Sat 17.Aug.2024
Prague CZ
Vienna AT
Bratislava SK


Prague, CZ
20240614_181046.jpg 20240614_181118.jpg
An actual window, and some spectacular sgraffito on a former palace near Prague Castle.

Detail.
Notice that sgraffito uses no paint. The plaster is selectively scraped off to expose the darker stone beneath. Sgraffito derives from an Italian word meaning “to scratch.”


20240616_153513.jpg 20240618_162518.jpg
Time your laudry cycle so that laundry day comes when you are in Prague.
Prague Andy's Laundromat, near Peace Square, is one of Prague's little-sung but well-appreciated treasures.


A troupe of Hare Krishnas have been plying the circuit for many years through Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava. Inevitably, our paths cross now and then - this time in Vienna.
Over the years, their music has become more complex and melodic than the classic hare riff.



Bratislava, SK
20240620_150240.jpg 20240728_175030.jpg
Welcome to Slovakia! Some previous tenant left this in my refrigerator in Bratislava. The spelling of "ketchup" seemed to make it official that I am back in Slovakia.


I forget where this sign is. One of the mall food courts, or maybe the touristy Old Town.


20240715_190755.jpg 20240621_135239.jpg
Waddya know! Honest Greek food, at native (not tourist) prices. Around the block from my apartment in Bratislava.


20240626_164245.jpg 20240623_151242.jpg

A leafty street near my apartment.


Summer days here average in the 90's F. In a hard-core tourist restaurant street, one such eatery has this thoughtful touch for the local pooches.


20240630_161438.jpg 20240625_184431.jpg
In the heart of town. In fact, right outside the Presidential Palace.

They don't call it Central Europe for nothing; 3 cities in three foreign countries, all within a couple hours drive. Wien AT; Gyor HU; Brno CZ.


If you are going to any of those places, depart from the main bus station, at the bottom of those stairs on the right.


20240621_180717.jpg 20240723_205004.jpg
The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Say friend and enter.
An employee area at the back of a local bookstore / cafe.


Bratislava Castle at dusk, from Obchodna ulica - literally "Shops Street", between the Altstadt and Slovak Technical University.


20240729_160546.jpg 20240813_170832.jpg
The passenger docks on the Danube. Behind the green girders of the Old Bridge, you can make out the white arch of the Apollo Bridge. The skyscraper on the left is new since the covid pandemic.

Picking intricate folk melodies, singing in a beautiful classical contralto. I thought I heard "ukrajina" in the words. It would not be the first time I have kicked in a euro for a Ukrainian refugee making music on the streets!


Next: The Hot Daze of Summer
Prev: Eastward Bound -- Up: Table of Contents

All content copyright 2024 Jeff Bulf