Gilded Castle Tops in Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is a whirlwind mix of the vibrant colors and intricate smells. Wafts of soft sweet lavender floats amongst the fluorescent neon illustrations painted across cobblestone walls. Trinkets of bronze, turquoise rocks and metallic beading glow and twinkle against the small sparks of sunlight peeking out behind moving clouds. The sound of aimless chatter and laughter fills my ears as I browse through wooden stands of vintage postcards, delicate lace doilies and intricate embroidered art depicting scenes of Slovakian myths. The Bratislava Castle is a magnificent structure towering far into the wisps of clouds, grand and imposing with its ivory walls and vermillion-tiled roof. The delicate angled structures that surround the castle boast medieval knights, lances and shields, all with turrets dipped in a fine corn-yellow gold. Standing from afar, the statues seem only to add to the opulence and grandeur that is the exterior of the Bratislava Castle. Oh how wonderful it would have been to be a guest of the Bratislavan King from years ago, to arrive at this grand locale at its finest, dine in the dining rooms and peek at the moon from one of it's large clear windows. I will never forget my last glance at the view of Bratislava and all its glory spread out beneath the powder blue sky as I walked down the zig-zagging steps towards my next destination. 

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Vienna - The City of Music

 

My memories of Vienna consist of hazy sunny days where the sky is forever a deep solid shade of magnificent prussian blue. Days that fade from intricate monument to grand squares, whose streets echo with the sound of twinkling laughter and melodic notes of a street violinist, where the smells are rich in deep aromatic coffees and chocolates. Land of the Viennese Waltz, rich chocolate Sacher Torte and dancing Lusitano Horses in the Imperial Riding School, Vienna is a treasure trove of history, extravagance and European charm. I will never forget my first sip of my cinnamon and vanilla cream filled hot chocolate, the creamy fluidity like silk on my tongue, nor will I forget the harmonious sonatas of Mozart and Strauss strummed exuberantly, bows dancing on the ivory horse strings of the violins. In a whirlwind of Opera houses, rose gardens and palaces, just like that, my time in Vienna came to an end, all that's left are the sweet dulcet memories and anticipation of the beginning of a magnificent journey through Central Europe. 

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