Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia

After weeks of visiting European cities Donielle and I decided to change it up by making a 4 day stopover at the High Tatras Mountains in Slovakia. Easily accessible from other parts of Eastern Europe the Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathian mountains. They are not as well known as the Alps but they are similar in their overall alpine landscape. We spent four wonderful nights at the "Ginger Monkey" hostel which was run by the extremely friendly Jimbo and his trusty dog Wally. Donielle got to know Wally really well as she took him to the grocery store just down the road. Jimbo's from the UK and after traveling round the world he decided to open one of the first hostels in the Slovakian Tatras mountains. The Ginger Monkey is in the town of Zdiar which is at the center of several trekking opportunities. Unfortunately for us it rained for 3 out of the 4 days we were in Zdiar, however, the day we decided to do the main trek we were rewarded with clear skies and cool fall like weather. Our journey took us from the grassy agriculture meadows of the town, up through alpine forests, marshy high alpine wetlands (very muddy) , flowering meadows and finally the windswept alpine areas above treeline. I think the pictures speak for themselves as this is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges we have ever hiked. Along our hike we also happened upon two deer lying on the mountainside just watching us pass by, which was a big highlight for Donielle.

Additionally, one of the advantages of traveling to the Tartas mountains in Slovakia is that the cost of living is still really cheap. On our first day, Donielle and I had a huge lunch which included 2 soups, 2 entrees, 2 salads and a beer and coke for only $15 USD. The deals of Eastern Europe are still here, you just have to go away from the cities to find them. In general the food is exceptionally good and 'hearty'. You will find lots of dishes with cabbage like soups and stews, schnitzel and the unforgettable 'hot chocolate' (tip: it is eaten with a spoon) at a restaurant referred to by the locals as: Renata's.