Two Girls From Texas in a Car: VISITING SLOVAKIA AND SLOVENIA

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Slovakia's humble tourism motto, "A Part of Europe Worth Visiting", seems to sum up the country's rather modest ambitions to lure tourists. Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993. The country still seems unsure of itself and what it has to offer. The mountains , starting in the hills of the Mala Fatra and running east to the Alpine peaks of the High Tatras are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Bratislava, Slovakia's capital has shed some of its hulking Communist-era architecture and fixed up its charming Old Town. The people are charming and humble. They are so pleased that you have traveled as far as the US to visit their country. Geographically the small couontry is between Austria and the Czech Republic on the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, and Hungary to the south. Hungary ruled here for 1,000 years until 1918 and then they were linked with the Czech Republic for 70 years. The Austrian influence is strong. They view Vienna as the ultimate in class and manners.

Slovakia joined the EU in 2009 and adopted the Euro for the currency. Farsighted economic policies, 19% flat-rate income tax, and restructuring the public pension system have allowed the government to reduce its budget deficit. Slovak is a western Slavic language, closely related to Czech. Even though the country has adopted the Euro, the prices are very reasonable compared to Western Europe.

Bratislava, a city of 500,000 , has completely transformed Old Town into beautiful buildings, and a wonderful square. Bratislava has played an important role in Hungarian history. During the Turkish occupation of Hungary, the Hungarians moved their capital here. Eleven Hungarian royals were crowned in St. Martin's cathedral.

Muscian playing a traditional instrument

Cathedral of St. Martin. Neglected by the Communists who planned the main highway in front of the church's front door. The Church is making a comeback, and is beautiful inside.

Bratislava Castle. High above Old Town it dates from the early 16th century. It burned to the ground in the start of the 19th century and stood as a ruin for 150 years before the Communist government started ongoing restoration work in the 1950's.

Primate's Palace. Beautifully restored 18th century palace that now serves as the seat of the mayor. It was here in 1805 that Napoleon and the Holy Roman Emperor Francis I signed the Treat of Pressburg.

St Michael's Tower. This is a medieval fortification gate, that makes an entry to the Old Town.

The SNP observation deck (UFO) . We ate dinner at the top of the tower. It was inspired by Star Trek and there are large green "aliens" that sit on the edge.

View from the top

The Danube

The Houses of Parliament

The Blue Church

LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA

Lake Bled is a destination that I have wanted to go for years!! I finally arrived, and it did not disappoint. Bled is a lake fit for a fairy tale- complete with dramatically situated cliff-top castle, and island church, and wraparound mountain scenery. The shock of its electric turquoise surface, and visibility to the bottom of the lake bed, is exquisite. It is situated in a natural park, and fortunately it has not been "condoed" to death.

Slovenia is a "pocket size country" known as Europe's first "boutique destination". Jaw-dropping scenery, reasonably priced food,services and hotels, the wonderful attitude of the people make this one of the finest tourist destinations on earth. The little country only has 2 million inhabitants. In 2007 the number of visitors exceeded the country's population. Eighteen years after wresting itself from Yugostavia, there's a fresh exuberance of spirit here suggesting a nation enjoying its independence and enjoying its diverse cultural contributions.

A view of Bled Castle from our room

Bled Castle. Baked by Mount Triglav and the Julian Alps, the real drama of this castle is its position atop a sheer cliff. 1004 is when its history starts.

St. Martin's Parish Church overlooks the lake. Intriguing interior fescoes by Slavko Pengov - the same artist responsible for the paintings in Tito's former manstion on Lake Bled.