Call the Topdeck crew insane, but on our next travel day we blazed through three countries in a span of a morning and afternoon. That's right – we traveled from our perch in Poland to a beautiful afternoon stop in Slovakia and then on to Hungary. Yeah, buddy!

Now, Bratislava has got to be one of my favorite capital cities. With the “little big city” mentality (I've heard that's their tag-line for tourism), the half-million people of Bratislava seem to stroll about as though they don't realize they're in a capital at all. The Old Town center stands reminiscent of the squares that abound in Prague, and yet it isn't filled with tourists. Rather, it's filled with the people of the city who, after work, wish to take advantage of their markets, cafes, and beautiful summer afternoons. Those of you looking for nightlife may find Bratislava a bit quaint for your tastes, but those of you seeking respite from the bustle of larger cities will find a gem! If (or perhaps I'll say “when”) you visit, you have to take the time to jet to the top of the Novy Most, or New Bridge. Shaped like a flying-saucer, this lookout (complete with super-chic restaurant) has some of the coolest views I've seen in my travels. You get the Old Town and castle on one side of the Danube, the eerie and intriguing walls of Soviet tenement housing on the opposite banks, and the lush, green hillsides of Austria in the distance. Did I mention Bratislava's only 40 minutes or so from Vienna? Yeah. Apparently they're the two closest capital cities in the world, so now you have no excuse to not visit.

On from Bratislava to Budapest, a city that sufficiently surprises and rocks even the most seasoned traveler. Once the two cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube and thus very different in form and feel, the city has now been united to form a terrific combination of old and new. Aged Buda sits regally with its castle complex, citadel, and green, residential neighborhoods, while Pest holds the more modern neighborhoods with the Opera House, city park, and shopping galore. When in Budapest, don't forget to visit the thermal baths!! Influenced by Turkey back in the day, Hungary decided that it was indeed hip to direct their naturally heated springs to pools. And for that, folks, I am very grateful. We can now spend a day soaking, lounging, or getting massages, not to mention appreciating the infinite number of old men in speedos!

Which brings me to a very important and totally unrelated point: make sure to connect with people along your journey, whether it be locals or fellow travelers. You would not believe how terrific it is to reunite with people you've met in your wanderings, and the reunions are made more exciting by the fact that they're often in random spots on the globe! This spring I was lucky enough to visit Budapest on my spring break, and I made friends with a young Romanian woman who's been in Budapest a couple years now. Upon my return, I was able to meet up with her again. She showed me all the local hotspots, from cafes to hidden neighborhoods, and she even took me for a haircut (which, with all my miming to the stylist could have turned out as much more of a Euromullet than it did...yesss). So, connect, converse, share, and exchange e-mail addresses; you never know when or where you'll reconnect with those people who have shared in your travel experiences!

I'm sure that's enough for you now. I'll cut it off here and rejoin you soon from Vienna!