Day 4 - Crossing Slovakia to who knows where
- manicmondeo
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Our intention was bold. We wanted to cross two borders and make it to the eastern edges of Hungary. That would mean crossing the hilly heart of Slovakia.
The Monday morning roads were busy and there was constant rain. We passed sporadic glimpses of colour, mostly the fields of blue poppies, grown for the baking industry.
Crossing the border into Slovakia, we were immediately met with poor roads - including one that caused a huge roar from Rosemary’s underbelly. This was at Bojnice Castle, a gorgeous 12th-century hilltop fortress. There were plenty of tat stalls and a zoo that wouldn’t let you take your balloons in (there was a sign, we didn’t try).
Taking a slight wrong turn towards the motorway, we needed to buy an e-vignette and quick. As the approach road was empty, Craig slowed right down as Jim casually bought one with seconds to spare before the camera. It did make the rest of the journey through Slovakia a touch easier, although the motorway came to an abrupt end.
The border with Hungary was an odd one. It was a back road that looked like we’d somehow travelled to the 19th century. Hungary then became surreal as we rode over the musical road. Purposefully curated rumble strips made Rosemary sing the Hungarian folk song Érik a Szőlő (the grapes are getting ripe).
It’s an apt song as the road led us to the famous wine-growing region of Tokaj. We needed a break so stopped at a wine cellar in the town. Craig and Jim enjoyed a small glass as we decided to push through and beat our initial aim.
Even with the time zone difference, we could make Romania.
And, after passing a rural Hungarian town displaying some hopefully decommissioned rockets, you find us in the pretty Romanian city of Satu Mare, with a mountainous route across the Carpathians ahead of us tomorrow.
Songs of the day
Craig: Vampire Skank by Beardyman
Ian: Keine Party by Deichkind
Jim: Grandaddy by Horne Section
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