Nice Driveway!, page 3
An occasional column on life in Slovakia by James Thomson.
Selling (out) the future
The behaviour on display in the latest plagiarism scandal is mirrored by that of some educational institutions too.
From lockdown in New Zealand to home quarantine in Slovakia. A COVID-19 odyssey
In which your correspondent inadvertently circumnavigates the globe in the middle of a pandemic.
What Slovakia and New Zealand (don't) have in common
We are all struggling with the new reality. Some more than others.
Men of appetites
Slovakia’s voters face some unappetising choices on 29 February.
Once upon a time in the east
In which your correspondent is doused in holy water and discusses the economics of collective farming.
Onwards and upwards
Slovakia is changing, and (whisper it) some things are getting better.
Strange parallels as Britain and Slovakia go to the polls
‘Who should I vote for?’ Slovak friends sometimes ask. I am in no position to offer advice any more.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Reinventing the wheel
Bratislava’s current bike sharing scheme is something of a curate’s egg: good in parts.
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.
Looking presidential
The imminence of a presidential election can mean only one thing: the season of cliché and dog-whistles is upon us.
The idea of Slovakia
What does this country stand for? Slovaks could – and should – shout a little louder about what they have achieved, and where they want to go.
- News digest: Thousands march as Fico stands by “Russian-style” NGO bill Photo
- What abides: Giving a shit
- Číž spa water once even sent to USA
- The Slovak-American who wants the world to witness the quality of Slovak wines
- A paper that wasn’t supposed to last
- Volkswagen Slovakia posts strong 2024 results despite tariff threat
- Bratislava to get new flats as iconic building awaits reconstruction
- Strange romance: Slovak leaders’ affection for Russia has yo-yoed
- News digest: 350 brown bears to be culled as Slovakia declares emergency
- Foot-and-mouth outbreak hits major Slovak cattle farm near Austrian and Czech borders Photo
- Číž spa water once even sent to USA
- What abides: Giving a shit
- A diplomat who thrives on building bridges…and making things happen
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- Strange romance: Slovak leaders’ affection for Russia has yo-yoed
- Flats in Bratislava are getting smaller, otherwise no one would buy them
- Foot-and-mouth outbreak hits major Slovak cattle farm near Austrian and Czech borders Photo
- Trading McDonald’s for the front lines
- From Mexico to Slovakia – finding a new life Audio
- A paper that wasn’t supposed to last
- Bratislava satellite town breaks records and keeps expanding
- News digest: Bear suspected of killing man in central Slovakia
- News digest: 350 brown bears to be culled as Slovakia declares emergency
- We are partners, friends and Allies
- Slovak dad drops everything for son’s NHL debut — even a flight
- Foot-and-mouth outbreak hits major Slovak cattle farm near Austrian and Czech borders Photo
- The Slovak-American who wants the world to witness the quality of Slovak wines
- France and Slovakia: Believing, loving, and working together
- Then … Now
- Last Week: As disease spreads, Fico no longer insists on a “different opinion”
- Trading McDonald’s for the front lines
- From Mexico to Slovakia – finding a new life Audio
- From furniture to finance: businesses that shaped Slovakia’s market economy
- A partnership centuries in the making
- News digest: Thousands march as Fico stands by “Russian-style” NGO bill Photo
- Slovakia clings to its gas transit dream, even as pipelines burn
- Volkswagen Slovakia posts strong 2024 results despite tariff threat
- Syrian about to finally finish hotel in Bratislava started 17 years ago
- Číž spa water once even sent to USA
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days More articles ›
