Dobrou chuť from Slovakia!
Our phrase of the week was Dobrou chuť, or bon appetite, as we tried local cuisines of beef goulash, dumplings, and mac and sheep cheese.
We began our trip on a sleeper train from Prague to Spiš Castle in Žehra, Slovakia. Our quarters were a little cramped, and the 5 am. wake up was rough, but the views which greeted us from the top of the castle were breathtaking.
We had a great time walking around the castle ramparts, and a few students even got interviewed by local reporters!
After we had scaled Spiš Castle, we traveled to the renaissance town of Levoča where we visited St. James Basilica. The church had a beautiful, ornate interior and our guide pointed out the saints depicted in sculpture and paintings.
Next, we made our way to Nový Smokovec, a town near the High Tatras. We spent the next few days hiking near Štrbské Pleso. Our trails took us past beautiful clear lakes, over the mountain saddle, past waterfalls, and one group even snuck past a black bear!
We finished out our trip with a scenic raft ride down a river between the Poland and Slovakian boarders. Along the way, we marveled and cooed at the waterfowl… until Ken told us what he had ordered for lunch!
Na shledanou for now!