Levoca and around, Slovakia

Caught a 1:00pm bus out of Zakopane which wound its was up through the mountains and into Slovakia, the border checkpoint was the easiest Ive ever been through, the border 'guard' took about 30 seconds to check the whole bus, which had about 30 people on it. Jumped off in Poprad, the transport hub for eastern Slovakia and decided to head to Levoca which is a small historical town located in a central spot. Its got a nice central square/ cathedral and still has its old walls around the old town. Found a nice pension (private rooms usually in a families house). Been cooking for myself the last few days, saves a few bucks.

Headed over to Slovensky Raj national park (Slovak Paradise). Lots of gorges, rivers/ streams and steep hills in the park, I did a circuit hike of 25km, was pretty nice, it included a walk up a stream into a gorge, that turned into a walk in the stream then ladders, chains and steps up beside a big steep cascade and a steep hike up and out of the gorge. Tested my fear of heights but was great fun. Also along the river, wooden rungs are bolted to logs that are suspended above the stream. Got back to the parking lot/ bus stop and realised there where no more buses and so I had to take a different trail back into the hills to hike to the main town nearby so I could bus back to my bed, that added another 15kms so by the end I was shattered, so its a hot bath and bed for me. Did the hiking in my Tevas (sports sandals) which produced some sideways glances as the europeans are obessed with hiking boots.

Had stiff legs in the morning. Decided to catch a bus over to Spissky Podhardie to check out Spissky Hrad (Spis Castle) a big arse castle ruin atop a travertine rock high above the spis region. Did not count on it being a Sunday (tend to forget what day it is) so ended up waiting for a bus. Got there in the end. All the other tourists keep looking at me.... I had sandals and shorts on a 8 degree day. My shoes are still drying out from the snow missions. The castle had a small museum in it and very nice views of the villages around the area and the general countryside. Had another nice wait at the bus station cause a bus brokedown. Buts back in Levoca now.