This past weekend was the first weekend of our spring break - hoary! A group of students planned to go to Bratislava, Slovakia for their national march for life, and Dominic and I joined them. We were led by a student from Bratislava, and it was so enjoyable to travel with someone from the city one is visiting! We took a 45 min. train ride from here Saturday morning and our first stop was an old quarry at the base of a mountain. Here, Catholics gathered to pray and for Mass during the Communist era and there now remains a grotto for prayer. Around the perimeter of the grotto are plaques of thanksgiving for prayers answered.
We then walked up the hill to the Slavin Memorial.
This monument marks the burial ground of thousands of Soviet Army soldiers who died in April of 1945, during World War II, freeing the city from the occupying German forces.
Mass grave sites surround the monument.
'Newer' Bratislava.
Friends from the US, Russia, Austria and Slovakia.
Next, we headed over to the Bratislava Hrad (castle).
We rested and ate lunch on the castle grounds. Dominic was happy to get out and stretch.
Ready to explore some more!
Andrej did a great job as tour guide of his city and was very considerate of me and Dominic and carried my backpack the whole trip. Thankful!
The castle walls provided nice views over the Danube.
Then we headed back down the hill to tour the Old Town sector. Here we are learning the history of the original city walls.
A sign advertising the march for life - "Bratislava for life" - it reads.
The old city alleyways echoed the sound of various musicians. I especially enjoyed this elderly harpist.
Old town Bratislava is known for its quirky statues that peer out from unexpected places.
In front of St. Michael's Gate - one of the original gates to the city.
Waiting for the bus...
A 20 min. bus ride took us up the Danube to the town of Devin. This town is rumored to be the spot where Saints Cyril and Methodius first brought the Gospel to the region and is home to the Devin Castle ruins. We did not hike up to the castle as it was closed for the day, but got some great views of it from down below. Lilac bushes were blooming all around.
At the bottom of Devin Castle hill, flows the Danube with Austria on the other side, formerly marking the border of the Iron Curtain. This memorial marks the spot where over 400 people lost their lives trying to cross the river to freedom.
The plaque's rough English translation reads: "The iron curtain used to stand here, it cannot be pulled away, it can only be cracked. 400 people sacrificed their lives while fighting for their rights. Human being, free, and unlimited. Do not forget that freedom of thinking, acting and dreaming is a value that is not only worth living but also bringing sacrifices."
Dominic was such a good traveler - did not cry the whole trip - and was a big photo op and source of joy for the students. :) So precious.
Then came the favorite part of our evening! Andrej's good friend's family owns a currant wine making business, and they had generously invited us for wine tasting. We tried red and black currant wines, port and a liquor and some snacks as the sun set. Delicious!
The girls all enjoyed holding Dominic.
The girls and boys split up into separate flats for the night - the above picture is a view from the girls' flat as the sun rose.
Dominic had slept very well that night!
As it was Palm Sunday, we headed to the cathedral of St. Martin for Mass with the bishop.
Statue inside of St. Martin giving his cloak to a beggar.
We tried the traditional Slovak fare of potato dumplings and beer for lunch.
Then we skipped over a few streets to see the blue church of St. Elizabeth of Hungry. Such a lovely color!
We then returned to the main square for the march for life rally. Brige wanted to carry Dominic for the march, but he was only content with a stranger for so long: note his expression.
The American students.
"Life is cool."
Some guy tried to be funny in the above picture...
Easter tulips and homemade Russian Easter bread.
