Two busy weekends

Dear all,

No rest for the wicked – even in Slovakia! Two weekends ago now, we were visited by Mum & Dad, whose journey to us in this far-flung part of the continent was probably harder than flying to Washington! Still, they were happy to see us and discover the latest unusual location we have added to our list :-)

On their first evening, we got to introduce them to the delights of Bryndzové Halušky at our favourite ‘cellar bar’, Rohan.

On Friday, we took a trip to the spa town of Rajeské Teplicé to spend a few relaxing hours in the hot (40+°C) waters, and walking around the picturesque resort with its ornamental gardens and lake.

The following day, we had plans to visit nearby Stretčno castle. As you can see in the photo below, it is quite high up, and climbing up there with an inch or two of snow underfoot is no walk in the park. Still, we proudly made it, only to discover about a minute after the third photo was taken that it was closed for the winter – dohh!

I hope you enjoyed it M&D – we always enjoy having you xxx

  Last weekend, we were invited to stay with the family of my colleague Lucia’s fiancé, Martin, in Košice. The city (the second biggest) is located in south eastern Slovakia, and is the furthest point east we’ve ever been by 200 miles!

Our stay in Košice was again a lovely combination of exploration and just spending time with people. The town has a beautiful old centre with many of the old and colourful buildings that are so characteristic of here. There is also a theatre and beautiful gothic cathedral.

 
At Martin’s house we were awaited by a wide array of Slovak delights such as pirohy (imagine triangular ravioli filled with plum jam) topped with icing sugar, cinnamon and cranberry cake with lemon icing, and pork with bread-like slices of dumpling and sauerkraut.

As we have come to expect, the homemade spirits did not remain hidden for long! This time, alongside the traditional pear brandy hruškoviska (52%!), there was also orechovica, which is made from walnuts, and tastes rather like a fortified wine – a new one on us. In any event, I think I made a good showing :-)

We had a fun time talking with Martin’s parents (interpreted by Lucia!), and with his brother and sister-in-law who had spent a couple of years in – wait for it – DONCASTER, of all places! Sometimes life really is too bizarre for words…

Another highlight was playing with their cute toddler. The language and laughter of children seems to transcend all barriers!

On Saturday night, the four of us went out to a cocktail bar (it seems Slovakia is the world centre of the cocktail bar!) in driving, sideways sleet – now there’s dedication for you ;-o , and I was delighted to find Paulaner, one of my favourite German wheat beers.

On Sunday morning, we attended mass at a Greco-Catholic church which – while still unintelligible to us – was at least pretty to hear! Then in the afternoon, we went to the university botanical gardens.

Two more memorable weekends in Slovakia.

Mark