At me too someone is looking, of me too someone is saying, He is sleeping, he knows nothing.
Samuel Beckett
Let him sleep on.”
Not the best night’s sleep. Music and general revelry. It is the price you pay in the heart of the city.
We head out for an early morning walk. The markets are open and fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers are on display.
An overcast day, but mild.
We head back for breakfast, not quite the spread as we had the previous day.
Tasty, and well made, but when it comes to breakfast, quantity counts.
The best thing about breakfast is the collection of Jerzy Triet works.
“I came down as soon as I thought there was a prospect of breakfast.”
Charlotte Brontë
It is only a few hour’s drive to Kosiče, so we plan to stop at Bardejov on the way.
We are led to believe there is a walled village and an impressive town square.
It certainly has these.
What it lacks is coffee of any decent sort.
Shell has found a nearby castle to explore.
Zborov Castle is only fifteen minutes from Bardejov. As we drive out I notice shanty slums made from rubbish on the side of the road. Multiple families live without water, power, and sewerage. I cannot tell if they are Roma or Syrian refugees.
All demographics, from elderly sitting on stools to filth-covered toddlers racing about with or without pants. The men look agitated, the women defeated yet defiant.
As we set out for the castle on a muddy trail, for the first time the beautiful streams are littered with rubbish.
Garbage-filled rivers and poverty are best friends.
I am quick to blame the roadside residents. Shell immediately counters that the Government is responsible for ensuring these people have the infrastructure to live without their refuse.
“The mass of the rich and the poor are differentiated by their incomes and nothing else, and the average millionaire is only the average dishwasher dressed in a new suit.”
George Orwell
The path to the castle is wet with the thawing snow and we only have one pair of shoes each. They quickly become wet and dirty.
We turn back.
Here is a picture from the internet of the castle we did not see.
We make our way to Kosiče through the windy roads of Slovakia.
You do not get tired of these roads.
We find our place in the heart of the city and head out for a late lunch that is also dinner.
It is Mexican dining at La Hacienda.
We stroll through the town centre checking out the parks and churches.
I have Hungarian and Polish currency that I need to exchange for Euro and the only currency exchange open is at the train station.
It is a rough place with plenty of Polícia and security.
Home before the sun is down and I finish the night reading.
We are considering another night but the unit has so much street noise we will move along tomorrow.
It is a shame, as this is a place that needs exploring.
Bed.
Tomorrow… somewhere else.
A beautiful blend of poetry and practicality.
I am a regular Hemingway these days.