Our next stop was Topolcianky - the wedding location. We stayed in an old castle called ZÁMOK TOPOĽČIANKY or Topolcianky Castle. We were there for 2 nights. We had a nice large hotel room with unusual bathrooms. There were 2 glass cubes on either side of the room, one with a toilet and sink and one with a bathtub and sink.
On our drive to the castle we came across a street festival so after we checked-in and unpacked we headed back to the festival. It was very much like any street festival in the US only cooler since it was in Slovakia! There were many local vendors selling Slovak food, pastries, cookies and candies, and a spice wine that they call buciak. Of course I had to try some of that. We had a great night walking around the festival enjoying music, food and beer.
Day 3 - Wedding day
First thing in the morning Larry went for a jog in the park surrounding the castle. When he returned I talked him into taking a long walk. Dani started out with us, but soon bagged and headed back to the castle to hang with Elle. Larry and I walked for over 2 hours in the forest, orchards and vineyards nearby. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was a truly wonderful morning. After cleaning up we headed out to lunch with Larry's friend Ronnie and her fiance Guissepe and new friends Nikki and Raj. We ate at a local pub and of course had beer with lunch.
Zuzana and John were married in a small church within walking distance of the castle. It was beautiful! The church was decorated for the harvest, lots of local fruit and flowers. The ceremony was in both Slovakian and English - very cool. Afterwards we headed back to the castle for the reception. Dinner was very good. I am just now remembering that one of the girls took some really fun shots of Raj with oranges. He was very funny! Wish we had those pictures.
After dinner and some dancing Zuzana and John snuck away to change into Slovakian outfits. They returned with a group of local woman dressed up as well. They sang to Zuzana and transformed her from a single woman to a married one with song and a change of headdress. It was great to see a bit of the local traditions.
