Rob shotguns big spoon

So, the last time we blogged we were just about to run for the train going from Brno to Bratislava. Having arrived in Bratislava, we got completely lost for the first time but eventually stumbled to our hostel. Think it took us near enough an hour to find it, when its about a 10 minute walk from the station. Bratislava is a tiny place; it only takes about 15 minutes to walk the whole way through the center. After arriving at the hostel, due to a mixup with bookings we ended up in a double bunkbed. Naturally due to questionable company I slept in my sleeping bag with my jeans and two pairs of underwear on. Our roomies this time were a polish man with his son and daughter and a couple who apparently like to get out of bed 20 times a night. We've spent today seeing most of the sites around central Bratislava and we've grown pretty fond of the city (and the hostel reception lady). My favourite line of the last couple days was Ollie saying "but what if it gets cold?" when I told him no spooning. Gayyy.
Rob x

So. Seems i've taken up the role of wife/mother on this trip. Carrying around a bag with Rob's coat in, in case he gets cold, occasionally giving him a biscuit and of course doing the food shopping. Meanwhile, when out and about, he handles a map like a chimp with a satnav. Potentially very useful, if only he knew how to use it.
Rob has taken up the Dorothy method of clicking his heels and wishing to be back at the hostel, while repeating 3 times 'I know exactly where we are' whenever we're lost. This first occured when leaving the station:
'Look, everyone's getting the bus'
'No let's walk, save money'
*2 hours later*
'...probably should've gotten the bus'.
Thanks Rob.

ANYWAY. Bratislava has turned out to be lovely, tiny, but lovely. Incredibly clean with amazing buildings. The array of churches and tiny cafes offering authentic slovakian food, looked over proudly by the large white castle atop a hill at the edge of the city, makes Bratislava both charming and easy to navigate. A small mix up in the bookings did leave us with a..space friendly sleeping arrangement. Think soldiers in the trenches though, not frenchmen on a weekend of self discovery. It was all very above board and proper.

For some reason we got up at 7 today, and as a result have exhausted the city by 12. Clever kids.
Anyway, all is well, Budapest tomorrow.
Ollie

P.s.

The dog of choice in eastern Europe is a Yorkshire terrier. The smaller the better. That is all. Ollie

Czeching out

For all you avid wifi enthusiasts out there you can succesfully tick off Brno train station, and it is from there that this entry comes. Yesterday was very . . Uphill. But it was worth it. We scaled what I still contest was a small mountain up to the castle in Prague, the views were incredible. We spent the rest of the day walking around the town and realising that mid day on a Saturday was probably not the best time to be in the touristy areas. Our diet of bread and cheese is wearing thin and we're both craving proper, hot food. Oh well, such is te life of a traveller. Bratislava next, ollie


It was a little hill! I haven't much to add. Prague is a beautiful place. It really hits you when you realise you're stopping at every street to stare. Even on small streets every building is a different colour. Makes London look pretty bad. Anyway, got to run for a train now! Rob x

Soaplessly lost in Prague

So, after braving Leipzig in all it's metropolitan glory, I say glory- the haunted house feel and marijuana leaf adorned hookah shop next door took away from the shine but it was still nice, we set off for Prague this morning. Having our priorities soundly in order we checked into our hostel then set off in search of wifi. That turned into a several hour jaunt around the city, wherein we happened upon most of the major landmarks entirely by accident. So today we walked. A lot. I got ripped off by a ridiculous currency exchange stall (travellers tip: hang onto your money until you know how much you're getting), and we invested in processed cheese, dry bread and tiny hams. Quote of the day: 'I know exactly where we are!' (I'm still dubious, Rob found our hostel in the same way Columbus 'meant' to find America).
Anyway, all is still well, for now, Ollie


Contrary to Mr cynical, I liked Leipzig; our first night out in Europe stumbling around a large city like lost little boys. The hostel wasn't the best. We arrived in Prague quickly after a series of perfectly timed trains, and spent all afternoon wandering aimlessly and admiring the city. Having dined on bread and tiny hams and chatted to our Peruvian roomies, we've wandered a little more and are now sat in a nice little bar near the center of Prague.
Missing you, Rob

AIRPORT

WOOT we made it through security, despite Rob's suspicious shoes. As of yet we've cunningly avoided prison, injury and disease. Feeling a disappointing lack of kinship with the rugged explorers of yore, sitting in an air conditioned lounge between Starbucks and Dixons. Alas the adventure begins here. Fear not friends we shall return to enlighten you with what we've learnt on the continent. Adios for now xx