We're on the map! (Slovakia's reaction to President George Bush and Putin Summit)

The Slovak Spectator SPEX ^ | February 21, 2005 | Beata Balogová,Julie Garrison Frederick and Magdalena MacLeod

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Wonder if Putin is going to address the people also?

[bd476]

It's interesting that the Slovaks mention President Bush addressing their people, and not Putin. This is the first visit ever of an American President to Slovakia.

[bd476]

President Bush and Putin in Bratislava, Slovakia.

[bd476]

Freeper AlexW is in Bratislava

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Hviezdoslavovo Sq. The Slovak National Theatre





The Promenade Bratislava, Slovakia

[bd476]

Ping.

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Memorial tablet of Pressburg Peace signed after a battle at Austerlitz (Slavkov) where Napoleon I. Bonaparte defeated German emperator Franz I. in 1805

[PianoMan]

Looks beautiful. I understand it's becoming quite the tourist magnet with the cheap airfare revolution over there.

[bd476]

It does appear to be a beautiful place to visit. I posted more beautiful photos of Bratislava on this other thread:
Freeper Alex is in Bratislava

[TomGuy]

When I first started 'Internetting' in the mid 1990s, I was in a chat room on IRC. One of the first people I ever chatted with was a young guy in Slovakia. It was early, early there (around 2 a.m.). I marvelled at sitting in D/FW, Texas and communicating almost real-time with someone half-way around the globe. Another early chat was with a guy in Australia. Now, chatting with someone on the other side of the globe is almost second-nature.

[AlexW]

I just returned from 4 hours in the cold and snow.
I will post update on the other thread.
I saw nothing of Putin or Russian flags.
It was all Slovak and USA.
Thousands in the square, totally packed with friendly Slovaks.
Security was tight and it took about 45 minutes to get through the gates and metal detectors

I did see President and Laura Bush, but from 50 to 100 yards away.
He made a lengthy speech that seemed well received.

More later after I warm up with a few glasses of wine.
It is now only 7:30 AM EST.

[RushCrush]

Bratislava is beautiful. I hope it doesn't get overrun by tourists, but it has GREAT food, fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars. Cheap and GREAT beer and fantastic historical monuments. Only 45 minutes from Vienna by bus, so you can stay in Brat. and visit the more expensive Vienna during the day.

Highly recommended for the more independent traveler.

[Bahbah]

I did see President and Laura Bush, but from 50 to 100 yards away.

You got closer than I ever did. Hope you are warm and not too tipsy ;)

[bd476]

AlexW said: "I just returned from 4 hours in the cold and snow."

Hopefully you were wearing your warmest clothes!

"I saw nothing of Putin or Russian flags. It was all Slovak and USA. Thousands in the square, totally packed with friendly Slovaks."

:-)

"...Security was tight and it took about 45 minutes to get through the gates and metal detectors..."

That's good news for our President.

" I did see President and Laura Bush, but from 50 to 100 yards away. He made a lengthy speech that seemed well received."

Great to hear!

"...More later after I warm up with a few glasses of wine. It is now only 7:30 AM EST. "

Thank you for the update Alex. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your stay in Bratislava. Enjoy the warm up!

[bd476]

Room rates at four star hotels are comparable to the States, so please suggest some nice, less expensive places. Bratislava is beautiful!

[bd476]

Perhaps you can suggest good places to stay which cost less than the many 4 star rated hotels?

[bd476]

Isn't it great Tom?

However, right now, after reading up on the wonders of Slovakia, chatting with someone across the world seems second best to getting on a plane and visiting there!

[bd476]

"Cumil - This guy, residing in the Old Town, is only six years old, but Bratislavians and tourists love him. Children like to abuse him by sitting on his head. Great discussions have taken place as to what actually the man is up to - you'll have to decide whether he is simply resting, looking up women's skirts, just cleaned the sewer..."





Schone Naci - The stuff of Bratislava legends, Schone Naci was a well known figure in the early 20th century. A poor and mentally ill man, he paraded the streets of Bratislava in old, but elegant attire - a velvet frock, greeting passers-by with his top-hat and bowing courteously to ladies passing by.



Paparazzi - A recent addition adorning the eponymous restaurant in the Old Town

"Cumil and Friends - Old Town's Picturesque Statues While walking through the Old Town, you will run into these four statues. Although they don't go back a long time, they bring alive various bits of Bratislava's history. Tourists love taking pictures with them - if you do, send yours in and we will publish them here!

"Napoleon's army soldier - Another statue leaning over a bench on Main Square (Hlavne namestie) in the centre of Bratislava. This soldier reminds visitors of Napoleon himself wearing a typical hat (Napoleon the 1st visited Bratislava in 1805, then in 1809 Napoleon's army blew up the Devin Castle near Bratislava). Tourists and locals both enjoy sitting on the bench with the soldier behind them."

Bratislava Hotels.com

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