Nice Driveway!, page 3
An occasional column on life in Slovakia by James Thomson.
How a marginal part of Bratislava became pilgrimage spot for foreigners
Unable or unwilling to travel abroad this summer? Why not enjoy an excursion to the Foreigners’ Police, where a full day (at least) of excitement awaits!
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.
- Making a fortune off pilgrims
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- News digest: Parliament chaos gives Fico a Brussels headache
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- No laughing matter: Slovakia’s top comedians kicked out of state-run venue
- What makes my roots so alive?
- Bratislava switches to warmer street lighting in response to public criticism
- Bože môj: In search of my Rusyn self
- Making a fortune off pilgrims
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- The hidden costs of Slovakia’s complicated tax system
- Bože môj: In search of my Rusyn self
- 3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
- News digest: President shuts down referendum push on Russia sanctions Video
- Is Slovakia the next Hungary? MEPs raise alarm over democratic backsliding
- How to spend 48 hours in Bratislava
- Bože môj: In search of my Rusyn self
- The hidden costs of Slovakia’s complicated tax system
- Making a fortune off pilgrims
- Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
- Slovakia ends November 17 public holiday amid fiscal pressures
- Bratislava Region simplifies transport zones, raises fares
- Slovakia’s secret weapon is living abroad
- News digest: President shuts down referendum push on Russia sanctions Video
- Irish outlet hails Slovak spa town as top European holiday spot
- After years of straddling two worlds, this American is now reconnecting with his Slovak roots
- Man appeals for help finding strangers who saved his life
- Bože môj: In search of my Rusyn self
- Slovak physicist: I do not employ doctoral students; I make them go abroad. I expect them to push us forward
- Slovakia’s secret weapon is living abroad
- The hidden costs of Slovakia’s complicated tax system
- Last Week: Central bank governor found guilty, but Fico accuses the judge
- In Slovakia, corporate volunteers restore castles, clean parks and plant hope
- Bratislava switches to warmer street lighting in response to public criticism
- News digest: Parliament chaos gives Fico a Brussels headache
- No laughing matter: Slovakia’s top comedians kicked out of state-run venue
- General prosecutor quietly rebuilds special office once set for dismantling
- Slovak court curbs government effort to oust judge
- Slovaks to celebrate Tax Freedom Day 25 days later than Czechs this year
- Making a fortune off pilgrims More articles ›
