This past weekend was an eventful one! On Wednesday night, we packed up our bags and left for Slovakia–by sleeper train! The cars were cozy, but it wasn’t an easy night’s sleep for most people. We arrived bright and early (around 6:30 am) and headed to a nice breakfast. Following breakfast, we visited Spiš Castle, which offered us our first look at the amazing views of the country. Afterwards, we ate lunch and spent time in Levoča before heading to our hotel.
View of the courtyard at Spis Castle
Some of the castle ruins, as viewed from the top of the castle
Cari, Lianne, Katie, and me inside the “Cage of Shame” in Levoča. Credit to Kaitlyn
On Friday the real adventures began! Many people hiked up Bystre Sedlo, which is part of the High Tatras. It was incredible how quiet it was up there and how clear the small lakes were. Jiri, who helps run our program here, was frequently heard telling people to channel their inner mountain goat. One of the most exciting and adrenaline-inducing moments came when we had to go over the summit using a chain rope, although we were all inspired when we saw that a dog was doing the same climb that we were (and not panting nearly as much).
A few people commented how this looked like the end of the world.
A nice shot of the mountains. Credit to Austin
Teddy and Caroline looking refreshed! Credit to Austin
Nicki, Julia, and Theresa battled the mountain and came out on top. Credit to Katie
Jeremy and the chain rope. Credit to Austin
Those who did not go on the long climb did morning hikes of their own and then spent the afternoon exploring Novy´ Smokovec.
Lianne on trail. Credit to Kaitlyn
Saturday was filled with mountain hikes as well. Eight of us went on another more intensive hike up Vychodna Vysoka. Once again, we were surrounded by gorgeous views. The summit we climbed was close to 8,000 feet high! Unfortunately, due to some uncertain weather conditions, we turned back early, but this did allow us to spot some mountain goats! For those who didn’t go on that hike, some planned hikes of their own and then shopped around, while others went on a more moderate hike with Jiri. (While everyone had a fun day, Alp, arguably, had the tastiest day; he went into Poprad and discovered Nutella donuts with cream cheese and caramel!)
Waterfall shot in Vychodna Vysoka. Credit to Katie
Rachel, Evan, me, Katie, Helen, and Ken hiking back down the mountain. Credit to Austin
Goat! Credit to Katie
Twin goats! Credit to Austin
Lianne, Jeremy, Edylwise, Brandon, Cari, and Lena are ready for their second day on the trails! Credit to Kaitlyn
What does the fox say? Credit to Kaitlyn
During the evening we all came together again and celebrated Ken’s birthday! Zoe deserves a special thanks for designing his card.
Brandon caught the big moment on camera!
We kicked off our last day in Slovakia with a raft ride down the Dunajec River, which runs between Slovakia and Poland. Our guides offered us interesting facts as we floated down, such as that there is an area in the Pieniny Mountains that is referred to as the Three Crowns because of its shape but also because a political meeting between three countries was held there. Also, the boats have pine leaves off the front of them that serve five functions: 1) decoration, 2) to prevent water from coming in the boat, 3) to demarcate the front of the boat from the back for those who may be drunk at night, 4) to form a memorial wreath in honor of those who fall into the river and die, 5) to act as a fan.
One of the guides preparing the front of the boat. Credit to Katie
Smiles for the rafting! Credit to Katie
More smiles for rafting! Credit to Austin
Traditional Slovak meal. Credit to Brandon
After the tour, we ate a traditional Slovak lunch that included a sauerkraut soup, sheep cheese gnocchi and pasties (sheep are a big deal in Slovakia), and sour milk (which tastes a lot like thin sour cream). The remainder of the afternoon was spent in Poprad, where people either went to Aqua City water park or sat in cafes doing homework. Our trip came full-circle as we took the sleeper train back home!
Recent Comments