James Thomson - author - page 4 - The Slovak Spectator

James Thomson

James Thomson is a British editor and travel writer who has been based in Slovakia for more than 10 years. He started working with The Slovak Spectator in 2008, when he wrote the 14th edition of the Spectacular Slovakia travel guide. He has also lived and worked in Austria, Australia, Britain and New Zealand. He teaches undergraduate courses on news and information, 20th-century European history and modern China.

List of author's articles, page 4

October is the cruellest month

Trying to get Slovaks to look on the bright side can be tough at the best of times. In October, their tempers shorten with the days.

James Thomson

By their parking policy shall ye know them

With the city preparing to impose city-wide car parking restrictions, the character of Bratislava is about to change.

James Thomson

A sculpture at the SNP Museum in Banská Bystrica

Doing the right thing

This week, Slovakia marks 75 years since the Slovak National Uprising. But what was the SNP, and what is its significance?

James Thomson

Waiting rooms are full of patients, illustrative stock photo

The door with no handle

Getting treated in the Slovak public health care system is never less than an adventure. Some of the surprises are tiresome; many are just odd.

James Thomson

Fried cheese has outlived socialism. Some restaurants serve it as the only vegetari-an meal.

In praise of the jedáleň

Some level of disbelief greets my reports that Slovaks typically dine out on a hearty two-course meal every weekday lunchtime.

James Thomson

Send in the clowns

The poorly attended circus that is the European elections is about to come to town. Enjoy the show – but don’t expect too much of the performers.

James Thomson

Audio

Spectacular Slovakia #34: Bratislava on two wheels

Anna and James have tried Bratislava’s yellow bikes. How do they work for tourists?

Michaela Terenzani and 2 more

Reinventing the wheel

Bratislava’s current bike sharing scheme is something of a curate’s egg: good in parts.

James Thomson

Visitors to Krásnohorská Cave get spelunking outfits for the full experience.

Audio

Spectacular Slovakia #29: Stay cool and visit a cave

The southeast of Slovakia is the heaven of caves - and some piquant 19th-century gossip.

Michaela Terenzani and 1 more

British PM Theresa May greets her Slovak counterpart Peter Pellegrini.

What Slovakia could teach Britain

As the Brexit process lumbers on, the British seem disinclined to take heed of anyone’s views. But Slovakia could offer some advice – and even solace.

James Thomson