Bratislava, Slovakia. Saturday, 13th May 2017
Our last full day in Bratislava! Plan to visit the Hlavna Stanica (Railway station) and a local market at Throvisko, in the first half. Looks like we're in for a cloudy day; hope the sun wins the battle.
Writing this at 20:09 and am glad to say that the sun did win the battle! Stepped out after breakfast, at 09:30. Bus no. 50 to Throvisko, change to no. 201 for Hlavna Stanica. More lovely views of the city, on a hill in the station's backdrop. The station building itself was a let down; pretty ordinary (especially when compared to Praha's grand Hlavni Nadrazi) but the views of the city in the background were anything but ordinary. Enquired about tickets to Budapest, at one of the many counters; delighted to learn that tickets for the morrow could be purchased today; and what's more, valid for any train. Spent Euro 28,80 for the tickets, neatly printed like an airline's boarding pass; and presented to us in an attractive paper envelope. India should take lessons! Train to Budapest departed from platform no. 1 today so it is reasonable to assume that it will do so tomorrow too. Platform no. 1 is easily accessible from the concourse, no need to climb stairs and cross over. Clicked a couple of photographs and left, but not before buying a chocolate that resembled Cadbury's Gems.
Boarded no. 210 once again and rode till Throvisko. Entered Melitacova open air market - a huge affair! Resembled Bangkok's Chatuchak. Urmila purchased a cute top. The fruit and vegetables section was simply delightful! All varieties of fruits and vegetables were available, in all shapes, sizes and of course, colours. A Saturday morning crowd was busy buying this and that. Meat, eggs, pulses, spices and honey were on sale too. There was a separate section for flowers - real and artificial. The variety of roses was mind-blowing!
Finally exited the wonderful market and were about to walk back to our hotel when we suddenly remembered LIDL supermarket and the desire for the German Ritter Sport chocolate - our favourite - was awakened. We had passed LIDL on way to Dudvazska on Thursday, hence lost no time in boarding the first bus no. 201 that arrived at the stop. Seated on the right, I kept staring out of the window for a sign of LIDL. Spotted it soon enough as a reflection in the bus' window. Got off at the next stop which was fortunately not too far off from LIDL. The German supermarket did not disappoint - we purchased the flavours Biscuit & Nut, Peppermint and Fine Milk. Just as I was about to leave the Ritter Sport counter, I spotted the red coloured edge of a Ritter wrapper peeping out from the rear of a row of chocolates. Grabbed it instantly - Marzipan, our favourite RS flavour!! Back to Throvisko by no. 201, with our prize catch. Strolled towards Hotel Apollo, punctuated by a halt at TESCO Express mini-mart, for a can of 'Kelt' beer. The beer was good. Rested till 17:00 (watched bits of the evergreen Bollywood movie 'Katha' on my TAB) and stepped out again for a second visit to the city centre. Bus no. 50 to Twin City; waited there for no. 70 to carry us to SNP MOST (bridge).
Bus no. 88 painted in an attractive green arrived, with 'MOST SNP' prominently displayed, so we boarded it. The bus took us on a tour of the Danube right bank, before terminating at SNP MOST. It came as a revelation that a large part of the city situated on the right bank comprised residential colonies, neatly laid out. The bus took us into the heart of these colonies, before emerging somewhere near Aupark, crossing the Danube on the SNP bridge and terminating. A wonderful view of the river and the city spread on the left bank in the bright evening sunshine, as the bus speedily crossed the bridge!
Strolled leisurely along the cobbled roads of Hviezdoslavovo Namesti, enjoying the entire setting, just as we had done the last afternoon. Shot many pictures and a couple of videos. Drank tap beer, Ginger ale; ate lamb chops and chicken tikka masala(!) served with rice. Delicious stuff!
Walked back with heavy steps to the familiar bus stop of no. 50 by the riverside and were back at the hotel by 19:40 or so. A most peaceful, wonderful, delightful and relaxing day! It is now 20:50 and I must stop. Got to pack bags for tomorrow morning's departure to the reportedly beautiful Hungarian capital, Budapest - we will be leaving this city not without a certain sadness.
Bratislava was truly blissful!
