Spectacular Slovakia

Many people like to give back to their community, but few are as dedicated as American Jennifer Sturgeon, a full-time volunteer who has lived in Bratislava for two years now. Whether it’s organising a charity Christmas bazaar or smiling at strangers on the street, Jennifer does what she can to make Bratislava a better place, one act of kindness at a time. She has plenty of tips on how locals and foreigners can volunteer their time in Slovakia, including a creative and generous way to dispose of free hotel toiletries.

Presenter: Anna Fay

With cliffs towering above and water raging below, a visit to Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) is not for the faint-hearted (or clumsy). But Briton Jacqui Fay, who worked as a diplomat in Bratislava for three years, insists it is well-worth a visit. This national park in eastern Slovakia, famous for its adventurous paths through waterfalls, gorges and ravines, is not just for fearless rock climbers.

Presenter: Anna Fay

Briton Jacqui Fay worked as diplomat in Bratislava from 1995-1998 and has returned several times since to visit her daughter, Anna. Jacqui has many fond memories of life in Slovakia, including pancake races in Hviezdoslavovo námestie and broomball, a strange take on hockey involving witches brooms and tennis balls, in Železná studienka. Slovakia has experienced many monumental changes since Jacqui lived here, but one thing that remains the same is the warmth and generosity of the Slovak people, she insists. Listen to this former diplomat and her daughter discuss Bratislava then and now.

Presenter: Annay Fay

How to put on a Slovak folk costume? Naomi Huzovicova has learned when her daughters joined the local folklore group in her town, and even a few years into their hobby she learns something new every year. “The attitude towards folklore has changed a lot in the 15 years I’ve been in Slovakia,” Naomi admits. Folklore music is still quite popular in Slovakia and people would often be able to sing at least a few folk songs. Are Slovaks losing their touch with their folklore culture? Listen to what Naomi has to say on the subject.

Everyone in Slovakia knows why Trnava is called the Little Rome. Hence, it is time for Massimo Guglietta from New Jersey to hear the legend, as well. Massimo, who is currently living in Trnava, joins Peter to chat about why he has fallen in love with the city. Its spirit, people, local football club Spartak Trnava, bike lanes, pub Zelený kríček (Green Bush) and club 69 are some of the things and places he loves the most. Listen to Massimo's stories, and you will also learn how he discovered Berlin in Trnava, where you find the best burgers, and why you should set out for a trip to Trnava.

Spring has sprung in the Slovak capital! Visitors can take advantage of Bratislava’s bike-sharing service, which invites tourists to try sightseeing on two wheels. How safe and enjoyable is it, though? James Thomson was cycling around Bratislava before it was cool and he can compare the situation now to some ten years ago. He and Anna Fay have tried the bike sharing service, and they both have some tips about the best routes around Bratislava and some scenic rides around the Danube. While the shared bikes are a step in the right direction for Bratislava in becoming more bicycle-friendly, there is still room for improvement.

Presenter: Anna Fay

Everyone in Slovakia should go to Modra at least once in their life, says American teacher, Grace, who has lived in Modra for seven months (and has been the only American there, apparently). The once royal town was the home of one of the most shining personalities of the history of Slovakia, Ludovit Stur, who is also responsible for how difficult the Slovak language is. Modra is just a short bus or car-ride away from the capital and is a destination for wine lovers and those partial to (or curious about) majolica.

Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

Dating a Slovak, or dating in Slovakia, sometimes has its peculiarities. Two Americans who live in Slovakia and date Slovaks talk about their own experiences in this week’s episode of the Spectacular Slovakia podcast. Do Slovak men talk a lot or should you be ready to do the talking? Are they huggers or less affectionate than Americans? Listen to Anna and Grace to find out.

Presenter: Peter Dlhopolec

The Spectacular Slovakia travel podcast is the latest addition to our range of travel-related products. This programme is part of The Slovak Spectator subscription, and our readers receive it every Thursday morning as part of their subscription.

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Canadian Naomi Hužovičová talks about Easter cuisine and one of the weirdest traditions in Slovakia.

Skanzen is not a Japanese means of transport,. It is a name for open-air museums in Slovakia that show what village life once looked like. Each region has its own. Naomi Hužovičová has visited a few of them and has some useful advice for tourists who are up for an excursion into the past. Good news for parents - a visit to a skanzen is a child-friendly activity.