Dam and Dam - March 13th

A great day of straight smooth cycle paths, running with the wind, under a warm sun, out of Vienna. I deserved this after the slog across northern Austria.

 Now that's what I call a bike track

5km of Hauptallee on the edge of Vienna

The track runs along the Marchfelder Dam in Austria and then Gabcikova Dam in Slovakia with Hainburg in between. This town is a crucible of history stretching from the Romans to the Hapsburgs, with Turks in between. It impressed on me that in Britain, safe behind our high seas moat, we had the time to go explore the world while the Austrians just prepared to invade or be invaded.

Vienna Tor (Hainburg)
Another Publics Works Project 1230

Building A Safer Europe for You

Paid for by a Grant from The English Tax Payer

I had a great lunch in Eckartsau of Goulash containing lean chunks of beef spiced with cumin and accompanied by a wonderful Ottakringer beer, while local farmers with drooping handlebar moustaches discussed politics in  thick Austrian accents.

An Austrian Hunting Lodge outside Vienna
I had been hoping for something from Dr Zhivago but you take what you get

Then into Bratislava in Slovakia by 4pm and checked into the hostel. This place has a nice comfortable feel to it, none of the bustle of  a major capital. The people are friendly and take the time to help. Life is good.