Spectacular Slovakia #37: Leaky roofs and broomball: Life as an expat was never dull

Slovaks were always warm towards us, despite our witches brooms, says former diplomat Jacqui Fay.

In the 1990s, Bratislava castle and the entire city looked completely different from today.In the 1990s, Bratislava castle and the entire city looked completely different from today. (Source: Sme)

Listen to the podcast:

Briton Jacqui Fay worked as diplomat in Bratislava from 1995-1998 and has return several times since to visit her daughter, Anna. Jacqui has many fond memories of life in Slovakia, including pancake races in Hviezdoslavovo námestie and broomball, a strange take on hockey involving witches brooms and tennis balls, in Železná Studienka. Slovakia has experienced many monumental changes since Jacqui lived here, but one thing that remains the same is the warmth and generosity of the Slovak people, she insists. Listen to this former diplomat and her daughter discuss Bratislava then and now.

SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement
SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement

SkryťTurn off ads

Subscribe to Spectacular Slovakia podcast for free:

The Spectacular Slovakia travel podcast is the latest addition to our range of travel-related products. This programme is part of The Slovak Spectator subscription, and our readers receive it every Thursday morning as part of their subscription.

More information:
Print+audio: shop.spectator.sme.sk/newspaper
Online+audio: www.sme.sk/predplatne-spectator

Top stories

Lutheran High School in Tisovec, known better as EGT.

News digest: School wants US teachers but they fear war in Ukraine

Tax offices' extended opening hours, major development in the Daniel Tupý murder case, and another Slovakia Matters edition.


9 h
Filip Toška holding chard in the hydroponic Hausnatura farm.

How a Mayan doomsday prophecy took a Slovak to hi-tech agriculture

Hydroponic farm run out of former telephone exchange.


9. mar
Index magazine, The Slovak Spectator's sister publication, looked at the stories of the ten biggest defaulters of the Financial Administration.

Who are the biggest tax debtors?

Single-use companies laundered millions of euros.


20. mar
Some Ukrainian students report being bullied due to their nationality. UNICEF works with schools so that they can provide a tolerant and respectful environment as well as activities that facilitate positive relationships and promote inclusion.

The silent toll of the war in Ukraine is on minds

Friends are essential for mental health, but only one in three Ukrainian children in Slovakia are currently enrolled in school.


20. mar
SkryťClose ad