We arrived in Bratislava just after 9 pm as it was getting dark, which has pretty much been our MO. We have not arrived anywhere in daylight.
This place definitely has that ex-soviet feel to it. Nobody smiles but one on one everyone we have talked to is warm and friendly. Here people are much more curious about the car and the trip. Here being eastern Europe as compared to Europe proper.
The War looms huge over Eastern Europe. There are reminders everywhere of the atrocities suffered by the Jews and so many others. It is sobering and appreciated.
This is a picture of the presidential palace across the street from our hotel. We will take off shortly either deeper into Slovakia or straight into Hungary. We are a little behind schedule and I don’t want to get to Astrakhan too many days later than planned just in case we need the time when we get to rougher roads.
I have been thinking about this trip. The scale of it and time commitment it has been for the last three months and the next month… Aside from wanting to test my limits; limits of comfort and freedom and patience and just about everything actually, I hope my children and grandchildren know that the adventures are not over. Not every place has been explored BY YOU. And that’s what matters, what you do, and thanks and appreciation to those who went before you to pave the way. Literally.
