Slovakia

After three busy days in Budapest, we loaded up our comfy Mercedes motor coach and headed for Krakow, Poland. The route took us through Slovakia and up and over the Tatra range of the Carpathian mountains. These are mini-Alps and a popular ski and winter sports area. Since our route was mostly shrouded in mist, I didn't get much of a picture, but there are snow-capped peaks and thick forests.

We stopped here for lunch in a small ski area that is typical in the area. It was ringed by small hotels and buildings all designed to look like Swiss chalets. On the other hand, the Tatras are a continuation of the geological formations that pushed the Alps to their heights, so they have every right to look Alpine. The area is not going to be confused with St. Mortiz, but it is charming and the mountains are beautiful.