Göran called me a couple of months ago asking if I was going to Bratislava for the CHL games. I said I hadn’t thought about it but his call got me thinking, that this could be fun.
Said and done, I booked flights, and hotels and started to look for hockey tickets.
Today was the first day of this week in central Europe, the first international travel since my trip to the USA in summer 2019.
I started by waiting for the cab on this lovely sunny morning. At Arlanda, I really appreciated the self-service where I could print my luggage tag and then leave the luggage at the bag drop-off. No line whatsoever. To the manual check-in desks though. Phew!
As you know I like to travel with margins, so I spent roughly 90 minutes waiting for the boarding to start. Spent the time setting up a VPN so I can watch sports from the Swedish streams.
When I sat down in my seat, I realize that I forgot my tablet at the gate. Panic arose, thinking there was no chance I would be allowed to leave the plane to fetch it. I got the attention of a flight attendant and described my problem and she said she would get someone to look for it. After a few minutes of cursing myself for leaving it and thinking, well it’s only money, she came down the aisle with it, off to a rocky start.
Well underway it was a rather uneventful flight, except for some turbulence just before landing. The seatbelt sign was on, and the pursuer said the phrase, “In case of an emergency, leave the hand luggage.” Never heard that during a flight before (even though I know of it). We landed safely 45 minutes later.
No problems with the covid-passport, just a simple check. Smooth ride from the airport via train and after a short walk I arrived at the hotel. Fancy one with a high ceiling, wood, leather, and gold everywhere. Rested a bit in the comfy room (it comes with a Chromecast!) before heading out looking for lunch. Found a lovely Lebanese restaurant.
There seem to be quite a few “vendor machines” all over. Some with just snacks and drinks, some with more, specialized content.
Moved on to the local Hard Rock Cafe to get Peter a magnet. Then found an amusement park and went up the paris wheel (60 meters at the top). Was a bit afraid that the height would get to me but it went better than expected. Nice view!
Strolled around the park looking at all the attractions. Some participants seemed to enjoy it while others seemed to regret their decision. I took a smooth water ride which felt like the perfect level of excitement for me 
Took a scooter back to the hotel, quite nice bike paths made it an easy ride. Ended the day with a schnitzel and a couple of drinks in the hotel bar, planning tomorrow and writing this post
