but it has been going since 1766 and boasts the world's highest Chairoplane (117m). All the thrill seeking youngsters are screaming on giant contraptions that fling them hundreds of feet into the air then sick-makingly spin them upside down. The more sedate Ferris Wheel has been around since 1895, looking just like the London Eye but with old railway carriages instead of pods. Nothing on earth would persuade us to go on any of the attractions but the atmosphere is brilliant and the ice cream fabulous.
The cycle path is just around the corner from the hotel so we are soon on out way, avoiding the morning Nordic walkers, and entering the Lobau area of trees
and ponds. It is not long before we realise this is a naturists' area, with hundreds of retirees topping up their vitamin D. Whilst trying not to cast our eyes to either side we miss our turning and go down a dead end. If we had not got lost though, we would not have met a lovely elderly German on his wonderful repro penny-farthing! (I did take a photo and hopefully I will be able to post the camera pics on the blog sometime before we get back - meanwhile it's just a few iPhone shots.)
The ride is very easy up on the top of the dyke, lined with flowers and busy with butterflies. We chat with the first touring cyclists we had seen for days, 3 Lancashire blokes who had hired their bikes in Passau and are heading for Budapest.
It seems bizarre but by lunch we are arriving at the next Capital city, as the high-rise buildings and old castle of Bratislava come into view. We can't resist booking into the floating hotel, a old river cruise boat converted to a restaurant and hotel, moored near the old city centre.
As we only have one afternoon and evening here we are restricted to wandering the ancient centre squares and search out the quirky St Elizabeth church, a fine example of Art Deco, outside like blue icing sugar, and even with blue pews and a matching blue rectory - what a fun place to worship!
Evening brings out two bands on to the street , a great 8 piece jazz band and a rock band. We learn a new country flag today - Slovakia.
Miles to date 1,845
Location:VIENNA to BRATISLAVA
