In to Bratislava, Slovakia.

 A catamaran ferry service runs between Vienna and Bratislava so that was my mode of travel. Unfortunately the weather was terrible - torrential rain! I was sitting next to an older lady and with my very limited German and her none existent English were had a couple of short conversations - she was shocked to know I was travelling by myself!

Arriving in Bratislava the rain continued to pour down! I decided to get a taxi as I  had no idea where I was going. I saw a cab indicated that I would like to take it, luggage in boot, me inside the vehicle, about to take off when an aggressive couple approached and said it was their cab! Out I got, loaded up and the rain continued to fall! Another cab, loaded up again this time we were moving when there were yells from the roadside. The driver took off like a bat out of hell did a major u-turn - I'm thinking he's trying to get us killed - back we go to the yelling couple! Out I get, full of apologies, explaining that I thought getting a cab here was like back home - grovel, grovel. The driver explained my hotel was near theirs and they let me in with them. I was dropped on the edge of the Old Town and told "Down there!"  

Luckily I  came across my hotel quite easily. After these adventures I took a walk in the rain. The Old Town is really pleasant - reminded me a little of Tallin, Eastonia.

Next day the weather was even worse - rain sheeting down with strong icy winds.

Did a 'panoramic tour' - no hopping on and of this one but it gave an overview of the area. Part of the day was spent getting warm with a good read - luckily I have a good room. I ventured out again later in the day when the rain seem to have abated! You guessed - the rain came down, umbrella up, wind up, umbrella gone! It went flying and scittering along the lane and then suddenly, as if with divine intervention, it landed, closing itself up and there we were right outside a church!! 

Thankfully the next two days were warmer and so much drier. I made the uphill walk to the castle and visited a museum inside.

The Baroque garden was interesting.

I've wandered up and down little alleyways, over bridges,  through parks and have generally worn my trainers out. There are some great sights.

I even managed to find the Blue church.

Bratislava is quite a big religious centre, there are so many churches!

One occasionally has to pause for

 !!