Silvestrovanje na Jezerskem [30. 12. 2006 – 3. 1. 2007]

Okoli Blatnega jezera [11-15. 9. 2006]

Blatno jezero (madžarsko Balaton, nemško Plattensee) je jezero v zahodnem delu Madžarske in hkrati tudi največje jezero v srednji Evropi. Poleg Nežiderskega jezera je to tudi edino srednjeevropsko stepno jezero. Nahaja se nekaj več kot 80 km jugozahodno od Budimpešte oz. okoli 70 km vzhodno od meje s Slovenijo pri Lendavi.

Jezerska gladina je na nadmorski višini 104 m, njegova površina je 592 km2, v povprečju je globoko 3,2 m, največ pa 11 m. Prostornina vode je tako okoli 1,9 km3. Jezero je podolgovate oblike v smeri jugozahod-zahod – sever-severovzhod, dolžina v tej smeri je pribl 77 km, široko pa je med 4 in 15 km. Jezero ima dve izraziti kotanji, ki ju loči polotok Tihany. Severna obala je strmejša kot na jugu. Voda je zaradi peščenega in plitvega dna zelo motna. Najpomebnejši pritok je reka Zala. Naravnega odtoka ni, po potrebi odvajajo vodo skozi umetni kanal Sió v reko Kapos in naprej v Donavo.

Največje mesto ob jezeru je Keszthely, ostala pomembnejša mesta ob obali so še Siófok, Fonyód in zdraviliško mesto Balatonfüred. Pomembnejši mesti nedaleč od jezera sta Veszprém in Székesfehérvár.

Vzdolž južne obale vodi pomembna cestna in železniška povezava med Budimpešto in Hrvaško oz. Slovenijo. Železniška proga sicer v celoti obkroža jezero. Severno in južno obalo povezuje (zlasti poleti) tudi nekaj trajektnih linij.

vir: https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blatno_jezero

Trip to Bratislava, 30. 4. 2003

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, after my recent trip there, I can confidently say that Bratislava is a hidden gem that is worth a visit.

First Impressions: As I walked out of the train station, the first thing that struck me was the contrast between the modern buildings and the historical ones. The city has a mix of architecture styles, ranging from medieval to contemporary, which makes it a unique destination.

Exploring the Old Town: The Old Town of Bratislava is a must-see. The narrow streets, charming cafés, and colorful buildings make for a picturesque setting. I recommend starting at the Michael’s Gate, the only remaining gate from the medieval fortifications. The gate now houses a museum with a collection of weapons and armor.

From there, it is easy to navigate the Old Town on foot. The Main Square is a bustling hub of activity, with street performers and vendors selling souvenirs. The Old Town Hall is also located here and is worth a visit.

The highlight of my visit to the Old Town was the Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city. The castle has a long history dating back to the 9th century and has been reconstructed several times. The views from the castle are breathtaking and provide a great photo opportunity.

Food and Drink: No trip to Slovakia is complete without trying some of the local dishes. Slovak cuisine is hearty and delicious, with a focus on meat and potatoes. I tried the Bryndzové Halušky, which is a traditional Slovak dish made of potato dumplings, sheep cheese, and bacon.

I also visited several local bars and breweries to sample the beer. Slovak beer is excellent, and I recommend trying the Zlatý Bažant or the Šariš.

Final Thoughts: Bratislava may not be as famous as other European cities, but it certainly has a lot to offer. The city is affordable, easy to navigate, and has a rich history and culture. I highly recommend adding Bratislava to your travel itinerary if you are in the region.