I went to Bratislava! Being able to say that was a large part of my reasoning for going, so mission accomplished?Bratislava (in Slovakia) is just an hour from Vienna and en route to Budapest. So why the heck not! Also, Rick Steves recommended it and he is my mentor.
I ate some Slovakian food: an onion & sirloin soup and some cheese dumplings. Those cheese dumplings could kill a man. It's like macaroni and cheese on steroids with cheese fondue on top. It was an intensely cheesy experience. But "death by cheese" may be a good way to go.
Then we walked around and saw the Reader's Digest highlights. Check out those photos. Bratislava, bb. Next we hiked all the way up to the castle, with Vanessa and I stopping like every 15 minutes because UGH. Anyway, check it off the list.
Just a general note: Europeans love Django Unchained. It's weird. I've heard the Django soundtrack in 3 different countries. My Berlin hostel played it every morning during breakfast. My new "line" to start up a conversation with any young European? "So Django." Literally all I have to say. I'm tempted to try to analyze this, but I'll resist.
Now I am in Budapest! I'm happy to be here. I also just bought a new shampoo that I am SO EXCITED ABOUT. And my hostel here will do my laundry with a DRYER for $10. I'm giddy about this. Clean and non-stretched out clothes will be mine tonight!! I'm always pretty chill about big things and weirdly enthusiastic about little things. What's up with that?