Illustrative image. (source: Pexels)
TRAVEL
Discover Bratislava's green oases
Slovakia's capital has seen extensive development and construction over the years, changing the face of the city extensively. Still, many of its parks, gardens and woods have been preserved to this day, not to mention lakes. If you're seeking a refuge from a harried daily life, you would do well to visit any of these places, especially in summer when temperatures are rising well above 30 °C. Find out more here.
Zlaté Piesky is among great places to cool down. (source: Gabriel Kuchta, SME)
FOOD AND DRINKS
Welcome summer at this party
On this Friday evening, the town of Trnava, western Slovakia, will host a special Latin America-inspired party, giving you the impression that this town resides right next to the sea. You can look forward to unusual scents, tasty food and drinks, and a lot of dancing to the rhythm of rumba, salsa and merengue.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Meet foreigners
The [fjúžn] na Cestách (On The Road) event offers a unique opportunity to get to know foreigners living in Slovakia, their culture and much more outside of Bratislava. This year's edition will take place from June 28 to 30 in Art Cafe in Banská Štiavnica, central Slovakia. Visitors can expect musical performances, a quiz, an unconventional walk through the town, discussion and more, meaning young and old will find something to their liking. Learn more here.
Come play some board games
Board games are a wonderful way to spend an evening with friends and family. If you've never played a modern board game or just want to try one of the hottest new ones, be sure to stop by Ihrysko in the Vivo shopping mall this Friday and Saturday. The popular store will host a two-day celebration of board games called HRAtislava, a clever pun joining the Slovak word 'hra' - meaning game - and Bratislava. Find out more here.
(source: TASR)
Festival of everything fantasy
Fairies, goblins, princesses, knights, pirates, wizards and much more. Meet your favourite fairy-tale characters and allow yourself be taken into a magical world of miracles and surprises. This Saturday, a family festival full of fantasy, strange creatures, theatre, singing and dancing will be held in the park in the village of Lednické Rovne in Trenčín Region. In addition, you can engage in interesting activities such as reading fairy tales, mask making, glass painting, potion brewing, riddles, puzzle solving, and treasure hunting. Find out more here.
Something from the past
Are you a collector of antiques, memorabilia or other things that sepia tone would be a good fit for? If so, do not miss the June antique market that will take place on Saturday at the Červený Kameň castle near the village of Častá in Bratislava Region. You'll find antique furniture, jewellery, old books, pictures, coins and much more. Make sure to be there quick so you have something to choose from, though. The market takes place from 7:30 to 13:00. Learn more here.
Červený Kameň. (source: Jiří Kučírek)
Tired of sleeping at home?
Zlaté Piesky (Golden Sands) is a popular recreation area on the lake of the same name with a retro look on the outskirts of Bratislava, which also comprises the official city’s campsite. Prior to the opening of this summer season, the campsite has undergone improvement. Why not spend a night under the stars for a change? Find out more here.
Puppets that will make you laugh
Starting this and continuing next weekend, the Za Siedmimi Horami (lit. Beyond Seven Mountains; a phrase in Slovakia used to introduce fairy tales in the vein of 'in a land far, far away') puppetry festival will bring joy and smile to children's faces. Taking place in three villages in the region of Liptov, northern Slovakia, you can look forward to more than 40 theatrical performances and concerts. Admission is free, find out more here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 11-13: The Pohoda music festival in Trenčín
July 15-19: The Trnavský Jazzyk jazz music festival in Trnava
July 19-21: The SunDance electronic music festival at the Zemplínska Šírava reservoir
July 20-21: The Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Budatín Castle
July 27-August 1: The Amateur Theatre Festival in Nitra
July 31-August 4: The Jánošíkove Dni folk festival in Terchová
August 2-3: The Víno pod Hviezdami wine festival in Pezinok
August 2-4: The Atmosféra music festival in Hontianske Nemce
August 9-10: The Grape music festival in Trenčín
August 9-11: The Discover Poloniny event in eastern Slovakia
August 10: The Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Bratislava Castle
August 16-18: The Lovestream music festival in Bratislava
August 30-31: The Uprising music festival in Bratislava
August 31: The Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča CastleAugust 31: The Dragon Days fairy-tale festival at Ľupča Castle
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Discover Japanese culture during Natsumatsuri or visit period picnic in Janko Kráľ park.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Re-live history at Devín Castle, listen to the culmination of a guitar festival, attend summer jazz workshop.
WHAT TO THINK OF: It's important to allow the other side to save face when they are wrong, says popular science Communicator Samuel 'Vedátor' Kováčik.
WHAT TO TRY: Gato Matto, Bratislava: "The nduja pizza takes no prisoners" (restaurant review)
WHAT TO READ: Ukrainian community worker has helped others. Now she needs help.
WHAT TO LEARN: One Slovak said she still has a hard time to tykať her mother-in-law after eight years of marriage, but one American boyfriend immediately started to tykať his girlfriend's mother.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
