Day 13. Slovakia

Waiting ,waiting, breakfast isn't until 7.30 and we're ready to go by 6.30

The first section to Hainsburg is through a massive wetland on top of the stop bank . 15kms dead straight, not how you'd think of Austria at all !

This bridge over the Donau to Hainsberg is about 2kms long

And this is the old fort town of Hainsberg . Built in the narrows to keep the Turks from reaching Vienna. In 1640 this gate, designed to keep them out , was where 8500 townsfolk were trapped trying to get away into the swamps. Just another bloodbath in this volatile region

Two milestones this morning, we've just clicked over 1000kms , and just crossing into Slovakia.

It's hard to believe that this is where East met west just a few years ago. Where the KGB would have taken us away for flying a NZ flag. Now it's just a curiosity as we fly past.

Bratislava , Slovakias capital is very nice. Lovely modern waterfront filled with beautiful sculptures. Then there's the old part of town where they were having a market

Christine just had to try the unusual cakes while I had to try crepe filled with chopped liver.

" I think I can , I think I can "

"Yeah why not "

We crossed back to the right bank to leave town and followed the top of a huge dyke all the way to Vojka where we are stopping tonight. Strong tail wind again , passing hundreds of people on bikes , roller blades , walkers,,,. House boats and huge lakes as the Donaj , as it's now called, widens out.

We asked some young people where there was a pension in town ( B and B ) and this old fella took us under his wing and took us to his daughters place. Lovely ! kitchen, fridge . proper flat ,and only €30 including breakfast