Monday 20th October 2014 - Slept well wrapped up like a sausage roll in the silk covered duvet. It was cold last night again, had to have a hot shower before bed to warm up. I've been cold for past couple of days now.
Down for breakfast and away at 10.30am. Liked this place, nice indoor bit with loads of plants. More of those massive trumpet flowers, these ones were white and smelled like jasmine.
Stopped to get cash and restock of cereal bars and some water.
Back out of town to the cycle path. Stopped to check signs and heard a hiss. Nooooo. Looked closer trying to locate its origin, thinking it would be the first puncture of the trip. Realised it was coming from my water bottle.
That bottle of water I bought definitely said 'still' water. Opened the spout, took a sip, sparkling. Really, what is the point in fizzy water, tastes like plastic, but suppose it's a change for a day.
Back to cycling along on a straight bank. Grass each side with trees. Nothing really to see for 20km. Every so often I'd cycle through a warm pocket of air though, which was weird.
Stopped to empty the gravel out of my shoes just before going onto the road. Noticed the last couple of weeks I'm having to pull the velcro tabs of my shoes more and more. Surely my feet can't be shrinking and if so, does that mean I had fat feet before??! Surely not!
Over a big long bridge and round under it to Hainburg an der Donau. Old town with castle and walls, with another big castle up on the hill behind it. Wee ladybird landed on my knee whilst cycling through. I carried her about 5km before she flew off. Doing my bit to help the biodiversity of the banks of the Danube.
The path led up to the train tracks. As I was coming up to the tracks a train was coming. No barriers on the crossing, train driver kept honking his horn. Yes, I can see and hear your big metal tube and I'm miles away and not even going to cross the tracks, as the path turned to go alongside the railway line.
Could see Bratislava way off in the distance, with the distinct shape of Bratislava castle up on the hill. Quite exciting.
Up to the border, no stopping now Slovakia is in the EU. The old border area slowly being taking over by vegetation.
I'm now into eastern Europe, can't read any of the signs. Also each new country has different cycle signage, so have to recognise what your looking for quickly, or you're away in the wrong direction.
Past a bunker museum, didn't look like there was much there, so just cycled on.
Back to the river and coming up to the city, the castle appeared again, as did the UFO bridge (Most SNP bridge). It is a one cable-stayed bridge with only one pylon, on top of which is a flying saucer shaped structure, known as the UFO Outlook Tower. This part is also a restaurant and an observation deck. Looks really fab.
Actually crossed this bridge, the cycle and pedestrian crossing is under the road on it.
Straight into the old town. Really like the feel of eastern European cities. Not sure what it is. Up through the pedestrianised old town streets with all the lovely buildings, street cafes and restaurants, people coming and going.
Out at the top under Michaels Gate, built in the 13th century and one of Bratislavas oldest buildings. Then up to the Presidential Palace.
Just as I had got there, police were stopping traffic and a calvacade of police motorbikes and cars lead out a black car with a flag on it. I presume it must've been the president going for a pint of milk and loaf of bread.
Hostel was just down the street beside the palace. I stopped to admire a nice building, looked at the map and that building was the hostel.
Two nights for €29. Free washing machine and €1 for powder. 8 bed dorm to myself. Bike out in the back terrace.
Had a big feed of chicken pasta, salad, beer and a coffee for €11 in the restaurant/bar downstairs of the hostel. Cool inside. Typical building, big shallow staircase with really high ceilings, wooden floors, double windows. Nicely decorated, really homely feel to it. Kitchen and living room with a piano too.
Think I might do the touristy stuff tomorrow, if the rain stops that is!
Day 52 - 20.10.14
Orth an der Donau, Austria to Bratislava, Slovakia
10.30am to 3.30pm (I think)
2hr 27min cycling
40.2km
1022 calories
306 metres asc
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