Wednesday, December 19, 2018: Liptovsk Mikulas, to Bojnice:  

            This morning, the sun burnt-off most of the fog, very early.  It is a sunny day!!  After being here for several days in cloudy weather, we were wondering if the sun would ever shine again.

We had plans to return 15 km, via the same route we drove yesterday, to a Slovak outdoor museum that was closed when we stopped yesterday afternoon.  But first, we need to take photos of the beautiful mountain range through which we drove yesterday.  It was a clear crisp morning.  The snow on the ground was more snow crystals than snowflakes.  The crystals shone in the sunlight.  The trees in many areas had hoar frost or crystals on them.  The whole area was winter wonderland. 

Tatra Mountain Range

Bee Hives

Outside the village of Pribylina, is the Museum of buildings from the area.  This is a UNESCO site.  Per UNESCO requirements, it is well maintained, and all but three buildings were seen at your own pace. Those three buildings were locked, requiring a guide.  We were the only three with the gal who spoke minimal English.

Craftsman House

Work Shop - Band Saw

Room Heater

Mansion

Bee Hives

It was such a beautiful morning, with the mountain range overlooking the valley.  From Pribylina we followed the valley and river west.  We stopped to see another UNESCO village south of Ruzomberok.  To get to the folk village of Vikolinec, we drove on a narrow mountain road, winding our way higher and higher.  On the edge of a mountain is this small village with brightly colored traditional homes.  We spent time walking through the village.  You know when something is a UNESCO site, it is special. Buildings can be maintained but the character and materials cannot be changed.    

We are making our way back to Bratislava by Thursday evening, stopping at a few more locations.   This afternoon, it was the folk village of Cicmany.  Again, we were on narrow curving roads to get there.  The homes in this village are dark in color with white geometric designs painted on them.  Each design has its own meaning.  The best way to describe these homes are via the photos.

Cicmany

We continued to the town of Bojnice, where the Bojnice Castle is located.  To our disappointed the castle is following winter hours and was closed early, so tomorrow morning the castle will be our first stop, before continuing south. There will be one more stop before driving straight to Bratislava. 

Tonight, we are staying in an apartment.  Apartments are nice in that you can make hot beverages, have a refrigerator, a few dishes and flatware for snacks and breakfast.  We have been buying wonderful fresh bread, meat and cheese for European breakfast.