Bratislava is a beautiful city on the banks of the Danube. It was the former centre of the Habsburg empire and capital of a former Hungarian state. Sitting at the crossroads of Austria and Hungary, it has long been a strategic city, for travellers as well as warring parties. Of all the places we visited, this was perhaps the most obviously ravaged by years of war and communism, but its charm shone through notwithstanding. The food was cheap and delicious, and I also enjoyed shopping for unbelievably priced crystal to bring home to my family.


Blumental, where we sang our concert in Bratislava.


A lovely boulevard leading up to the nationan gallery.


Roommates! From left, Laura, Sarah and I beside the fountain at the national gallery.


Mark, looking larger than life.


This cannonball was planted by Napoleon!


Gothic arches, dating to the Renaissance.


I happened into an internet cafe and found this poster, signed by the world champion Slovakian hockey team.


The Danube, looking south to Hungary.


A bridge across the Danube, looking towards the new business section of Bratislava.