After a short night's rest, we all decided to meet back up at the hotel early in the morning. I waited outside in the morning crisp air looking out at the fog that had rolled over this fine city. The castle was hidden behind a white cloud making it nearly impossible to see. As I looked out over the city, only small areas could be made out through the fog. A shadowing affect of what's in store....

As I sat on the terrace awaiting the girls arrival, I pulled out my private journal (to which, I haven't really written all that much) and started to jot down some random thoughts plauging my mind. As I sat there, I was happy to look up and see Maria looking at me. I greeted her, and we headed inside to a place that was a bit warmer.

She sat back on the couch as we started up a bit of a conversation. Soon after, we heard a knock on the door. We teased Eva by asking her random questions, as neither of us stood up to let her in. Maria started to tease Eva -- "Are you housekeeping?" .. "Yes!" .. "Well, good.. We don't really need housekeeping.. Just leave the towels by the door" .. "Let me in!" .. "If you're a housekeeper, you'd already have the key.. I don't think you're a housekeeper!" .. Finally I went to answer the door, I opened it up, and went "Hmm.. you're no housekeeper" and closed the door back again. Nothing like some morning follies to get everyone in a good mood! :-D

We headed off for some much needed coffee. Maria said she knew the best place to get coffee, and you could tell how good it was by what they offered. It was here I learned that in order to succeed in a coffee life, you MUST go to a place that gives you two sugars, a caramel biscuit, and a shot glass of water. It shows how 'good' the place is by this alone.

As we sat back and enjoyed our coffee, we spoke again about what to do today. They had mentioned that the night might be cut back a little short, as one of thier friend's had a birthday today, and it wasn't normal to have outsiders join in. I understood completely, and I didn't want to step on anyone's toes.

We headed off for our hike to the castle. We took the easy path. Eva said 'count the steps up and tell me how many there are'. 1.. 2.. 3.. this was going to take a while. As we approached the top, I finished my count. "100 steps!" .. She looked at me in awe, saying "You actually counted them all!? I usually stop before I get to the top!". Unfortunately, this only brought us to the base of the mountain where the castle laid high above. We were definately getting our excerise today!

As we started the hike up a steep hill, we stopped by to pickup our castle tickets (and pay the additional 20sk charge to use a camera -- of course, no one ever checks your ticket to see if you even paid to use a camera, or heck, to even see if you paid to see the castle -- all honor based, I assume). The girls informed me the whole tour was in Slovak, but they would try to translate it for me.

We headed up higher and higher as the hill became steeper and steeper. We were all three amazed to think how the soilders had to climb this every day, and even more amazing, the thought of hauling the stones to get to the castle had to be insane. I started to take some photos along the way, but was asked to wait until after our tour, as if we missed it, we would have to wait nearly 30 additional minutes. I complied like the good little tourist I am! :)

Arriving at the area where the tour starts, we sat back and had a few moments to catch our breath looking over the beauty of Trencin below. The explained that a few years back, part of the castle wall fell on the cityscape below, and they're in the process of trying to repair it. It seems that in the past, the whole castle was fully accessible, but with the recent issues, they've locked it down to only a tour base inside the castle. Kind of a shame, knowing that nearly every part of Bratislava castle was free to roam.

As we headed inside the main gates, you could hear a dog barking around the corner. Eva joked that the dog has been here since the dark ages, and it was amazing how they kept him alive all this time. See, don't knock Slovak medicine! :-D

While my understanding of Slovak has definately gotten better, I kind of washed out what the tour guide was saying. Instead, I found myself staring at the aspects of the areas we explored. We started in the terrace area, and proceeded up more steps into the castle itself. Eva and Maria kept speaking up to tell me what the tour guide was saying. Quite obviously, there was a LOT of history here.

We then headed inside the castle itself. The first room we entered was littered with display cases of weapons that had been found in the local river over time. These ranged from polearms to swords to black powder guns. It made you realize that there was a long era that reigned in this castle.

The castle itself was designed to confuse it's enimies, having you take random paths in the castle only to arrive back to where you just left. There was no order to the madness, but it may be one of the reasons why the Trencin castle was never ever captured in all it's centuries of use.

We headed up to the main tower (yes, more stairs.. many more stairs), which is the highest point in Trencin. From here, you could see all around you. The beauty of this place was really starting to sink in. The mountains in the background gave you a valley affect looking down to the cityscape below. Quite a beautiful scene. You could even see the 'centuries old' dog below (to which I promptly snapped another photo).

Heading back down we entered one of the many confusion areas of the castle. We were given a choice, head down the 'newly renovated stairs' or head down the 'confusing orginial pathway' .. of course, we took the original pathway. This lead us down a spiral staircase of varied height, width, and depth stairs into a small hall way with doorways no larger than about 5' (1.5 meters) in height. It was all we could do to get past everything. Kind of like walking into one of those cryptic haunted houses where you feel the walls closing in on you.

Once through, we followed the tour around to the main part of the castle. Maria felt it good to warn me that EVERYTHING in the proceeding rooms had alarms on them, and not to touch (hehe.. I guess she didn't trust me?).

Unfortunately, we also found us to be now intertwined with a very large tour group of children wishing to run around the place like crazy. We entered into the main areas where you found original items all around. Jewelry, keys, carriages, statues, furniture, and of course paintings. Some of the paintings were very interesting, one in particular. Okay, being a nutty Monty Python fan, I found it interesting to find in one of the paintings a woman holding onto a 'Holy Hand Grenade'. There's all kinds of interesting sights to see here.

Maria sprawled herself across some of the 'naked' images portrayed in some of the paintings saying I was 'too young' to see it. HA! I love her uncanny approach to everything! :-D

Once through, we headed into the oldest part of the castle which was an old cathedral. Here, only the ruins were left, but with two skeletal remains. One of a young man, and one of a young woman. I was informed that they were known as having a rich bloodline, as for thier age, they were very healthy, and found that they had eaten quite well.

My only concern with Trencian castle was the 'modernization' of the place. While, yes, it was great to take part in a little piece of history, it was upsetting at the same time to see the original castle rooms changed to a modernized look. It took away from the atmosphere of the building, unlike Bratislava castle which didn't appear to have really anything done to it..

Afterwards, we headed back down the hillside of the castle, stopping at the random items seen on our way. Maria was playing around and allowing me to get pictures of her 'torture' and her stay as a peasent in the servent's quarters. All in all, this was very entertaining.

Once back down at the bottom of the hill side, we strolled back into the 100-stair walkway to make our way into Trencin's centrum. The walkway was sprawled with cute little 'love' notes all around. One of which I was asked to get a shot of. The girls were playing with flowers they picked up heading back down the wall -- unfortunately, they were quickly falling apart. Maria placed one complete on in her hair, and let me take a picture -- personally, I think it's my favorite picture of her to date. All the while, running on a sepia mode to truly give the aspect of an artistic form.

We headed into Trencin city, where we went to Eva's dad's shop. He has a little wine store in Trencin, and while his english lacked, I was able to understand most of what he was saying. I had informed Eva beforehand that I wanted to pick up some of that special wine we had at U.F.O. Unfortunately, he didn't have that specific German wine at the time, but he offered up his best Slovak sweet wine to me at a discount. I picked up two bottles. One for our 'dinner party' I was throwing once back in Bratislava, and one for an unknown 'special occasion' that may show up over time.....

Her father wanted me to partake in some homemade Slovak brandy with him. Trying all the different kinds. Plum, Peach, and Apple. He told me I had to breathe in the aroma first, hold my breath, swallow it whole, and breathe out. Which I did. Actually, I'm not an avid drinker, but this stuff clearly did the job. It left you all warm and cozy inside, and with the bitterness of the cold air outside, this did the trick. I found this to be a bit of a custom too. It seems customary to provide your guest a drink like this, as a way to make them feel welcome. Her dad seemed very nice, and very interested in meeting me. We took some final photos and headed off.

We decided to walk clear across to the other side of Trencin to head to the mall. Along the way, the girls were pointing out all the quirks along the way including a local 'store' that I was asked to figure out what it was by the outside alone. As we approached the shop, you could see it was a 'red-light' building, with a heart shape light on the outside. Seeing the word 'Intimate', I assumed this was a intimate apperal shop where one could buy sexy lingerie or some.. other.. items. But I was told I was wrong. Nah, it couldn't be what I think it is, could it? .. Oh yes.. It was non other than Trencin's brothel. Tizzight. *shakes head*

We headed into the mall to look around. Knowing full well that Eva wasn't the avid fan of shopping, we made our events quick. I found a new place I love, Kenvelo. This is a bit of a european fashion store, as compaired to places like 'Abercrombie and Fitch', only it focuses on more a 'conservative punk' atmosphere. I picked up a sweater I loved, and was questioned why I didn't try it on. *shrug* .. I just don't normally do that, I guess.

Once done shopping, we strolled back towards the hotel. Eva dreading the night ahead, as she had to go home and clean up for her cousin that would be staying with her until the end of the school year. On top of it all, the night was coming to an end so they could attend their friend's birthday.

Heading back to the hotel, Eva asked if it would be okay to spend some time resting back at the apartment. I had no issue with that. It gave us a chance to reflect on the day we had, and get a few moments of relaxation after such a long day of walking, and climbing..

Afterwards, we started to say our goodbyes for the day. Eva had to head home to clean, and Maria had to get ready to see her birthday friend. They asked what I planned to do, and I told them I just had the intention of walking around Trencin getting accustomed to the area. When heading out of the hotel, I was starting in an opposite direction, when Eva told me to walk with them.

We arrived at the centrum, and Eva departed, leaving myself and Maria behind. I started to say my goodbyes, when she asked me to meet her 'best friend'. A young lad, by the name of Philip came up and introduced himself. About to head off, I shook his hand and was heading off. He then said, 'Do you like Slovak beer?'.. I responded, 'Yeah'.. He said, 'Then come and have a drink with us!'

In the bar we went where we ordered some beers and just had a relaxing time. All the while, he quizzed me to see if I was good enough for Slovakia. Ha, with questions such as 'Do you know who Robbie Willaims is?' -- Of course I do, I have nearly every album. He's unknown back in the states, but I've listened to him since 1999 when he brought out Millenium. He went on to ask random questions about Slovakia to see if I could pass his test. I succeeded. He made me feel very welcome, and I can see why Maria and him are good friends. He made sure to give me his contact information to keep in touch with him.

As the night went on, so did the beers. Soon after, Lucas, the birthday boy, showed up. I had no clue this was where everyone was meeting. I felt a bit awkward being the 'odd' guy out. I didn't want to impose and definately didn't want to step on any toes. I whispered to Maria that I was sorry, and that I had no clue this was where it was happening. I told her I could go, and it would be okay. But she asked me to please stay. Once again, amazed at the events taking place here.

Soon after Philip had to leave, but he introduced a new 'inside joke' that Maria and I use all the time now. Too much to explain here though! ;)

Not too much later, Eva showed up. Then Eva's best friend Jamaka and her boyfriend Milan showed up. We all sat back drinking (except Milan -- he was the designated driver, and Slovak law is VERY strict against drinking and driving) and having a good time. Milan and I sat back and talked for a bit. He seems very in love with Jamaka. They seem to be a perfect match for each other. He expressed to me how lucky he was to have her, to which I agreed. Jamaka was a bit of a clown, which was great. She made everyone around her smile and enjoy life. Eventually, everyone headed out to the dance floor. Jamaka begged me to come out and dance with her. Ooh, knowing the dancer I was, I told her that would be a bad move. She said she wanted me to go, and pulled me out on the floor. A bit embarassed, I didn't know what to do. I'm such a horrible dancer, but she got me into it having fun. Milan grabbed my camera and started to snap pictures. We all started to have a blast. I couldn't be more thankful.

Of course, as the night went on.. More beers came out. We were each taking turns buying rounds. I got to the point where I couldn't even stand, and just 'trying to fit in', Lucas and his friends requested as a 'present' to him, he wanted me to down the 5-beers I had just ordered. Okay, sure, fine.. Whatever. Within moments, I downed them all (a meer 5 seconds per half-litre). Wow, I was getting buzzed at this point.

I should make it a point to explain. Slovak beer is VERY potent. American beers have NOTHING on Slovak beer. So here I was, barely able to stand, let alone anything else when Maria takes me out on the floor to dance. Yay, drunken dancing time! I know I made a complete fool of myself, but still, I started to have a lot of fun.

We headed back over to the table, and started to talk. Barely grazing on subjects of life and my feelings towards everything in Slovakia.

The night went on, and so did the fun. Eventually, the time was reaching about 3am, and it was time to depart. I was still very buzzed, and could have easily made it home on my own. Regardless, Maria and Milan decided to walk me home, just in case. I tried to prove to them I was good. Walking in a straight line. Fluently repeating my ABC's...backwards. No way was I drunk.. HA.

Maria got me back to my room and tucked me in and wished me a good night. Milan just thought I was crazy.. But thats okay, everyone does. :)

I couldn't sleep. I was sobering up. I needed to provide a free drunken call back to the states. And to talk about what was on my mind. I tried to call my buddy James who was still working at the time, so I opted for Monkey in Philly. He sat there and heard me out on everything. Now that's true friendship, drunken phone call? *grin*

Regardless, day two of my adventure in Trencin proved to be quite intriging.