5/5/15 day 17: Banská Štiavnica, SK

Caught the tail of breakfast even tho I was up well before my alarm... I had a dog barking out my left window and carpenters building the arc out the right. Almost as annoying as to how my father would wake me for school as a kid... He'd unceremoniously throw the light on, open the curtains to the window by pillow, and then take the covers and put them on the floor. At least this morning I was able to maintain a shred of decency, not like back in the day...

Went downstairs and grabbed a quick bite at the breakfast table and then we walked back over to Chianti for a coffee.

Main square in Bardejov, a beautiful little town.

Said our goodbyes to staff and Kamil and hit the road for the polish border. Olga arranged a river rafting on the Dunajec River which slowly winds through a national forest along the Polish border. The weather was perfect. Finally sun and blue sky. Perfect timing.

River rafting cascading selfie.

Very relaxing afternoon on the water. Our rafting guide (wearing his traditional outfit) would pole us along (yeah, yeah, I know) and tell folk lore stories about the river and the surrounding mountains. One story involved 7 monks and a prostitute getting turned to stone.. It got pretty freaky.

After the river we got back to the tSR mobile and made our way west. Olga's plan was to get closer to Vienna so the drive would be shorter to get us to the airport. She asked her friends where we should stay in the middle of the country and they all recommended Banská Štaivnica. So, we headed there. Sure, sounds cool?!

Quiet car ride. Everyone was tuckered out from the river. Olga powered through though and made that highway her bitch as she tends to do. Got off the highway and followed a narrow winding road through a serene little forest scene. We started to climb up a hill and popped into beautiful Banská as the sun dropped out of view. Found our hotel (Hotel Grand Matej), ditched our bags in our economical rooms, and went out on a mission to find and watch Slovakia v Slovenia Hockey. I've never watched so much hockey in my life... Kind of digging it though. Kind of want to keep watching when I get home. Does anyone know of any good Slovak bars in Phoenix?

We ended up at Erb brew pub just up the street with the game on a projector screen. Slovakia won (great success) and we enjoyed some brews and some tasty food. I went with a salad with grilled chicken, and then traditional smoked cheese that is fried served with potatoes. The gym is going to hurt...until then, Prost!

We toasted a fun tour and all of Olga's hard work. We had a really great time seeing this beautiful country from Pezinok to Vranov nad Toplou and making new friends along the way and trying some very delicious food and drink. We hope to come back!

Even though spirits are high today, we moarn the passing of Rhys, one of Olga's prize dogs, who died tragically today. Much to Olga's credit, she put on a strong and brave face but we know she is hurting. I was a blubbering child when I lost my dog Rugby. I can only imagine what she is feeling. RIP Rhys. Glad we had a chance to hang out this week. You were a special friend to us all.