administration, bureaucracy and diplomacy seem to be the greatest threat and I do not think I would encounter any worse.
Visiting the Indian Embassy in Bratislava left me in good mood although I was sent away with words that I needed visa for Iran and Pakistan first, but at least it was said in very polite way and the receptionist was indeed kind and helpful. Spending a nice and sunny day in Bratislava, completing my first outdoor swim-stunt this year, and finishing it with couple of tasty cloudy lagers, I went to bed tipsy and smiling.
Next morning I got up early so I could catch a bus to Vienna (capital of Austria, situated approximately 70km west from Bratislava), which is the closest place from Krupina (my hometown) to find Pakistani and Iranian Consulates. I managed to find both of them fairly quick and easy, thanks to all helpful locals and my awesome Deutsche Sprache skills (but then I have to say I am loving to speak German, finding all those lost words in my memory). And people are generally very nice and keen as soon as they see that you are foreigner trying to speak their language...
Iran: spent there 5 minutes including 3 minutes of wait, handed in my application, 1 passport photograph and photocopy of my passport, being told to call back in 2 weeks to find whether I am getting the visa and when to collect them. Great!
Pakistan: spent there an hour or so, because I had to go bank and pay the cheque (40,-e), but was told I was getting visa, just it was going to take 2 weeks, getting an appointment on 14.4. BUT leaving my passport at the embassy, as 'there is no other way to do that'.
So yes, I have got at least two more weeks (if lucky enough), before I can head towards south-east.
This can not stop me, I will go no matter what.
In the meantime, I will visit some places around here, there is plenty to explore...