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#Paparazzi restaurant bratislava windows
Hordes of buildings with broken windows and graffiti. Reviews had indicated we weren't in a really bad neighborhood- we were right next door to a four star hotel- but the blight we encountered made me wonder. After check-in, we located the nearest grocery store online and began walking. The beer was cheap and tasty, which helped me reset my first impression button from negative to neutral. Upon arrival, we decided not to hang out at the depressing train station (first photo) while waiting to check into our AirBnB, but rather at a bar around the corner.
Fun Fact! Vienna and Bratislava are the two closest European capitals. Basic, worn and without air conditioning, it was a sticky journey, but luckily, only an hour. After a quick tram to the main Vienna station, we boarded the Slovakian train which was, apparently, a preview of things to come. The train ride from Salzburg to Vienna was top notch with efficient and comfortable Austrian rail service. We had just experienced three fairytale days in Salzburg, Austria. While that is not a glowing introduction, in the end, we did have a satisfactory stay in Bratislava. But no, just a seemingly shabby resignation. This baffles me because with Vienna, Budapest and Prague nearby, I assumed it would hold itself to a similar standard. I thought I would love Bratislava as it had been described in similar terms, but in reality, the path Bratislava occupies is strange and run-down.
It's just disappointing since I tend to enjoy places that are off-the-beaten-path, quirky and with a little edge. Not every city can be Paris and some place has to be last on my list. Not only am I getting used to visiting cities that aren't on anyone's Top Ten list, but I have become enamored with three in particular (Tallinn, Budapest and Ljubljana) that have varying levels of picturesque European charm, so I don't think I'm being an overly harsh judge or an 'I only do pretty' snob. While that sounds like judgment, I consider this view to be fairly objective. Wanting more of what makes Europe, well, European. As such, Bratislava left us wanting just a little more. I was looking for the beauty in the shadows, but unfortunately, it was a bit overshadowed for my taste. I thought about this during our four days in Bratislava, Slovakia. I try to forgive myself any real or perceived shortcomings (and hope you do as well!), by appreciating the beautiful amidst what Parker Palmer refers to as the 'shadow side'. I consider myself a work in progress and as such, there are a litany of internal and external 'projects' going on at any given time. Parker Palmer, Naropa University Commencement Address (originally posted by Maria Popova on ) Everyone has a shadow… But when you are able to say, “I am all of the above, my shadow as well as my light,” the shadow’s power is put in service of the good.' Let your altruism meet your egotism, let your generosity meet your greed, let your joy meet your grief.
'Take everything that’s bright and beautiful in you and introduce it to the shadow side of yourself.
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