Hope I'm not going to offend anyone with the following (trigger warning)...

Bratislava was kind of lame. Dirty place, cool castle. Generally unfriendly people. Horrible food. Felt a bit like a missing sense of true identity - like leftovers from the fallen USSR that Czechia even didn't want to keep around either. Certainly the most eastern/closed mindset so far on my trip.

There were shines of positivity though throughout. Cute little families taking their kids out and about. The old town was a bustling and touristy place. The rest of the city felt a bit empty. It was strange I have to say. Hard to describe. I did not see any solo travelling females. Grocery stores felt full of all that crap you never buy at the dollar store... like awful cookies no one likes and fish based jams.

So yeah the castle on the hill was quite cool. I had to walk my ass up yet another giant hill, but it was worth it.

Overall I am glad I chose to go to Slovakia so now I can say I've been there, but if this was their best and brightest city on the hill... I probably will not ever be needing to go back to this country.

Sights are still worth giving a watch though that's for sure. Give it a look and let me know what you think.

Onward to Budapest for 2 nights! Laszlo, I'm expecting to be impressed... but no pressure at all on you :) hahaha!

Eric