap him on the shoulder and whisper that she needed to go to the toilet. Thomas gritted his teeth and tried to keep his cool. He knew his sister couldn’t help it, but it was still annoying.
Finally, they arrived at their stop. Thomas hauled their suitcases off the bus and led his sister towards the Samuel Beckett Bridge. She was still lost in her music, but Thomas could see her tapping her foot to the beat.
They made it to the bridge without any further incidents, and Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. They had made it, and he was proud of himself for finding the best way to get there. He even managed to tolerate his sister’s annoying behavior.
As they crossed the bridge, Thomas took a moment to enjoy the view of the River Liffey. It was a beautiful day in Dublin, and he was glad he had managed to get them there safely. He smiled to himself and thought, maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Thomas was an avid traveler who loved exploring new places and immersing himself in different cultures. As Easter was approaching, he decided to do some research to find the most beautiful Easter market in Europe. He spent hours poring over travel blogs, tourist guides, and Instagram posts, looking for the perfect destination.
Finally, he found what he was looking for – the Easter market in Vienna, Austria. According to the reviews, it was one of the most spectacular and charming Easter markets in Europe. Thomas immediately booked his flight and hotel, eager to experience the market for himself.
As he approached the market, Thomas was struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The market was set up in the spacious Schönbrunn Palace courtyard, surrounded by majestic historical buildings. The sweet aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds filled the air, and the cheerful sound of music and chatter echoed throughout the market.
Thomas was delighted to find rows upon rows of wooden stalls selling all sorts of Easter decorations, from painted eggs to hand-carved wooden ornaments. The vendors were friendly and welcoming, eager to share their crafts and traditions with visitors.
Thomas strolled along the market, admiring the beautiful handmade crafts, colorful Easter eggs, and traditional Austrian treats. He tried the local specialties, such as the Wiener schnitzel and the Sachertorte, and enjoyed the lively music and performances.
One of the highlights of the market was the Easter bunny, who was there to greet children and take pictures with them. Thomas watched as the children gathered around the Easter bunny, giggling and posing for photos.
As Thomas explored the market, he couldn’t help but feel the sense of community and joy that filled the air. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, celebrating Easter together and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Before he left, Thomas bought some beautiful Easter decorations to take home with him. He knew that every time he looked at them, he would remember his wonderful experience at the Schönbrunn Easter market.
Thomas had always been fascinated by art and history, so when he visited Paris with his family, he knew that he had to visit the Louvre Museum. As soon as he stepped inside, he was overwhelmed by the grandeur and beauty of the place. He knew that he was in for a truly unforgettable experience.
Thomas spent the entire day exploring the museum, marveling at the incredible art and artifacts that surrounded him. He wandered through galleries filled with ancient sculptures and pottery, admiring their intricate details and delicate beauty. He saw mosaics from ancient Rome, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Mesopotamian reliefs, all of which gave him a glimpse into the lives of people who lived centuries before him.
But what Thomas really wanted to see was the famous painting, the Mona Lisa. He had heard so much about it and was eager to see it for himself. When he finally made his way to the room where it was displayed, he was surprised to find that it was much smaller than he had expected. But as soon as he saw the painting, he understood why it was so famous. The delicate smile on her face, the mysterious gaze in her eyes, and the intricate details in the painting captured his attention completely.
As he explored the museum further, Thomas discovered more and more incredible works of art. He saw the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, the breathtaking Venus de Milo, and the stunning sculptures of Michelangelo. He spent hours walking through the galleries, losing himself in the beauty of the paintings and sculptures around him.
As the day drew to a close, Thomas felt deeply grateful for the experience he had just had. He knew that he had been given the chance to witness some of the most beautiful and significant works of art in human history. He was grateful for the opportunity to learn about different cultures and civilizations and expand his art and history knowledge.
As he left the museum and stepped out into the streets of Paris, Thomas felt a newfound appreciation for the power of art and its impact on people’s lives. He knew that he would never forget his visit to the Louvre Museum and that it would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Thomas had always been intrigued by the region of Champagne in France. He had heard of the famous Champagne houses, the stunning vineyards, and the rich history of the area. So, when he found himself with a week to spare before starting his new job, he decided to pack his bags and head to Champagne.
As he arrived in the region, Thomas was excited but a little overwhelmed. He didn’t know where to start or what to see first. He had done some research online, but there were so many options that he didn’t know how to narrow it down.
Undeterred, Thomas decided to explore the region by car. He rented a small vehicle and set off into the countryside, hoping to stumble upon some hidden gems along the way.
As he drove, Thomas marveled at the stunning scenery. The rolling hills and endless fields of vines created a picturesque backdrop that took his breath away. He knew that he was in a special place, and he was determined to make the most of his time there.
His first stop was the town of Reims, home to many famous Champagne houses such as Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. He visited the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that had been the site of the coronation of many French kings.
Afterwards, he visited the Veuve Clicquot Champagne house and took a tour of the cellars. He learned about the history of Champagne and the meticulous process that goes into making it. He even got to taste some of the Champagne and was impressed by its complex flavors and aromas.
The next day, Thomas headed to the town of Epernay, another Champagne capital. He visited the Avenue de Champagne, a street lined with grand Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. He also visited the Mercier Champagne house and took a tour of their impressive cellars, which included a train ride through the underground tunnels.
As the days went by, Thomas continued to explore the region. He visited small, family-run Champagne houses and tasted their unique and flavorful Champagnes. He hiked through the vineyards, taking in the beauty of the landscape and the hard work that goes into growing the grapes. He even visited a local market and tried some of the regional delicacies, such as escargot and cheese.
By the end of the week, Thomas had seen and experienced so much. He had learned about the history of Champagne, the process of making it, and the people who dedicated their lives to producing it. He had tasted some of the finest Champagnes in the world and had explored the stunning countryside.
As he packed his bags to head back home, Thomas realized that he had fallen in love with Champagne. He knew that he would never forget his time there and that he would always cherish the memories he had made. He promised himself that he would one day return to this special place and experience even more of its beauty and wonder.
Thomas had always been fascinated by the idea of visiting Prague, a city with a rich history and stunning architecture. When he finally got the opportunity to travel to Europe with his family, he knew that he had to see the famous Petrin Hill.
Petrin Hill was a popular tourist destination among families in Prague, known for its beautiful gardens, panoramic views of the city, and historic landmarks such as the Petrin Tower. Thomas had read about the hill in a travel guide and seen pictures online, but he knew nothing could compare to seeing it in person.
On the day of their visit to Petrin Hill, Thomas and his family woke up early and caught a tram to the base of the hill. As they ascended the hill, Thomas was struck by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The lush greenery and winding paths created a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
As they reached the top of the hill, Thomas and his family were greeted by the towering Petrin Tower. The tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and symbolized Czech national pride. Thomas was excited to climb to the top and take in the breathtaking views of the city below.
The climb to the top of the tower was steep and tiring, but Thomas was determined to reach the summit. As he climbed higher and higher, he felt a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment. Finally, he reached the top and stepped onto the observation deck.
The view from the top of the tower was incredible. Thomas could see for miles in every direction, and he marveled at the sight of the city below. The red roofs of the buildings, the winding river, and the countless spires of the churches and cathedrals all came together to create a stunning panorama.
As Thomas gazed out at the view, he felt a sense of wonder and awe. He realized how small he was in the grand scheme of things and how connected he was to the world around him. He felt grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures and new ways of life.
After spending some time on the observation deck, Thomas and his family descended the tower and explored the gardens and parks around Petrin Hill. They walked along the tree-lined paths, admiring the flowers and statues, and soaking up the sun.
As they walked, Thomas felt a sense of peace and contentment. He realized that the world was full of beauty and wonder, and that there was so much to explore and discover. He knew that he would never forget his visit to Petrin Hill, and that the experience would stay with him for the rest of his life.
As the day came to a close and the sun began to set, Thomas and his family made their way back down the hill. They were tired but happy and knew they had experienced something truly special. As they caught the tram back to their hotel, Thomas couldn’t help but smile as he thought about the incredible day he had just had.
Thomas had always been fascinated by history, and one of his favorite places to explore the past was the British Museum. He had visited the museum several times before, but each time he discovered something new and exciting that kept him coming back. Today was no exception, as he set out to explore the museum’s vast collection of artifacts.
As he walked through the grand entrance hall, Thomas was greeted by the sight of the famous Great Court, with its impressive glass roof and imposing stone columns. He took a moment to admire the architecture before making his way towards the galleries.
Thomas was a teenager, and although he appreciated the historical significance of the museum’s exhibits, he was always on the lookout for things that would interest him as a young person. As he passed through the galleries, he found himself drawn to a display of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
He studied the intricate hieroglyphics on the walls of the tomb, marveling at the stories they told of ancient pharaohs and their lives. He was particularly interested in the mummification process and the rituals surrounding death and the afterlife.
Thomas’s attention was then drawn to a nearby display of Greek artifacts. He was intrigued by the stories of the gods and heroes of Greek mythology, and he spent some time examining the intricate statues and pottery that depicted these legends.
As he made his way through the galleries, Thomas encountered a range of exhibits that captured his interest. He was amazed by the intricate carvings and paintings of ancient civilizations and spent hours exploring the vast collection of artifacts from around the world.
One exhibit that particularly caught Thomas’s eye was a display of medieval weaponry and armor. He was fascinated by the intricate designs of the swords and shields, and he marveled at the skill and craftsmanship that had gone into their creation.
As he studied the exhibits, Thomas imagined himself as a knight, wearing armor and wielding a sword as he rode into battle. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the knights of old, who had risked their lives in defense of their lord and country.
As the day wore on, Thomas grew increasingly tired, but he didn’t want to leave the museum just yet. He wandered through the galleries, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling crowds around him.
Finally, as the museum began to close for the day, Thomas returned to the entrance. As he stepped out into the cool evening air, he felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment. He had spent the day exploring the past, learning about the history and culture of ancient civilizations, and he felt a sense of excitement about what the future might hold.
As he walked away from the museum, Thomas knew he would be back again, eager to explore more of the fascinating exhibits the British Museum had to offer. He realized that even as a teenager, he could find plenty of things that interested him at the museum, and he couldn’t wait to return and continue his explorations.
Have you seen a commercial for the fantastic Easybreath swimming masks from Decathlon? Thomas has, and he was extremely impressed. Right now he is considered buying one for himself, but there is one slight problem… is the Subea Easybreath mask only for snorkeling on the surface of the ocean, or can it be used for diving as well?
The Subea Easybreath mask from Decathlon – can it be used for diving as well?
The thing is, Thomas enjoys looking down at fishes and beautiful colors under the water. But, Thomas also likes swimming down to the bottom to pick up all sorts of shells and other nice things he discovers there. If it is 50cm to the bottom or maybe 150cm doesn’t matter, the thing still remains the same – he wants to dive as well, not only swim on the surface.
He knows snorkeling works fine in general, also when diving. But, it sounds incredibly nice with the Subea Easybreath mask which keeps the water from actually entering the pipe (snorkel) itself, and thus, it becomes much easier to use, and especially for kids and so on.
But – then he checked out the Subea Easybreath mask in the shop, and at the front glass, it says not for diving. So, what is the truth? Is this just a warning, just like you see warnings about the hot coffee in McDonald’s being hot? Or is there more to the warning?
What’s the truth? Can the Easybreath mask from Decathlon be used for diving?
First of all, Thomas has tried the mask himself, and he has also checked out a lot of reviews of the mask. The experience of Thomas aligns very well with the general reputation of the Easybreath mask, and that is – you can dive with the mask, but you will get a big pressure on your face, which is really uncomfortable, already by swimming a few centimeters beneath the surface with the mask.
As a result, the Easybreath mask isn’t made for diving, and it doesn’t work well for diving. It is amazing for swimming along the surface looking down, but it will not work well for those who actually want to swim down to the bottom as well.
Make up your own mind. After trying the Subea Easybreath mask, Thomas has decided not to keep a mask for himself. He bought one, tried one, but this was not what he was looking for. It is for sure cool if you live in a totally clean sea with lots of colorful fishes swimming beneath, but if it is a bit tougher atmosphere where you plan on swimming and if you want to actually do more than just swimming on the surface, this might not be the ideal solution for you!
Have you tried the Subea Easybreath mask from Decathlon? Thomas would love to hear your thoughts about the mask!
Thomas read an article about a park named Familypark as he relaxed on his sofa. He looked at the pictures and thought “I’ve got to visit that place”.
Thomas borrowed a car and headed in the direction of the Familypark, located outside the city of St. Margarethen. This is very close to Hungary, so Thomas considered paying Sopron, and the beautiful quarry located in Fertorakos. He eventually visited both places, but more about those in another article.
The car-ride from Vienna to the Familypark took about 1 hour, without much traffic to see. But, Thomas was greatly surprised upon arrival at the park. He had read that it opened at 9.00 every day and that the rides only started from 10.00. So, he expected the park to be quite empty upon arrival at 9.30. But, he was completely wrong. Before he found a place to park the car, he had to pass by hundreds of cars that had arrived even earlier than him.
One of the attractions in the Family Park – Source.
Entering the park – entrance fees
To enter the park, Thomas had to pay 24 Euro. This fee is for all the attractions inside, meaning that he could enjoy everything on the inside after that without paying any extras. But, he had to stand in line for 10 minutes to get his ticket (even though there were 6 cashiers open). This place was much more popular than he would have imagined beforehand.
As he looked through the price-list, Thomas said to himself, that if he lived close to this park, he would have bought the annual ticket (costing only 69 euro). In other words, if you visit the park more than twice a year, the annual ticket gives you the best value.
Once inside, Thomas empties his tank (in one of the many toilets in the park) and looks for something cool to do.
Thomas spots a carousel in the park
At first, Thomas spots a carousel in the Familypark. It looks nice, but for people in their 30’s, this isn’t exactly the kind of program you are looking for in an amusement park.
Walking a bit further, he can see one of those rides he fears a lot. You have to sit in a chair together with others, they take you to the top, and then suddenly let you fall downwards. Luckily, this is a small one, so Thomas decides to take a seat and enjoy it.
Luckily, this ride wasn’t too scary for Thomas
This was a nice start on the stay in the park for Thomas. Now he walks on to see what else to do. In the background, he spots a roller-coaster and hurries up to give it a try. He isn’t really so tough, but he likes to think of himself as a guy not fearing anything. As Thomas gets into the line, he is happy that it is only 25 Celsius outside, because this line would be a disaster if it would have been warmer. After 20 minutes in line, Thomas is ready to take a seat and try the rollercoaster.
Thomas enjoys the rollercoaster in the Familypark
It isn’t often that 60 seconds passes by this fast. There were no loops in the rollercoaster, but it still felt scary, and Thomas’ legs are shaking a bit as he leaves the car. He would like to try it once more, but he doesn’t want to spend 20 more minutes in line in order to do so. He walks on to find more cool stuff worth trying.
As he walks around in the park, he spots a very delightful little train driving people around inside parts of the park. It looks nice, and Thomas can easily imagine visiting this place with kids sometime in the future. There are loads of rides suitable for kids, and there are even fairy tale houses where you can listen to fairy tales and see famous fairy tale figures.
Lots of delightful rides for kids in the Familypark
One of the fairy-tale houses in the park.
Thomas is getting hungry, and around lunch-time, he can see that there are more and more people coming into the park. He eats something quickly and is surprised that the prices aren’t higher. Since everyone visiting the park stays for the entire day, they will all have to eat something, and thus they could “push” the prices higher in the park. Luckily, they haven’t done so, and Thomas could enjoy a wiener schnitzel with fries costing him around 6 Euro.
Ready for some more action in the Familypark
As Thomas walks to the other part of the park, he can see some attractions looking more like something for adults. The first attraction catching the attention of his eye was another rollercoaster. This one is called the Götterblitz, and it looks to be a bit scarier than the first.
There is only a slight problem. By now, on a late August day, the park is so packed that you have to wait around 30 minutes (at least) to enjoy the popular rides. Thomas keeps wondering if he should have visited the park in September instead (when the local kids are attending school instead of the park), but he cannot change that at the moment.
One of the popular rides in the Familypark, ideal for kids, not so fun for adults!
The coolest attraction in the entire park is, without a doubt, the new flying machines, ala Leonardo da Vinci. Unfortunately, it was a terribly long line for this attraction as well, but Thomas felt as if he had to give it a try at least.
The picture above doesn’t show Thomas during the ride, but it for sure felt scarier than what the picture shows. If you manage, you can even make your “flight” turn upside down as it goes round and round and up and down, making it an even greater adrenaline kick than if you just take it for a normal flight.
After a long day in the park where Thomas has tried quite some rides, he feels satisfied and is ready to leave the park.
He has some trouble finding the way out of the park (he misses some signs showing where the exit can be found), but he doesn’t really mind that. As he gets back into his car it is extremely hot inside. The car has been in the sun for the entire day, so he rolls down his windows and gets ready for more action somewhere else.
Thomas got soaking wet as he tried this ride…
Thomas’ short Familypark summary
It was a magnificent park, and he now understands very well why it is called a Familypark. It is not the ideal park for adults wanting to enjoy some action rides (those should rather visit Prater in Vienna), but for those with kids aged between 2 and 20, this park is perfect. And again, if Thomas had to return to Familypark another time, he would for sure try to visit the park on a day when most people are in school and kindergarten, instead of during the summer holidays when all kids are bored and their parents bring them to the Familypark.
Thomas has heard about the city of Bratislava and has wanted to visit it for a long time. Recently he got the chance to do a day trip to Bratislava, and this is his report!
Thomas woke up early in his Vienna hotel and quickly packed his stuff together. On the wait to the boat he bought some breakfast, and at 8.30 the Twin City Liner was ready to leave Vienna in order to reach Bratislava. The ticket price was 30 Euro (something Thomas found to be quite expensive), but it was still worth it as it would take him to Bratislava on the River Danube.
The boat trip took 75 minutes, and at 9:45 he arrived in Bratislava. The boat stopped in the heart of the city (Old Town), so now he was ready to discover whatever the city had to offer. His return with the boat would leave Bratislava at 16.00 (price was 20 Euro), so this is the story of what Thomas did during his six-hour stay in Bratislava.
The story of Thomas’ stay in Bratislava
He decided to start his day by getting some food. He noticed an interesting shaped “building” in the middle of the bridge had crossed under and decided to pay the UFO a visit. This is one of the most important landmarks in Bratislava, and it is a popular place to dine, so why not start the day in Bratislava with a UFO-visit?
Thomas wants to visit the UFO in Bratislava
Thomas walks toward the bridge and follows the walking road “under” the bridge all the way to the UFO. He pays the entrance fee and takes an elevator to the top of the UFO. Here he can enjoy a spectacular view in all directions, and he uses the opportunity to grab a piece of food.
While waiting for the food to be served, Thomas takes a panorama photo with his mobile in the direction of the castle and the old town. He is very satisfied with the result.
A beautiful view towards the castle and the old town from the UFO in Bratislava
Thomas wasn’t entirely satisfied with his food, but at least he got some new energy. Now he is ready to leave the UFO and get back to the old town. But, before walking around in the old town, he decides to visit the castle to see what the view is like from there and to learn more about the castle building itself.
It is a nice walk, but he uses more than 30 minutes to get from the UFO to the castle. During the walk, he takes some more pictures and notices the Martin Cathedral which seems to be a nice cathedral in the old town of Bratislava.
The Castle of Bratislava
The castle looked very impressive from the UFO, but as he gets close to the castle, he isn’t that impressed anymore. If the building would have been located in Paris, and not on a hill next to the Danube, nobody would even notice the building (at least so he thinks). But, as Thomas reads in his guidebook about the building, he understands that the castle has had a special history. A castle was first raised on the hill in the 10th century. It was later made into a gothic castle, a renaissance castle, and a baroque castle before it burned down in the start of the 19th century. It was left a ruin for more than hundred years before it was rebuilt around 1957. That kind of explains the look of the building to Thomas.
The Castle of Bratislava didn’t really impress Thomas.
Thomas isn’t that much into museums, so he decides not to visit the department of the Slovak National Museum located inside the castle building. Instead, he drinks some water, makes some photos, and starts his walk towards the old town and the Martin Cathedral.
The Martin Cathedral is a nice church, but it cannot be compared to other churches Thomas has earlier. But, what should one expect from a small city like Bratislava (the city only has a population of 500,000 people). This is the most important church in Bratislava, and it has been the coronation church for kings throughout the centuries.
Martin Cathedral in Bratislava
As he walks on towards the old-town he sees a beautiful tower at the end of a street (to the left). The tower is the Michaels Tower, and it is a very nice place to visit. He decides to visit the tower and pays the cheap entrance fee. As he walks towards the top he enjoys an exhibition portraying some historical objects, and from the top, he enjoys a fairly nice view towards the old town and towards the castle.
St Michals Tower, the only watchtower left in Bratislava
The building was originally built in the 14th century, but what we see today is mostly the result of the renovation work in the 18th century. It is one of the oldest buildings left in Bratislava today.
He leaves the tower and walks towards the main square of Bratislava. He can spot a little market and some restaurants along the way, but nothing that catches his interest. At the main square, Thomas can see a big fountain in the middle. This is the famous Maximillian Fountain. This monument is more than 10 meter high, and it looks very nice in the middle of the square.
The main square in Bratislava with the Maximillian fountain and the old town hall
On the picture above you can see the fountain itself and in the background the old town hall with its famous clock tower. As Thomas went closer to the clock tower he noticed a little tunnel. As he walked into the tunnel he discovered a beautiful backyard, and as he went on he discovered another famous attraction in Bratislava, the Primates Palace.
The Primates Palace in Bratislava
As Thomas discovers the Primates Palace he starts to wonder. Is this the building he has read about? Is this what many call the most beautiful of all buildings in Bratislava? He cannot understand it. His guidebook says that it has had an important role in history and that it was here the Peace of Pressburg treaty was signed in 1805. But, who cares about that today? Thomas can say that he has seen the building, but he wasn’t very impressed!
Disappointed Thomas returns to the main square of Bratislava. Soon he gets in a better mood as a silver guy takes off his hat and greets him!
Beautiful Ignac (Schone Naci) welcomes you to Bratislava, a popular statue in Bratislava – Source: Pixabay
Thomas immediately gets in a better mood, and as he turns his eyes back to the main square he discovers another statue. This time it is a soldier leaning onto a bench on the main square. This is one of the soldiers in the army of Napoleon, and Napoleon supposedly wore a similar hat back in the days.
Thomas looks at his watch, and he can see that it is 15.00. He has spent quite a lot of time walking around, so he walks in the direction of the boat. He looks forward to taking a closer look at the Hviezdoslav Square, but before he gets there a crowd has gathered in front of him. Thomas wonders what’s going on, and then he sees a guy looking out from a manhole in the street. Luckily it isn’t a real person, but it is one more of these cool statues around in Bratislava. The guy he looks at is called Cumil, and he is one of the most popular attractions in all of Bratislava.
Cumil, a very popular statue in Bratislava.
Thomas takes a picture and walks on towards the Hviezdoslav Square. As he reaches the giant square he observes the National Theater to the left.
The National Theater in Bratislava
He quickly looks at the building, but as he loses his interest quickly, he takes a look to the right instead. There he can see lots of stands and it is some kind of market taking place at the square. There are lots of nice restaurants lined up, so the next time Thomas comes to town, he wants to grab something to eat here.
On the other side of the square, he can see a giant hotel, the Radisson Blu Carlton hotel. It might not be the nicest in Bratislava, but it has a fantastic location. Maybe this is were Thomas should stay if he ever returns to Bratislava?
The beautiful Carlton hotel at the Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava
Thomas walks on towards the river, and before he finishes his trip at the boat, he buys some chocolate and something to drink in the Billa store located on the side of the Carlton hotel building.
Refreshed he walks down to the boat and is ready to ride back to Vienna after six nice hours in Bratislava.
Thomas’ short Bratislava wrap-up
On the boat back to Vienna Thomas has some time to sum up his thoughts about Bratislava. He has enjoyed walking around in the city, but he is a bit disappointed by the city itself. He had greater expectations to the buildings and the architecture of the city. He could easily imagine spending a few days in the city for the sake of just walking around in the old town and eating in the nice restaurants. However, if the goal is to discover beautiful buildings, visit interesting museums and to be inspired by the surroundings, Thomas would rather spend an extra day in Vienna.
The main square in Bratislava
Have you been to Bratislava? Did you enjoy your stay? Do you feel the same way Thomas felt, or did you experience the city totally different? Write a comment and share your thoughts.
