Illustratory image. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Hike the Jánošíkove Diery gorges
If you are a fan of Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) and hiking on steps and ladders, and want to visit something similar, be sure to check out the system of gorges called Jánošíkove Diery (Janosik's Canyons) located in the Malá Fatra mountain range, Žilina Region.
In the winter, the surrounding rock walls are covered in snow and icefalls, while a stream flows under your feet. The Diery, as they are also called, consist of three parts, the Dolné (Lower), Nové (New) and Horné (Upper) Diery and they are accessible even now. While Dolné Diery are suitable even to small children as they feature simple walkways and few ladders, Horné Diery on the other hand are much more difficult, featuring exposed sections, a lot of ladders, and chains and metal ropes to provide a secure path while climbing. Be sure to have micro-spikes as the wooden walkways are especially slippery.
Jánošíkove Diery on January 28. (source: Matúš Beňo)
TIP: Slovak spa town is home to the only European chapel designed by 'father of Asian skyscrapers'.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Slovak Championship in a board game
Are you a fan of Rummikub, a board game the goal of which is to combine tiles into sets. This Sunday, the board game store Ihrysko in Bratislava's VIVO shopping centre will hold the Slovak Championship in the game. The winner will have the opportunity to represent Slovakia in the World Championship held later this year in Poland. For more information, click here.
What is in a colour?
The Bibiana International House of Art is holding an interactive exhibition for children dedicated to the three primary colours: yellow, red, and blue. Each individual room is dedicated to one of these, showcasing their physical properties, discoveries, symbolism and more. In addition, creative workshops, blind drawing, coloured foils and more activities are part of the programme as well. For more information, click here.
TIP: Paris has Centre Pompidou, Bratislava has New Market Hall.
Do not let owls spook you
Would you dare enter a forest at night? Most people probably would not, therefore they would not meet owls in their natural environment. However, if you dare to do so and happen to be in Trenčín, this Saturday you will be able to take part in a guided tour through the nearby forest and learn about these birds of prey. The event is free of charge and is suitable for children of at least 8 years of age. For more information, click here.
An owl during one of the guided night tours. (source: TASR)
Carnival for children
This Sunday, the Bratislava borough of Ružinov will hold a carnival for all children, the programme replete with a musical, theatre, workshops, and a special toy zone called the Mattel Party dedicated to Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels scale model cars. The event takes place in the Cultus Ružinov culture house in the afternoon, the admission is free of charge. For more information, click here and here.
Also, if you are a fan of Mattel toys and cannot make it to Bratislava, be sure to check another Mattel Party elsewhere in Slovakia. Until March 3, the Eperia shopping mall in Prešov, eastern Slovakia, is holding a big play zone with a gigantic Hot Wheels city, as well as sections dedicated to Barbie dolls, Mega Bloks construction sets, and Fisher-Price toys for newborns and babies. Find out more here.
Tradition Untraditionally
If you are interested in natural materials for weaving crafts such as wicker, straw, spliced wood and others, do not miss the last opportunity to visit the ÚĽUV (the Centre for Folk Art Production) Gallery Bratislava. In various regions of Slovakia, weaving has a long tradition, as evidenced by the exhibited selection from personal collections as well as from museums. The exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the works of master artisans, and has been prolonged until February 9. For more information, click here.
Making a basket from corn husks. (source: TASR)
Put on your dancing shoes
The season of balls continues, with events taking place this weekend as well. There will be three balls in Bratislava, with the 20th edition of the Prešporský Bál (Pressburg Ball), as well as one in Petržalka. Zvolen is holding a ball too, as is Sereď. The Chateau Bela in the village of Belá, southern Slovakia, is holding the Great Gatsby Ball.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 16 - Night sky watching with astronomers in Devín castle.
February 18, 25 - Music concerts in the Tatra Ice Cathedral.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Check out these three tips on a music concert, exhibition and a hike in the capital city.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Do not miss the Japansese film festival (some movies are already booked out), dance at the Balkan Bashavel party, and more in this week's selection of Top 10 events.
WHAT TO LEARN: Three years' worth of goofs while speaking Slovak.
WHAT TO READ: Technology is neutral – we should not be afraid of it, says Jean-Michel Jarre in an interview with the Slovak Spectator.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
