Tuesday, December 11, 2018: Vienna, Austria to Bratislava, Slovakia:

            Our friend was waiting on us.  It was great to see someone you know.  We drove to Bratislava and their home.  After a light breakfast/cup of tea, and shower, we went to bed for a nap.

            We relaxed the rest of the afternoon, before going out for dinner.  The weather is cloudy and rainy, but there is no snow, at least not here.

            After dinner back at the apartment, we had a little dessert.  They picked up several small pastries, made by a chef/baker friend.  On the piece given to Cal, there were placed birthday candles, which he blew out after we sang Happy Birthday. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018: Bratislava to Vienna:

            We walked to a wonderful little crepe shop for breakfast and coffee.  You had a choice of savory or sweet crepes.  We had one of each - so good!

Bratislava Presidential Palace

            From there we walked to the train station.  Our friends helped us with the tickets and all the details of where to go, then we were on our own!!  We rode the train from Bratislava, Slovakia to Central Station Vienna, Austria, which is an hour ride.  From there we took the “U” to one of the central squares, “platz”.

            Almost immediately after we exited the U Station, we spotted our first Christmas market.  It was already after 1:00, so we have to keep moving if we are going to see several of Vienna’s Christmas markets.  In 2012, we so enjoyed visiting the German Christmas markets.  These are very similar, but, yet they have some different items.  In the end, today we went to 8 markets.  We grazed as we went.  We collect two more Gluhwein mugs.  Each market has its own special mug.  When you buy your beverage, you pay a deposit on the mug.  If you do not want it, the deposit is returned to you when you return the mug.  So, we just did not return the mugs at one market.  We also picked up a few Christmas gifts today.

Our first Gluhwein

            It was a cool day, but we were dressed for it.  Later in the afternoon it began to rain.  We were glad when it turned to snow.  Things were a little messy, but the snow, added ambience to the markets. 

            By 6:00 we were ready to call it a day, but it did not work as well as we expected!  The train leaves every hour at 16 minutes pass the hour. We were a little late, so we knew we would miss the 6:16 train back to Bratislava.  A bite to eat was in order while we waited until 7:16. The 7:16 did not come and did not come.  Finally, it was cancelled.  When in fact it did come, all the riders already on-board had to disembark the train.  Something was not working, they turned off all the lights and the train left the platform.  By now it is after 8:00.  Just before 8:16, a new train came to pick-up everyone, and off we went, arriving back in Bratislava at the apartment around 9:30.  It was a long day, for being our first full day in town.  We should sleep well tonight. 

            It was a good day, even though we had train issues tonight.  

Ice Skating in the Park

Chocolate Fountain